Vega doesn’t need to be a place just to go for music. They’re open regularly for a reason–eight especially good reasons: gourmet hot dogs featured on their menu that are notable enough to help define Vega and set it apart from not only other venues looking for similar crowds but also restaurants in the area competing to sell their food to Haymarket shoppers and Arena attendees.
Whether you’re in the area or not, these hot dogs are worth the trip and totally worth the eight dollars. I went to Vega on Tuesday (Nov 5) for a lengthy show of four bands. I was able to order a hot dog from the friendly staff at the bar, wait a very reasonable amount of time for it to be prepared and garnished to perfection, pay when it was given to me, and eat it wherever I’d like–all in the span of time between two bands’ sets. Granted, I inhaled the hotdog because if something is delicious enough and I am hungry enough, eating it quickly is still savoring the flavor.
The hot dog on the menu that caught my eye was the Lady Madonna (as pictured). The guest may choose either an all-natural beef, chicken chorizo, turkey or veggie dog. I chose chicken. As the description read, the Lady Madonna was topped with bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, shaved parmesan, pesto aioli, kalamata olives, fresh basil and oregano. This Italian-Mediterranean storm was certainly nothing I had ever experienced on a hot dog before and it was a delight to my senses.
Vega gives a new meaning to hot dogs, at least for the Lincolnite such as myself who hasn’t been exposed to the idea of hot dogs having as many possibilities as burgers. The bun was a brat bun and possibly ciabatta bread–stable enough to hold the massive creation and nonporous, if you will, so as not to get soggy.
Every bite was a delight. The dog was juicy and the flavors meshed together in harmony. The hot dog did not come with a side, but one does not need anything else but a water or soda or beer which Vega can provide. The dog was filling and satisfying and left me looking forward to ordering a different option from the menu next time I’m there.
Vega has been using their Facebook page lately to promote a daily dog, full with a photo and description.
The music venue-bar-restaurant is open 11am-2am daily.
