This is the Best Georgia Hot Dog Spot, Food Network Says

Spring is here, and that means it's officially hot dog season. Sure, you can enjoy a delicious Georgia hot dog no matter the season. But, there's something about spring that makes people want to have a tasty hot dog. Part of it is probably because of baseball season starting. Eating a hot dog at the ballpark is truly an American experience. So, let's get into the best Georgia hot dog spot, according to the Food Network.

On the subject of hot dogs and baseball, here's some cool hot dog history. According to Hot-dog.org, "In 1893, sausages became the standard fare at baseball parks. This tradition is believed to have been started by a St. Louis bar owner, Chris Von de Ahe, a German immigrant who also owned the St. Louis Browns major league baseball team." So, the tradition of eating a hot dog as a baseball game goes way back. Hot-dog.org also states that the hot dog was born in 1487 in the city of Frankfurt, Germany. It's a little fuzzy on exactly when or how the hot dog came to America, but I'm glad it's here. I'm a vegetarian, but I still like veggie hot dogs. According to one report, Hot-dog.org says that a German immigrant sold hot dogs, as well as milk rolls and sauerkraut, from a push cart in New York City's Bowery in the 1860s. In any case, we know that the hot dog originated in Germany, and it's been around for centuries and centuries. Also, the hot dog bun, Hot-dog.org notes, is largely believed to have been "introduced during the St. Louis 'Louisiana Purchase Exposition' in 1904 by Bavarian concessionaire, Anton Feuchtwanger."

So, what's the best Georgia hot dog spot? According to the Food Network and a recent study they did on the best hot dogs across the country, it's the beloved Scrambled Dog at Dinglewood Pharmacy. The special spot dates back to 1946, when "an inventive Columbus, Georgia, restaurateur decided to create a unique hot dog dish with boiled chopped franks smothered in chili, onions and pickles served with a substantial handful of oyster crackers on top that was intended to be consumed with utensils," according to the Food Network. They explain that even though the diner went out of business, "its Scrambled Dog stuck around, becoming a Columbus-area mainstay." So, it's pretty cool that the legendary Scrambled Dog has the Food Network's stamp of approval.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.