The torch is passed...

It is both an honor and a privilege to take over the reins of Hot Dog Month for September 2009. To my new friend The Mexican - I say - What it is, what it shall be, what it was. You have raised the bar. We are all better for having had you in our lives for the month of August.

My goals with Hot Dog Month are as follows:

• Eat hot dogs and "variety meats" (as defined in 9 C.F.R. 319.180 - look it up)
• Write about them

So we begin...

The Mole suggested a local establishment in north Omaha known as "Tiger Tom's". According to legend (The Mole), this place started out many years ago serving the local 3rd shift factory workers in the neighborhood, and expanded greatly over the years. By this I mean he moved across the street.

I walked in a little early for our lunch meeting, and the waitress took my drink order and then started talking about the "lunch specials". I stopped her mid-sentence and said "I'm here for one thing, and one thing only. I have to eat a hot dog."

The next thing out of her mouth nearly floored me. She looked me straight in the eye and said "Oh you're the one on the blog, huh?"

I immediately got suspicious. The look on my face must have been priceless, because she laughed and said "Oh I know all about you guys!"

I asked her if I was being set up for something, because knowing The Mole, I could have been walking into a trap. Her next sentence didn't help matters: "OK, so that'll be one Homewrecker for you then, right?"

Fear? Anxiety? Trepidation?

Yes, all of the above. But I had no choice. I was committed. I went all in - onions, relish, and all. The only consolation I had was the fact that by this time, The Mole was sitting right there with me at the table, and he was just as committed as I was. After all, he is the Godfather of Tube Meat celebration.

The "Homewrecker"

Tiger Tom himself and Doug

September, I welcome you with open arms.

Dogs consumed: 2

Dog on...