I swore I wouldn't do it. 2 and 1/2 years in Buffalo and the whole time I stuck to my guns. If this was the only thing on the menu I would sip a glass of water and chew a napkin while my friends chowed down. With a fox, in a box, uh uh, no way.
I would not eat no fried bologna.
So the other day we're dropping off stacks of the latest edition of Buffalo Rising magazine and we stop at Louie's. It's well past lunch. I'm ravenous. I figure I'll grab a dog -- something quick, something easy on the wallet. I'm at the counter, my eyes glance over at the daily special, and I hear the following come out of my mouth. "I'll have the Charcoal Broiled Bologna Helicopter Sandwich."
Now, if you've been following my food posts you know I'm a sucker for something a little different. I'm thinking it was the helicopter that got me. Made me think about those guys that eat planes and stuff, you know, just cuz. Not that I'm ready to swallow a Cessna. Even one made out of bologna (even one made out of masaman curried beef chunks).
But it's a happy accident of language, yes, that made me re-evaluate the staunch anti-bologna position I had taken. Because this is one helluva good sanga...two thick slices of bologna (charcoal broiled) topped with peppers and onions, two slices of American cheese, and bacon slices -- all served open faced with lettuce, tomato, and mayo...(I was getting mine to go so it had the top bun...thank god -- I'm not sure how I would have kept the sloppy goodness intact en route to my piehole otherwise)...
If you are on heart medication I'm not sure this is the meal for you, but hey...ya gotta indulge, you only live once, adage adage cliche cliche...TRY THIS SANDWICH ... its seriously tasty and once my cholesterol levels stabilize I'll be back in for another. I was assured it would be available as a regular item since they have been getting a good response from customers who order it.
And as if that wasn't enough I was told I couldn't leave without trying their sweet potato fries smothered in honey and butter (or honey butter...to tell the truth I can't remember exactly what it was...honey is a big part of it though) ... they were piping hot, sweet and a totally delicious spin on the usual sweet-potato fry. You definitely need to try them if you want the full-on Louie's experience and I can't imagine you won't like them unless you don't do sweet.
My meal was unabashedly messy (when I chastized my helicopter sandwich it met my reprimand with stony silence). Louie's does not offer bibs with their meals so make sure you load up on napkins and don't be ashamed to have them poking over shirt-tails and spread over your lap like some kind of makeshift hula skirt.
The ride will be worth it.
Louie's Hot Dogs
470 Elmwood Ave.
884-0382