Second Chance Review - Romeo's

When we came up with the idea to make June "Second Chance Month" it was primarily to give those HDJs that just missed a second chance to be included in then running for next month's Weenie Awards. Romeo's didn't miss last year. It was a double award winner, including taking home the Weenie Award for Best Hot Dog. But I have heard stories lately, that Romeo's wasn't living up to the hype that we created. So I had to go check it out for myself.

Let me just, right off the bat, put the rumors to rest. The hot dogs I had on this trip to Romeo's were every bit as good as before. But since it's been a while, allow me to describe just how good they are using the "Chris James Rating Method":

Bun - 5 out of 5 Weenies- Romeo's steams each bun to order. They have this old school steamer that looks a little like one of those old school steam irons you used to see in laundries. The buns are placed inside, the lid is closed and the operator pulls down a lever that creates a hiss and wisps of steam sneak out around the edges. When the top is opened you have perfectly steamed buns.

Weenie - 4 out of 5 Weenies - I'm not sure how Romeo's prepare their weenies, but I've never had a weenie that tasted waterlogged or over cooked. The quality of the meat is good, but not great. This just proves that, on a WVHD, great toppings can more than compensate for mediocre meat.

Chili - 5 out of 5 Weenies - Dark brown, perfectly texture and a wonderfully complex taste. Not terribly spicy, but it makes up for it with a tart sweetness that is simply amazing.

Slaw - 5 out of 5 Weenies - Absolutely perfect in taste and texture. Just a slightly sweet flavor with a little black pepper thrown in for good measure.

Onions - 5 out of 5 Weenies - Perfect size chunks of perfectly sweet onions.

Romeo's is still one of the best, if not THE best hot dogs around Charleston. A Five Weenie Classic that doesn't need a second chance.