Okay, so it’s not really a cart, per se (Update and clarification from the PR folks: It is a cart! And it’s by the pool! Oops!) – and I’d still be skeptical if any restaurant I very much respected launched a hot dog cart. Well, FIG is that restaurant – but thankfully I’ve had enough pleasant experiences (planned and accidental) with Chef Ray Garcia’s fare to put a few votes of confidence behind this new concept brewing along Ocean in Santa Monica. C’mon – bacon-wrapped bacon at Star Chefs, anyone?! And after perusing the choices – weiner, bun (if at all), toppings, sides and cocktails – it’s hard to see not having an ultimately enjoyable experience in FIG’s beautifully natural dining space.
And let’s be honest: Dogs – and packed meat (thus the NFL meat “Packers”) – have a special place in this Wisconsinite’s heart. My high school chemistry teacher had patents not with the local university but with Oscar Mayer. Friends’ parents worked at meat packing plants the state over. Let’s indulge FIG’s twist on the original hot dog, shall we?
You can pick one of Chef Garcia’s own creations:
Simple Dog $8
All-Beef Wiener, Ketchup, Mustard, Classic Bun
Small Dog $6
Same as the Simple Dog, only smaller
FIG Dog $11
All-Beef Wiener, Cheesy Comte Fondue, Bacon-Habañero Marmalade, Fritos,
Sesame Seed Bun
Brat Dog $12
Bratwurst, House-Made Sauerkraut, Dusseldorf Mustard, Pretzel Bun
2nd Street Dog $12
Veggie Wiener, Green Lentil Chili, Vinegar-Braised Peppers, Spelt Bun
Taco Dog $11
All-Beef Wiener, Slow-Braised Carnitas, Guacamole, Creamed Rajas, Homemade Escabeche, Thinly-Sliced Radish, Sesame Seed Bun
LA Dog $13
Turkey Wiener, Fuerte Avocado, Alfalfa Sprouts, Mango Pico de Gallo, Spelt Bun
Chicago Dog $10
All-Beef Wiener, Yellow Mustard, Onions, Nuclear Relish, Pickle Spear, Tomatoes, Sport Peppers, Celery Salt, Poppy Seed Bun
Or, you can build your own:
Choose your weiner (all beef, turkey, bratwurst or veggie) and your bun (classic, sesame, pretzel, poppy seed or spelt). Your toppings range from Bacon-Habañero to Nuclear Relish. Add a Fuerte Avocado ($3), a few Bacon Strips ($2), Fritos, Mango Pico de Gallo, Carnitas, Vinegar-Braised Peppers and/or even Chorizo de Bilbao ($2). The possibilities really are endless. Add to that, available sides include House-Made Sea Salt Chips ($3), Watermelon and Torn Basil Salad ($5), Corn with Hot Sauce and Lime Aioli ($5) and Heirloom Tomatoes with Saba ($6).
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there. With 3 cocktails ($14 each) picked especially for this hot dog cart, Hollywood bacon-wrapped danger dogs were never washed down with such tasty libations.
Pineapple Mosquito
Belvedere Vodka, Licor 43, Pineapple Juice, Garden Mint
Sangria Blanca
Sauvignon Blanc, Organic Raspberries, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Cucumber Lemonade
Juiced English Cucumber, Hendrick’s Gin, Freshly-Squeezed Lemon Juice
I’ll certainly see you at this hot dog cart (cart or not)…
FIG Santa Monica
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.319.3111