Hot Dog! Mike Rogers Lauds Local Food Vendor
During a brief break from trying to wrap his head around the PRISM-related madness currently gripping Capitol Hill, House Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich., managed to squeeze in a shoutout to the ultimate local businessman: a food trucker who caters to the Michigan statehouse.
“Look who’s back in business!” the Michigan Republican trumpeted on social media, commemorating the resurrection of a Lansing, Mich., tradition, Clint’s Hot Dog Cart.
A Rogers aide told HOH that the congressman has been friends with Clint’s wife, Linda, for more than a decade and said he has been excitedly awaiting the return of the iconic tube steaks.
Clint Tarver’s original cart was destroyed this past December during a right-to-work demonstration gone horribly wrong. But Tarver, with much help from empathetic state lawmakers and well-wishers, officially introduced his next-generation operation Tuesday.
“It’s called a ‘genie weenie,’” Tarver said about the custom rig he had built to replace his former vehicle.
He said he’s made a name for himself — “They call me a ‘fixture,’” Tarver explained of his community standing — over the past 18 years by serving up the best hot dogs in town.
Top sellers include his signature chili dog (smothered in extra meaty beef chili), the “Snoop” dog (topped with fried onions, melted cheddar and barbecue sauce) and a Chicago-style creation (sporting spicy mustard, celery salt, dill pickles, tomatoes, zesty onions and jalapenos).
“I love every minute of it,” Tarver stated.