Dining pick of the week: The Shake & Dog

237 N. Stephanie St., 998-6300

There are hot dogs and then there is Helmbold's, a German snap dog with a natural casing imported to Southern Nevada from Troy, N.Y., by Ken Durivage. He has fond memories of these dogs and believes Southern Nevada is ready for them. He's correct. The Back East Classic has mustard, onions and homemade chili meat sauce on a special baguettini roll. Other dogs include Chicago, Kraut and Loaded Classic. There are one-third pound Angus hamburgers served with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle, and a great grilled cheese with choice of American, cheddar, pepper jack or provolone. Other popular sandwiches are made on a 6-inch steak roll and include grilled Italian sausage with onions and peppers, Philly steak or chicken and homemade meatball with Nana Pat's family marinara sauce. Several sides are potato salad, macaroni and coleslaw. Old-fashioned Blue Bunny Ice Cream is served in cones, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts and floats. The "Special Waffle," a favorite on the Boardwalk at Coney Island, can be made with any flavor ice cream. The Classic hot dog begins at $2.50 and hamburgers at $5. Small cones start at $1.50. The Shake & Dog is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

-- Jack Bulavsky