Here it is! It's the famous "Ripper." The
"Ripper" is a deep fried hot dog that is fried until it literally
rips open. This is the specialty of Rutt's Hut, a hot dog stand and
establishment that has been serving up the "Ripper" since 1929.
They've served a lot of hot dogs over those 84 years. Rutt's Hut is located in
Clifton, New Jersey, my hometown.
Now, believe me, you don't have to tell me that these are
probably not great for my arteries and my heart. But, hey, there are just some
things in life you have to make the supreme sacrifice for and a
"Ripper" is one of them. They also have their own concoction of
mustard and relish that perfectly complements this unique way of serving up a
hot dog. Rutt's Hut "Rippers" have been written up by many newspaper
reviewers and it was ranked in the top ten hot dogs from all the hot dogs in
the U.S. on a Public Television program about hot dogs.
Part of the appeal of Rutt's Hut is the ambiance and the
people you'll run across there. You'll find the locals. You'll find the
travelers who come there out of curiosity because they heard about the place on
TV or in some write up. You'll find the hot dog connoisseur. It's just one of
those places you must try at least once. But, most people will put it on their
list of must return places.
I was there on Tuesday evening, September 24, 2013 later in
the day after I was interviewed on the radio station I started 46 years ago,
WMSC. I had connected a few years ago on one of the many Internet social
networking sites with a woman I went to grade school, jr. high school and
graduated from high school with 50 years ago this year. We hadn't seen each
other in all those years. But, we made a date when I got to Clifton one day
that we'd meet at Rutt's Hut. And that's exactly what we did. A very special
way to renew an old acquaintance and enjoy a very special "delicacy"
- a Rutt's Hut "Ripper." (I cheated though, I had two).
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