A secret ingredient is not necessarily a dash of this or a splash of that. Even though grandma might say that the flavor comes from her love, one or two vital components in a recipe can and do make a flavorful difference. For Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, New York water is key to the overall taste and enjoyment..
Although some people might scoff at the idea of a water dog, there is something to be said about properly cooking a hot dog, a hot dog in New York water. Purists understand that the microwave is never the proper cooking method. Grilling can be good, but it is not always practical. Submerging that encased meat into the boiling water can create the perfect snap of a well-cooked hot dog.
Many people appreciate that not all water across the states is the same. No one is saying that New York is far superior to Florida’s springs, but each location has unique properties. It is not just hyperbole that New York water makes for better bagels. The same can be said for cooking hot dogs.
According to Annabelle Gladfelter, brand manager for Smithfield Foods,“New York’s tap water has been a cornerstone of the state’s food culture for generations, and we know that if you want to try boiling your Nathan’s Famous the true 100% New York way, New York tap water is the best way to make it so that’s why we’ve canned it. With the chillier months making it harder to fire up the grill, Nathan’s Famous wanted to give people across the country an authentic way to experience the magic of New York’s iconic flavor at home. With New York’s Famous Tap Water by Nathan's, fans can build their perfect hot dog and experience a true taste of NY, no matter the weather.”
While this concept is part promotional fun, it does raise an important point. People need to think about all the elements when they are cooking. Water matters as much as the type of wine used in that mushroom sauce. Nathan’s Famous and its cooking methods have been around for over 100 years and counting. Adopting the cooking techniques of the experts can and does make a different in the flavor.
For anyone who wants to put this assertion to the test, head to www.nathanfamous.com/nytapwater for a chance to get some authentic New York tap water delivered to your door. The four-pack might only get one meal’s worth of hot dogs, but the flavor will get people thinking. It might not be as simple as salting the water for pasta, but filtered water might be a better choice than tap if New York water isn’t flowing from the spigot.