What’s New on Pinterest

With outside temps in the 90s, we’re roasting like hot dogs. Probably why July is National Hot Dog Month. Relish the prompt to unleash the good old dogs and teach them some new Hot Diggity Dog tricks such as mummy or octopus dogs, bacon-wrapped with pineapple salsa, Thai-style, corn dog mini muffins, pretzel dogs, Mediterranean chickpea wraps and healthier beach hot dogs.

Whats New on Pinterest: Celebrating National Hot Dog Month

Who let the dogs out? We're not sure, but we're glad someone did! Our Pinterest board is packed with hot dogs that are piled high with all things tasty, like sweet Vidalia onion marmalade, avocado, bacon, kimchi and even peach salsa. Fix up your favorite bun (or make one on your own, we've got the links!) and stack on the flavor with Pinterest inspiration. Get your appetite ready, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there. 

Hot Diggity Dog! Wiener Wednesday is Finally Here!

While we are sad to see "Burgers 'n Brew" go, we couldn't be more excited for "Wiener Wednesdays" at JCT. Bar. Beginning today, the West Midtown restaurant is serving up three different specialty hot dogs for only $2 apiece on Wednesdays. These dolled up dogs will be available every other day Tuesday through Saturday as well, but for the regular price of $4 apiece. The selections will vary but these drool-worthy dogs include options such as a smoked Coca-Cola BBQ wiener with Vidalia onion relish; cider-braised fennel and onion wiener with Sweet Grass Dairy Asher Bleu cheese; chicken liver wiener with apple butter, house mustard and tiny pickles; and the "corn dog" wiener with hush puppy crispies, green tomato relish and rémoulade.

Remember, these dandy dogs are not available downstairs in JCT. Kitchen...only upstairs in JCT. Bar and out on JCT. Bar's terrace. JCT. Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. If you're interested in meating and tweeting, JCT. Bar's "Wiener Wednesday" Tweet-up will take place next Wednesday, April 13 at 6 p.m. with hosts @ATL_Events and @AtlantaDish.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: In Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.

The Varsity's 80th Birthday

"What'll ya have, what'll ya have?" That's the first thing you hear when you first step foot in this Atlanta landmark.

This past Saturday, the Varsity celebrated 80 years in business, and was it packed! The parking lot and drive-thru were completely full of cars from all over the state of Georgia (and probably beyond). Just for the celebration, there were tons of things going on -- a NASCAR simulator car was there for folks that wanted to take a "test drive", live music by local bands, and let's not forget free birthday cake and ice cream.

Being a fellow Atlantan, I couldn't bring myself to visit the Varsity and not order an F.O. and heavy weight with cheese. In case you're not up-to-date on the lingo, "F.O." means a Frosted Orange and "heavy weight with cheese" means a hot dog with extra chili and cheese. The Frosted Orange is some type of yummy orange/ice cream smoothie-drink. I'm not quite sure what all is in it, but it's certainly good!

I'll have to remember to bring out-of-town guests down to taste one of the many flavors of Atlanta or experience the huge drive-in. After all, the Varsity has been named, "the World's largest drive-in restaurant."