MANCHESTER, NH – Once again, Manchester is poised to hit one out of the park, but not without your vote.
Danielle Markum York is one of five finalists in the annual Kayem Create the Next Fenway Frank contest. Her culinary contribution: Le Chien Poutine, which marries the humble yet versatile hot dog with the Franco flair of York’s foremothers and forefathers love of poutine – fries, gravy and cheese curd.
York says the idea came to her right after she saw a notice for the competition.
“It’s a winner because the ingredients are few, simple and already a recognized delicious combination. The next logical step was to add them to a hot dog,” says York. “Plus, it gives you an extra hand to grab a beer. A perfect Fenway pairing.”
Despite the gravy-laden fries, York says it’s meant to be eaten, sans fork and knife.
“A Fenway Frank is primarily a lap meal. You could grab some utensils, but you would risk getting called out by your seat mates. Grab a handful a napkins and enjoy it as nature intended,” she says.
After submitting her recipe, she actually tested it out in her home kitchen and was thrilled to discover that it totally lived up to her expectations.
Now, it’s up to you, the voting public, to elevate Le Chien Poutine, which is holding its own so far, but really really could use your votes (she’s currently in third place with 471 votes. You can vote once every 24 hours through July 8. Click here. It’s a simple 2-step process.)
Top two vote-getters after public voting closes will head to the finals, and of the two remaining hot dogs, the Red Sox will pick a winner, to be announced during National Hot Dog Day on July 23.
According to the contest organizers, this is the fourth consecutive year for the Fenway Frank competition. York’s entry was one of about 650 submissions, more than double last year’s contest. The five finalists were chosen by judges from Kayem and Red Sox/Aramark, based on visual appeal, flavor, originality and fitting for Fenway Park.
Grand-prize winner will receive $1,000, a one-year’s supply of free Kayem Franks, an official Red Sox jersey, four Red Sox tickets to the game on July 23, and a one night’s stay for two at Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square. Also, the winner’s recipe will be featured at a minimum of one concession stand within Fenway Park and at Hotel Commonwealth. The first runner-up will receive a $500 cash prize, one free year of Kayem Franks, and two tickets to the Red Sox game on July 23, with a one-night hotel stay.
