This month’s itinerary takes us all over the map. We’ll sample hot dogs and sausages along the way, and top it all off with some of the best biscuits and doughnuts you’ve ever put in your mouth.
The Finsky
2221 New Hope Church Road, Raleigh
919-872-0206
In a nutshell: The menu at this whimsically decorated hole-in-the-wall eatery cuts a wide swath, but breaded cutlets – crisp, tender, and pounded so thin they stick out from the edges of a buttered Kaiser bun – are the prime attraction.
Try: The pork cutlet is a classic, and deservedly so. I’m partial to the beef cutlet with horseradish sauce.
Firewürst
1377 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary
919-535-3677
In a nutshell: It’s a dilemma. Do you go with a couple of the spiral-cut, flame-grilled dogs, or a single fat sausage, made by an Old World-style sausage maker in Chicago and served on a house-baked bun?
Try: cheddar brat, kielbasa with grilled onions, Chicago dog, Texas chili dog; side of wasabi cucumber slaw is a must.
Rise
8200-1003 Renaissance Pkwy., Durham
919-248-2992
In a nutshell: Durham Catering Company chef/proprietor and Magnolia Grill alum Tom Ferguson turns his attention to biscuits and doughnuts, with uplifting results.
Try: sausage and fried biscuit; biscuit specials (such as apple braised pork, eggplant parmesan and pigs in a blanket); honey crisp apple fritter, maple bacon bar.
Taqueria del Sol
204-212 Crossroads Blvd., Cary
919-859-4111
In a nutshell: Fresh ingredients and scratch preparation are winning national praise for this small but rapidly growing Georgia-based chain of contemporary taquerias.
Try: brisket taco, Memphis taco (smoked pork, jalapeño coleslaw, tequila BBQ sauce), pork green chili (as a soup or enchilada sauce).
