Ina Garten's Favorite Hot Dog Came From Paris, Not America

Ina Garten's Praise for Frenchie

Garten told Today Food she would choose a hot dog from Frenchie To Go in Paris for her final meal. She described it as incredible, possibly served with fries. This wasn't the first time she expressed admiration for the dish. On Instagram, she frequently lauded the hot dog, once calling a photo of it with tangy mustard on a warm bun beside crispy fries „the best lunch of all time.” The Closure of Frenchie Unfortunately, the original Frenchie To Go no longer exists. In 2023, Michelin-starred chef Gregory Marchand transformed the space into an Italian-focused venue. This effectively ended its run as a destination for French-style hot dogs. What Made the Hot Dogs Special Marchand's attention to detail and quality ingredients contributed significantly to the hot dogs' reputation.

Latest news

Five-Day High-Protein Meal Plan Launches for Busy CooksSoy Saucelebrity chef reveals soy sauce trick for richer browniesUnconventional Fruit Boosts Canned Baked Beans' FlavorSkip the Dipping Cup — Coat Chicken Tenders with Sauce Before Cooking

However, another factor made them stand out: the French approach to preparing and serving hot dogs differs subtly but meaningfully from the American version. French vs. American Hot Dog Styles In France, hot dogs are not simply a sausage in a bun topped with ketchup and mustard. The sausages are usually thinner, less smoky, and made from higher-quality meat, often seasoned with European spices like paprika, sweet mustard, or Provençal herbs. The buns are more artisanally made — less sweet, airier, and frequently lightly toasted or baked for a delicate crunch. Toppings tend to be refined: caramelized onions, old-fashioned Dijon mustard, sweet-acidic pickle relish, or even sauerkraut with apples and white wine.

Sometimes, traditional fries are replaced with rosemary and olive oil-roasted

Sometimes, traditional fries are replaced with rosemary and olive oil-roasted new potatoes. A Sophisticated Take on a Classic This approach elevates a typically quick and simple food into a more sophisticated gastronomic experience without losing the comforting essence of a hot dog. Garten noted that the combination of textures and flavors — a warm, slightly crisp bun, a savory well-seasoned sausage, and toppings adding acidity and sweetness — created a perfect balance. It made her feel like she was at a celebratory meal, even during a quick lunch at a small Parisian bistro. How to Recreate the Experience at Home Although Frenchie To Go no longer serves hot dogs, its legacy inspires amateur and professional cooks aiming to elevate an American classic through a European lens.

If you can't go to Paris, try recreating the taste at home: choose a high-quality sausage, preferably pork or a veal-pork blend, with subtle seasoning. Pick an artisan white bun and lightly toast it. Add Dijon mustard, caramelized onions, and a generous portion of rosemary fries. In the end, you'll have not just a hot dog, but a memory of Paris — without leaving your backyard.