Praise of the Rhode Island Wiener: February 2011

Meat Sauce for N.Y. System Wieners

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon celery salt

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup water

Brown beef with onion. Add everything but water. Bring to a simmer, add water, then simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Serve over wieners in a bun.

Enough for 2 pounds of hot wieners.

The hot wiener or New York System wiener

The Olneyville New York System

Olneyville New York System, in Providence's Olneyville neighborhood, is often cited as the "definitive" or "quintessential" vendor and dates to its opening by Greek immigrant Anthony Stevens in 1946. Stevens' cousin Gust Pappas ran Original New York System in the Smith Hill neighborhood, which claims its own founding as 1927. Still another institution, Coney Island System, claims an earlier date of 1915. There are dozens of establishments across the state that offer wieners, and the question of which is "best" is often contentious among residents

Modern Diner

Modern Diner: The first ever diner was invented in 1872 in Providence by an entrepreneur, Walter Scott. He decided to serve food from a freight wagon, which was horse-drawn. The diner's mobility lead to it being a great hit. Scott, soon had a roaring business, because he was moving his shop to where ever the people needed food. The meals served in diners are simple and hearty. The Modern Diner, at 13 Dexter Street, in Pawtucket is one such place, and it has made it to our list of top restaurants in Providence, by the sheer taste of the historic food served.

Praise of the Rhode Island Wiener

All New England Books

Recipe: Meat Sauce for N.Y. System Wieners