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Yes, there is such a thing

as hot dog etiquette

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Statistics, Facts, and Figures are available. If there’s one thing for sure, no way I’m going to a baseball stadium and not ordering a hot dog. It just wouldn’t seem right not to! While stadium food has definitely improved over the last 5 years, there is always something special about grabbing a dog and a beer/soda at a game. It’s estimated that by the end of the baseball season, fans will have eaten 21,357,316* hot dogs and 5,508,887* sausages or brats. Before chomping down on your next frank, read the following hot dog etiquette tips, provided by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (and yes, there really is such an organization.) 1. Dress only the hot dog. Never put toppings between the dog and the bun…all dressings are applied directly to the dog. 2. Condiments don’t include ketchup.  Yes you read that correctly...once over the age of 18, ketchup becomes a no- no. Other condiments like chili, mustard, and relish are definitely acceptable…just no ketchup. (This is fine with me...since I’m not a ketchup fan. If you are, don’t yell at me...I didn’t come up with the rule!) Also there is a hierarchy for applying your condiments. Wet condiments like chili, chorizo sauce, and mustard should be applied first. Next in line are relishes, onions, coleslaw and sauerkraut, and the last layer are your cheeses and spices (salt-n-pepper). 3. Hands only. Messy fingers? Hot dogs are meant to be eaten with your hands…please, no utensils. Have some left-over condiments on your fingertips? Lick them off.  Washing with water is considered unnecessary. 4. How many bites does it take to eat a frank? If it’s a regular dog, 5 bites only. For a foot-long, you get an extra 2 bites for a total of 7 bites. (Wow, I’m way off here. I guess I take much smaller bites. Hope the Hot Dog and Sausage Council doesn’t come knocking on my door with a warrant for my arrest!) 5. Get the correct buns. Hot dogs are generally served on sesame seed, poppy seed, or plain buns. Sun-dried or basil flavored buns are not considered proper etiquette. *Stats provided by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Back to Organizing Statistics, Facts, and Figures Index