Andrew B.'s Profile

Hot Dogs Diner, home of the gourmet hot dog.

Gourmet hot dogs, you say? How can that be possible?

Well, let's start with an all beef (locally grown) wiener, your choice of normal size, or a "big dog" (1/2 pound!). Standard toppings are free (ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, mayo), but that's just where the fun begins. You then have your standard "bonus" dog toppings such as, chili, cheese, sauerkraut,  tomatoes, etc. But why stop there? There are additional toppings, the real gourmet stuff starts here: bacon, corn chips, pineapple (grilled or regular), teriyaki sauce, green onions, pickled peppers, and so on. I didn't memorize the menu, so I really can't do the long list justice here.

The dogs start a $3 ($6 for a big dog) and there are plenty of pre-configured dogs for your enjoyment.

After you've selected your dog, there is a fine list of sides: fries, rings, frings, poutine, all the great diner sides. They do come in small or large, but the small is already larger than most mediums or larges that you would get elsewhere. If you visit and enjoy onion rings, then you MUST give these a try. They are the size of a 6 week old baby's head (I did a measurement to confirm) and taste delicious! They can be made even better with one of the home made dips that they offer.

The only downsides (and what is keeping them from 5 stars) is the cash only policy and the location. They do have an ATM onsite, but it is a third party one so be prepared to pay an extra $2 plus whatever your bank charges you. The location is an old restaurant attached to the Maple Leaf Motel. Not exactly the finest digs. However, the owners have made the very best of it. There's seating for about 20 inside, with picnic tables on the small patio outside. The friendliness of the staff more than makes up for these deficiencies though! We will be going back.

Farmgate Markets is one of those hidden gems in the small town of St. Thomas. The brainchild of a local master butcher (Ray Coddington) and a pork/beef producer (Sandy Lyle), it has recently outgrown it's limited storefront on Wellington Street and moved to the more substantial space where the old LCBO used to be on Elgin (behind the TD Canada Trust Talbot Street branch).

I've been meaning to drop in for some time now, so after a stop of a local bank I had no excuse but to check it out. The place is a little bit rough as they are in the process of setting the new store up. However the staff is friendly, provides excellent service and sells excellent products. The meat is fresh (you can actually watch the butcher work, if you're into that) and free from fillers (such as gluten), hormones, anti-biotics and chemical nitrates.

I picked up a pair of butterfly chops, 250g of salami (produced onsite!) and some locally produced cheese (either Godrich or Woodstock, can't remember). Every item tasted great. Even the "zippy" salami was enjoyed by my two year old. Highly recommend stopping by when you're in the area - if not making a special trip!

So, I was bored on a morning Sunday and looking for some place to relax and do some work on my little pet projects. Sitting around the house just wasn't doing it for me. On my frequent grocery trips to the nearby Albertsons I had noticed this little outlet, so I took a trip.

I will not be returning to the Starbucks inside Albertsons any time soon.

The service was excellent. Friendly barristas, fast turnaround on orders and a very clean location. Tons of options for seating, indoors, outdoors, hard chairs, cushy chairs, couches, fireplace, big windows. Just a great atmosphere. The prices were more than reasonable. For a grande latte upon arrival, a soda and the sandwich special for lunch it was just over $9.

Speaking of the sandwich, it comes with chips, so you don't need to worry about a side.

Did I mention that they serve beer/wine, have free WiFi and a daily 4-7 happy hour? I'm definitely coming back Monday after work.

Good on you Urban City Coffee. You've won yourself a new regular.

Ordered less than 30 minutes ago and it was delivered pipping hot. Simple pizza, just pepperoni and cheese, but both were fresh and plentiful. Will definitely be giving Pronto a call when we get a craving again!