(Photo via Simon’s Hot Dogs)
Dig It Dining: Heartbroken over Simon’s Hot Dogs
By Madelaine Braggs | Rose Law Group Reporter
The Valley is losing an iconic Colombian lunch spot, another culinary casualty at the hands of inflation. Simon’s Hot Dogs announced Monday they’ll be closing the eight year old location in Old Town Scottsdale and shifting to a food truck-based business model. Sadly, after over a decade in business, they’re closing the doors on October 28th.
The announcement didn’t mince words about what happened. Rent is too dang high. The statement read in part, “The decision to close our beloved brick-and-mortar location was not one we made lightly… The rent has skyrocketed to an unsustainable level, leaving us with no choice but to take a temporary hiatus.”
Yet there’s good news for those who had already become loyal customers. Simon’s says the food truck will, “continue to serve you with the same love and dedication you’ve come to expect.” Although, they have yet to determine where they’ll regularly park the truck and are looking for suggestions on potential new locations.
Pro tip: Follow their Facebook or Instagram account to get your Colombian hot dogs after closing day.
Devastated upon hearing the news, I went running to pick up one of my favorite lunch orders for what may be the last time in the foreseeable future.
Here’s what we ordered:
Starting with what they’re famous for… the Colombian. Their menu is widely customizable. You can get any type of protein, beef, brat, vegetarian, vegan, but you gotta double down with the Colombian chorizo for this one. Toppings include Simon’s sauce, which could be called “seemingly ranch,” but it’s the classic zesty sauce you can find in traditional Latin restaurants. Every kitchen has a different recipe for it, but it’s essentially a ketchup-mayo-garlic mix similar to a chipotle aioli. Then comes the part at least half of the population will not dig. Pineapples, mozzarella cheese, and crushed salted potato chips.
Some may think this even more egregious than pineapple on pizza, but I happen to love pineapple on pizza and for many Central and South Americans, this hot dog combo is a common delicacy. Try it if you feel bold.
Other dogs for this office take out order included the Hola Amigo, topped with Avocado, Cream Cheese, Simon’s Sauce and Jalapeños; The Wunderhund with a brat, dill pickles, onions, mustard, mayo, Peruvian chiles and bacon bites; and two more Colombians because I’m telling you, they’re delicious. Honorable mention goes to the Cowboy hot dog, which is topped with beef chili and cheese and has a vegetarian version. It’s important to note the buns are pretty soft and delicate, so your dog can get messy if you’re not pinching with strategy.
One of the things I’m going to miss the most is their side order of three little empanadas. Empanadas can vary depending on which country is cooking, but you can always tell a Colombian empanada because they’re bite size and often stuffed with potato and diced vegetables accompanying the beef.
I’d never tried their platanos maduros (ripe plantains), but I figured it’s now or never, so we also ordered their Maduritos. This is another savory sweet item that may not be for everyone, but caramelized plantains are a very common snack in Latino cultures. These come out soft, slightly salted and topped with shredded mozzarella. You can also order fried plantains called Patacones, which are a crunchier finger food.
Simon’s Hot Dogs was special for a number of reasons. It was Latino owned, woman-owned and family run. In a market saturated by mainly one type of Hispanic food, it offered a diverse option for a quick bite to eat. They even had vegetarian AND vegan options. For this foodie, it was the only place in Arizona that I could order something that reminds me of my childhood in Panama.
Phoenix metro has Puerto Rican and Caribbean restaurants, and some Central American representation with Salvadorian restaurants, but when I bite into the Colombian hot dog, I’m flooded with memories of summers visiting my family in Panama City. I remember walking down the street from my grandparent’s home to the little carrito, the small single-pull hot dog cart where they topped my Colombian hot dog the exact same way. To say “I dig it,” is a complete understatement.
Saying bye to Simon is going to be tough.
Seems the feeling’s mutual in this heartfelt message from the staff: “To all of you who have supported us throughout the years, we can’t express how grateful we are to have had a place in your hearts. Whether you were a regular customer or just passing by, you all became part of our Simon’s Hot Dogs family. Your smiles, stories, and the joy you brought into our lives are something we will forever treasure.”
