Man Bites Dog: Buddha Dog's Tasty Paradox
163 Roncesvalles Ave. 
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Phone: 416.534.2007
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There's a particularly stubborn old Zen koan in which a young pupil asks his master whether a dog can indeed posses Buddha-nature. The master (in typical zen obliquity) implies that the question itself must be unasked for any wisdom to be attained.
This pseudo-mystic morsel offers a useful bit of question begging distraction while awaiting your order from the grill of this pleasantly Scandinavian-decored Roncesvalles satellite of the much loved Picton wiener shop (and it takes a ponderously long time for my order to arrive which is surprising since my Friday night visit sees me the only patron in the place).
So then, just what is the nature of a Buddha dog?
That they're tiny is obvious. That they're surprisingly tasty may shock some.
The wieners themselves ($2 each) are locally sourced and roughly 4" long-- apparently a marketing ploy aimed at giving kids just enough to satisfy them and grown-ups a bit of variety to mix and match flavours (pimp your wiener with cheese and sauce upgrades at $.25 a pop). Y'know the tapas trend has truly exhausted itself when even hot dog joints are jumping on the 'small plates' bandwagon.
Your Buddha dogs (trust me, you'll want more than one...possibly more than three) then get grilled on a panini press--first solo and then along with the bun to melt the cheese and create a nice variety of textures: the hallmark 'snap' of the dog plays well off the soft crispiness of the bun, and the assortment of homemade condiments.
My three dogs come dressed with: brie and red pepper jelly (Friday being brie day, as if you didn't know); jalapeno jack and beef chili; and smoky ketchup and old cheddar.
Oddly enough the standout is the brie and red pepper jelly dog; the musty creaminess of the brie and sweet savouriness of the jelly enhance the wiener's natural spice allowing a tiny package to pack a surprising flavour punch. The ketchup and old cheddar dog is tasty but unremarkable and the chili and jalapeno jack dog gives an example of too many intense flavours undermining the experience by competing with each other.
No doubt eating that much tubesteak can work up a thirst which can easily be slaked with a bottle of Buddha dog's deliciously sweet and tart 'Pucker-up' lemonade (also available in a strawberry infusion for $2.50 each) a near perfect drink for a humid summer afternoon.
The novelty of grabbing some tasty, locally sourced 'artisan' hot dogs on a day trip out to Picton would appeal to most foodies getting ready to jump into their 's' class for the long ride home but expecting people to jump on the subway for those same dogs is another thing entirely. Buddha dog isn't close enough to the action to appeal to the apres-club crowd who's taste buds are so dampened with spirits they could care less about how gourmet their dogs are (Buddha dog closes around 8 so it's a moot point anyway). And as gourmet as the dogs are, it's hardly a place for an anniversary dinner or a foodie destination.
Don't get me wrong, these dogs are very tasty, the problem lies in the fact that i'm not sure the hotdog by nature was ever in need of an apotheosis-- especially not to the tune of $12 or so with a drink. So as flavourful as the dogs were it's hard to imagine a return visit being high on anyone's dining list.
Buddha Dog Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11-7
Sundays & Holidays: 11-6
Comments (27)
What the heck a meat-oriented restaurant run by a couple of WASPs is doing calling itself "Buddha Dog"? That alone is enough to make me stay away.
Yum, tiny food -- sounds right up my alley. The brie and red pepper jelly dog sounds especially appealing!
In a nutshell, this place sucks! My husband, daughter and I just returned from a trip to Picton and visited the Buddha Dog restaurant and to say we were disappointed is truly an understatement. Here we have a place specializing in hot dogs and when we received our orders my husband and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The wieners were so tiny that I swear it took me just three bites to finish mine. The bun's were cold and tasteless. And both my husband and I ordered the chili con carne choice and it was so sparse that we had to lift up the wiener to see if there was anything underneath it. My husband left the place is disgust but I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt so ordered another one, this time the caramelized onion flavor. Yet another disappointment! Even my two year old spat her's out and the lemonade, in my opinion, tasted really weird.
Overall, we found this place to be utterly pretentious and the fact that each individual hotdog is "cheap" is not a good enough reason to go back. You would need at least three or four which would put you back minimum $6-8 and at the end of the day, you probably would not be satisfied at all. It works in Picton because they get a lot of one-time tourist customers who don't know any better like ourselves, but I honestly can't imagine this place lasting in T.O.
As the saying goes, much ado about nothing....get some street meat instead!
TEM
I love Buddha Dog, I have gone there near weekly since they have opened in TO and I love it even more. It is beautifully simple: a hot dog, a gourmet sauce (one of around 10) and a gourmet cheese (3-4). There are hundreds of combinations, each different and delicious I?d imagine ? I intend to try them all. You can also get fresh cool salads and seasonally amazing soups in Picton. They know and LOVE their product and are very proud of it; it?s Ontario, it?s local and it?s fresh and it?s all about a small and flavour filled meal where each dog is as unique as a course at a fancy restaurant. People in the city are daily spending 3-4 bucks on the same bland latte everyday when for less these little dogs can BLOW you mind for taste. It?s like wine tasting for snack lovers. Vegetarian? If you actually talk to them they are actively hunting for a deluxe veggie dog, I?ve heard them talk to a few customers about this. And ?Buddha? does not equal vegetarian, that?s a pretense, think of it rather as culinary enlightenment, fresh simple prajna. I?ve been at the Picton store when one of the local farmers comes in to update them on the daily availability of sauce ingredients ? Prince Edward County, the best agricultural pocket in the province funneled into each little Buddha dog, that?s how real and good they are - this is not just some gimmick. Sure they are a bit pricey when you grab 3 with sauce and cheese and a drink but this is real food we?re talking about? there is a time and a place for street meat and this is not street meat. Are you going to complain walking down the ever-growing and more expensive organic isle in the grocery store? And as for pretentious - come on, they?re not at all, it?s a start up rural business between friends showcasing independent producers in a unique part of the province starting up in a rough big city neighborhood. But I can?t blame someone for being suspicious, I mean it?s Toronto, the city is fraught with pretentious people in pretentious restaurants in fancy neighborhoods looking for a cheap meal. Get something real and new and good and go to Buddha Dog. Enjoy each bite with your eyes closed; it?s that kind of meal. I just hope they change the city instead of the city changing them.
I think the comments above missed the point.
The fooides of Picton believe in organic food and what not, and have created a hot dog that is not the traditional 'lips and a$$holes' dog. It's not cheap, and it's not for everyone. If you appreciate delicate flavors, and want something new, this is a great product. If you want your ball game hot dog, then hit the street vendor.
I tried them and loved them.
This was the most infuriating experience I have ever had in a restaurant. Bad service, bad food, bad prices. Bad bad bad. I hope they go out of business, it's an embarassment to my neighbourhood and I know a lot of people who feel the same way.
Sorry but the dogs are tiny and way over priced. They are not at all juicy, nor are they exciting in any way. And where is the basic mustard? No where to be found - they are too pretentious to offer hot dogs' best topping.
How do I really feel?
1) They are an insult to locals and thieves to tourists.
2) There is no question in my mind that mc at September 7, 2007 is a shill. Firstly I don't know a sole who has that kind of passion for the crap they serve and it is WAY over the top with stats and enthusiasm!
Give me break.
GO BACK TO PICTON!
LOL "Ive been at the Picton store when one of the local farmers comes in to update them on the daily availability of sauce ingredients"
LOL - I suppose it went like this - Today we have the freshest red peppers ever Bill. I suggest you begin making some red pepper jelly right away! But avoid the onions, they are a tad bit bitter this week.
LOLOL
A $3 street vendor hotdog is better tasting then any of these buddah dogs and you don't have to eat 8 and spend $20 either. This place will be out of business in 2 more months tops.
They are good, but how do you make a meal out of them? Three buddha dogs isn't very satisfying nor is it really healthy, no matter how many condiments you add. Can't they apply their principles to other dishes and expand their menu a little bit?
Buddha Dog people!
its keegan. totally was in at the one in PICTON!!! and billy we are totaly coming to see you! and eat lots of buddha dogs! cause they taste so yummy! they make me warm inside. i need to go. cause I am at school. Keep Smiling
Keegan
Another post in support of the Buddha Dog! I love this place, seriously, the dogs are awesome and yes, they're not street dogs so why go in there expecting them to be so? This is a taste sensation kind of experience. It's not fast food - it does take a bit longer to make the orders. Service has always been friendly and cordial for me and my guests. Everyone I know who's been there has really enjoyed themselves.
The owner is planning on opening a patio this summer although his expansion plans, as well as those of anyone else operating a business on Roncey this year, will be mitigated by the renovation of the streetcar tracks along Roncesvalles this year.
All you haters can go fly a kite!
buddha dog has "expansion plans"? that's like george bush seeking a third term. it's the most hated restaurant in the west end for good reason.
Awesome place, food is great the servers are friendly and polite. As for all you other haters just go dig a hole and sit in it. This is especially for Steve and Sherri, if you want some "Street Meat" from some guy who hasnt showered in days and picked his nose and made it part of the relish go ahead.
Personally Ill go to the Buddha Dog.
um, so where are the "good" well priced non pretentious eateries around Bloor West, please fill me in.
That last comment was retarded by the way, what the hell?? At least say something constructive, yo.
I'm going back and I told a bunch of other people to go...is that bad?
The jury is still out for me on this place. The first time I went it was delicious, but I had some brutal indigestion afterwords, and so did my fiance. I went for the second time on Tuesday night just before they closed. The meat was tough and the dog was mostly cold. The sauces were good however.
I'm going to give it a couple more shots because the guys who work there seem decent and the atmosphere is pretty great. If they are succesful in getting their liquor license then it will likely become more of an evening destination; but if the beer is on the same price scale as the dogs, which themselves are a tad ridiculous: $2 for a 3 1/2" dog is not a good business model, no matter how good the ingredients.
The Buddha would roll over in his grave knowing they are using his name to sell dead animals. DISGUSTING!!!! I wouldn't step foot in the blasphemous place.
These hot dogs are fun, and they go very nicely with a glass of the Sandbanks Baco Noir. You're paying a premium for the novelty and the quality of the tiny little dogs -- it's a treat.
(As for the Buddha business, I thought that everybody knew that joke. The irony is that, what with the fancy minimalist preparation, you can't actually get one with everything.)
All these comments except for a few are negative. If you don't like it don't talk about it and most defintely don't write things that will make them go out of buisness. Viva la Buddha Hotdog
Running business by using a holy being's name is a blasphemy. The profits you earn and the gluttony pleasure you get are eating your luck away definitely.
I live in the neighbuorhood and like it as an occasional treat. You have to like your food small and fussy, and this is firmly in the quality over quantity department. It's a nice place to drop in on while you're strolling down Roncies or heading over to the park for a picnic. You wouldn't go here to impress somebody.
I really think they could make an excellent secondary business selling some of their condiments.
They have some balls with their choice of name, I have to say. It still bugs me.
I don't understand people who say the buddha dogs are too small, portion wise one dog plus a salad or a side of soup is the perfect sized lunch. It seems as though lots of reviewers here eat way bigger portions than they should.
i don't get all the negativity towards this place. i try to support all local businesses. unless they treat their customers really poorly. which i don't think they do here. i don't mind buddha dog. i don't consider it a meal just a nice treat to have. i like the atmosphere and the staff has always been really nice when i've been there. if you want a "normal" hot dog you can go to a stand. you can't really compare the two. if you don't like buddha dog then don't go but i don't think they have done anything that offensive to warrant all the really negative comments.
i don't get all the negativity towards this place. i try to support all local businesses. unless they treat their customers really poorly. which i don't think they do here. i don't mind buddha dog. i don't consider it a meal just a nice treat to have. i like the atmosphere and the staff has always been really nice when i've been there. if you want a "normal" hot dog you can go to a stand. you can't really compare the two. if you don't like buddha dog then don't go but i don't think they have done anything that offensive to warrant all the really negative comments.
I stopped in Picton and tried the Buddha Dog. The dog tasted fine but the real enjoyment comes from knowing that the ingredients are local, fresh, and support a more intelligent way of sourcing and eating food. If you like Wal Mart and Bic Macs you won't like Buddha Dog, but if you have taste and a concious you will really enjoy the time spent there.
Ah, Buddha! Ah, Buddha Dog! We have enjoyed many Buddha Dogs over the years. We love the sweetly dense buns, the tiny (no burp) dogs and the delightfully fresh toppings.
These doggies should never be compared to street-meat or carnival offerings. They're Buddha Dogs. The owners, Mac and Hunter - the Andrews - are delightful people who are very community spirited. They have helped to move The County from ordinary to extra-Black-River-Cheddar-cheese-ordinary.
To know the Andrews is to love'em. Thanks for being one-with-everything guys!
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