Half-smoke facts for kids
Halfsmokes from Weenie Beenie
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| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Washington, D.C. |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Pork, beef |
A half-smoke is a special type of sausage. You can find it mostly in Washington, D.C. and nearby areas. It's a bit like a hot dog, but usually bigger and has a spicier taste. The meat is often ground more coarsely. Half-smokes are usually made from a mix of pork and beef. They are often smoked and served with tasty toppings. These toppings can include herbs, onion, and chili sauce.
Contents
What is a Half-Smoke Sausage?
A half-smoke is a unique sausage from Washington, D.C. It is known for being larger and spicier than a regular hot dog. The meat inside is often ground more coarsely. This gives it a different texture.
How Half-Smokes are Made
Half-smokes can be made from different meats. Some are half pork and half beef. Others might be all beef. The way they are cooked also varies. Many are smoked, which gives them a special flavor. Some can also be steamed.
The name "half-smoke" might come from a few ideas. It could be because they are often half pork and half beef. Or, it might be because they are smoked. Another idea is that their taste is somewhere between a smoked sausage and a regular hot dog. Some people even think it's because cooks sometimes cut them in half before grilling.
History of the Half-Smoke
The half-smoke sausage has a long history in Washington, D.C. It became popular around the 1930s. A company called Briggs & Company is thought to have created the "original" half-smoke. Raymond Briggs started selling these sausages around that time.
Over the years, the company changed owners. The quality of the sausages sometimes changed too. But the half-smoke remained a favorite in the D.C. area.
Where to Find Half-Smokes
You can find half-smokes in many places around Washington, D.C. They are a very popular local food. Many hot dog carts sell them, especially in downtown D.C. These carts serve both tourists and people who work for the government.
Famous Half-Smoke Spots
One of the most famous places to get a half-smoke is Ben's Chili Bowl. This restaurant is in the U Street neighborhood. It has been a very important spot in the city for a long time. Even President-elect Barack Obama visited Ben's Chili Bowl in 2009.
Another popular place is Weenie Beenie. This spot is in South Arlington, Virginia. It opened in 1950, even before Ben's Chili Bowl. You can find it near the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park trail. Some newer places, like Meats & Foods, also make their own handmade half-smokes. Half-smokes are even the "official dog" of the Washington Nationals baseball team!
See also
In Spanish: Half-smoke para niños
