North Country Staple
Michigan Tradition leads to Passport Prize
Is it a sandwich? A taco? Whatever label you put on a Michigan, this sauce-smothered hot dog is a North Country delicacy.
This casual dish, often served at road-side restaurants, made an impression on Cooper Bentley during a recent visit to Plattsburgh.
“I think my favorite part might be the red hot dog, or maybe the meat sauce,” the frequent Plattsburgh visitor said while enjoying a Michigan from Gus’ Red Hots. That sauce is made from ground beef, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, hot sauce, onion powder, black pepper and salt. Ordered “with everything,” it comes topped with raw diced onions and mustard.
Known as the Michigan, the uniquely dressed hot dog is a staple of Northern New York. Now you may be asking yourself, “Why is a hot dog named after a state in the midwest found in New York’s North Country?”
The Michigan made its Plattsburgh debut at Garth Otis’ Michigan Hot Dog Stand. Garth Otis and his wife, Eula, opened their Town of Plattsburgh eatery in 1927.
Gordie Little, a much-loved radio personality who passed away in 2016, was featured in a story by NCPR about the Michigan hot dog. In the article, Little said that Garth and Eula met in Detroit, where a hot dog covered in a meat sauce was a popular food item. The hot dog was, in turn, named after the state where Garth and Eula met.
Michael Clarke developed a taste for Michigans as a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, often eating at Clare and Carl’s. He now resides in Binghamton, New York, which makes his visits to Plattsburgh much rarer these days.
“I think it’s a local custom and it’s good to honor that, you know?” Clarke said.
This celebrated dish has only gained popularity since its inception. The Town of Plattsburgh has even gone so far as to officially name July “Michigan Month.” The hot dog dish is the basis for an annual competition called the Michigan Passport.
The Michigan passport is a pamphlet that can be picked up at the Plattsburgh Town Hall or any participating locations. The restaurants involved in the passport are Ronnie’s Michigan Stand, McSweeney’s Red Hots, Clare and Carl’s and Gus’ Red Hots. These passes can only be used during the month of July. On the inside of this paper pamphlet is a picture of each restaurant with a place for a stamp to signify that the passport participant visited the venue.
The first 25 Michigan enthusiasts to return their completed passport to the Town Hall will receive a free Michigan T-shirt. Anyone to turn in their Michigan passport after the first 25 participants will receive a free sticker to commemorate their participation.
Before the actual passport competition begins, there is another competition. A design competition where Plattsburgh residents are able to design a logo that best represents the Michigan hot dog. Those designs are then voted upon and the winning design gets put on the T-shirts and stickers.
Throughout all its years here, the look and taste of the Michigan keeps visitors and locals alike coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Michigan hot dog or have never tried it before, Plattsburgh is the place to get your fix.
