Bacon wrapped, Mexican style hot dogs, under Tijuana's famous arch

If you're visiting Tijuana's Zona Norte, for sinister reasons, or just to take digital photos, like I do, you will probably find yourself hungry, after walking up and down the streets many times. That is a good thing, as the hills of Tijuana are steep and can give you an excuse to burn a lot of calories. So when you're looking for street food in the Zona Norte, let's see... how many tacos have you eaten? Or should I say, how many variations of tacos can you imagine? How much deep-fried chicken, accompanied by the ever-present rice and beans have you consumed? Forget about hamburgesas, as the street versions taste about like Mickey-D's offerings north of the border. Do you long for something different? Well, take a deep breath... Mexican-style hot dogs.

Left: At the base of the arch, at Av. Revolucion and Articulo, 123, the main intersection that points to the tourist mecca of downtown Tijuana, a drunk relaxes at the base of the Tijuana arch as pedestrians pass him by. Has he had too much tequila, too many Kentucky Fried Buches, too much passion from Tijuana's Zona Norte, or too many Mexican-style hot dogs? Right: My hot dog vendor has just set up shop under Tijuana's famous arch.

Left: Marachai guys can't resist the tase of a delicious Tijuana, bacon-wrapped hot dog, made hot and fresh under the arch. Right: My hot dog is on the grill and will be ready within a few seconds. I can hardly wait!

If you're touring Tijuana's Zona Norte for whatever reason by day, forget all about hot dogs, as the hot dog vendors only seem to surface during the late afternoon and evening hours. However, when you stumble out of the tourist-oriented shops that line Av. Revolucion, and you're walking back toward the U.S. border and you need something to eat, you'll fine them waiting for you under the famous Tijuana arch, located at the mall of Calle Premiera and Av. Revolucion, which is generally recognized as the northern edge of the tourist zone. If you're a shop-until-you-drop tourist, you won't see the hot dog vendors out until after 1700, or better yet, 1800, yes Dorothy, that's 6:00 P.M. on a weekday afternoon.

The Mexican hot dog stand that I patronized did not have a name. All he told me is that his name is Juan and he sets up his cart under the arch, at the same location, the same time (around 1730 local time,) every day, and that he makes the best hot dogs in town. Well, the guy is modest and his hot dogs are good! So naturally I had to take him up on his offer of a hot dog for a U.S. buck. Juan's hot dogs aren't like the kind you'll find north of the border, as the 'dogs are bacon wrapped and grilled right in front of your eyes. Garnishes included mayonnaise, mustard, catsup, fresh salsa cruda and grilled pepper slices.

Left: My hot dog is grilled to perfection. Right: OK, here's a Mexican hot dog that has wrapped with a strip of bacon, grilled, and topped with chopped onionions, tomatoes and clilatro. It's also been flavored with mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise. Truy a gourmet hot dog, Mexican-style.

So this is what you get for your dollar: A grilled, bacon-wrapped hot dog on a bun and your choice of garhishes, which include diced Roma tomatoes, chopped onions, jalapeno peppers and, the staple of Mexican dining, cilantro. Not to mention condiments such as ketchup (salsa de catsup, en espanol, si como no...) which is a good deal in my book and good, fast, food. Check out the guys under the Tijuana arch for the best hot dogs west of Mexicali.

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