Part travelogue, part culinary history, all capitalist critique―comedian Jamie Loftus's debut, Raw Dog, will take you on a cross-country road trip in the summer of 2021, and reveal what the creation, culture, and class influence of hot dogs says about America now.“Wise and funny” ―ANDY RICHTER • “Gonzo yet vulnerable” ―GABE DUNN • “Hot dog Moby-Dick” ―BRANSON REESE • “Revealing, funny, sad, horny, and insatiably curious” ―SARAH MARSHALL • “A wild ride” ―ROBERT EVANS • “Deeply incisive and hilariously honest” ―JACK OBRIENHot dogs. Poor people created them. Rich people found a way to charge fifteen dollars for them. Theyre high culture, theyre low culture, theyre sports food, theyre kids' food, theyre hangover food, and theyre deeply American, despite having no basis whatsoever in America's Indigenous traditions. You can love them, you can hate them, but you cant avoid the great American hot dog.Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs is part investigation into the cultural and culinary significance of hot dogs and part travelog documenting a cross-country road trip researching them as theyre served today. From avocado and spice in the West to ass-shattering chili in the East to an entire salad on a slice of meat in Chicago, Loftus, her pets, and her ex eat their way across the country during the strange summer of 2021. Its a brief window into the year between waves of a plague that the American government has the resources to temper, but not the interest.So grab a dog, lay out your picnic blanket, and dig into the delicious and inevitable product of centuries of violence, poverty, and ambition, now rolling around at your local 7-Eleven.The hardcover edition of Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs includes gorgeous endpapers, an illustrated case, as well as illustrations by the author throughout.“One of the freshest and most insightful new comedic voices of this decade.” ―LINDSAY ELLIS
Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs
In "Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs," Jamie Loftus takes readers on a hilarious and informative journey into the world of hot dogs. From their humble beginnings as a street food to their current status as a beloved American classic, Loftus covers everything you ever wanted to know about hot dogs - and then some.
With her trademark wit and humor, Loftus delves into the history of hot dogs, exploring their origins in Germany and their evolution into the iconic American food we know today. She also takes a close look at the different types of hot dogs, from the classic all-beef frank to the more exotic varieties made from chicken, turkey, or even alligator. And of course, no discussion of hot dogs would be complete without a look at the various toppings and condiments that can be used to create the perfect hot dog experience.
But Loftus doesn't just stop at the food itself. She also takes a look at the cultural significance of hot dogs, exploring their role in American history and pop culture. From their association with baseball and the Fourth of July to their appearances in movies, TV shows, and even video games, Loftus shows how hot dogs have become an integral part of the American experience.
Whether you're a hot dog lover or just curious about this American classic, "Raw Dog" is a must-read. With her signature blend of humor and information, Loftus takes readers on a journey that is both entertaining and enlightening. So grab a hot dog and settle in for a wild ride through the world of this iconic American food.
