Peace Love and Hot Dogs

A tribute to our women

2012-03-08T17:18:00.000+05:30

Happy Women’s day….to all the women obviously…and to all the men who understand the therapeutic effects women have on us….whether it is sleeping on your mom’s lap, or hugging the woman you love for that ten extra seconds, or running to your best friend cuz only she can understand you the way others can’t, or a sister who while growing up shared a love/hate relationship with you, but she’s the reason you grew up to be who you are….only a woman can make you feel this way.

Don’t get me wrong…these are not justifications or reasons as to why you women are special. You are special, everyday.

We, at Hungry Hogs love women, and this is our tribute/testimonial to all the women who have stood behind us, acknowledging us when we do well, support us when things aren’t working out, chide us when we’re slacking off, celebrate our milestones with us, and love us no matter what.

RESPECT

Having said that, we do wanna bring to your notice a matter that requires more attention, but in a country troubled with bad governance/corruption/unemployment/security threats… this has a taken a back seat.

We’re talking about Female infanticide…wait..that word sounds too subtle…killing girls…murdering girl fetuses or killing them after they’re born, this inhuman practice has been occurring in India(and China too) for centuries now. Yet the only time this even makes the front pages is every ten years during the census. Talking about the Census let’s go over some of the facts from the 2011 Census.

Ø National Average Female:Male in 2011 is 940. That is there are 940 women per 1000 men.

Ø The most alarming figure to come out of the census 2011 report, however, is the child sex ratio, ratio of girls to boys in the age group 0-6. This ratio stands at 914.... 914 girls per 1000 boys.

Ø This figure is the lowest since independence, and has a shown a steady decline over the past 4 decades,from 962 in 1981 to 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 to 914 in 2011.

These figures not only the grave injustice done to girl fetuses, or new born baby girls, it’s also shocking to know that girls are being killed by denying them medical treatment.

The most common ways of killing a baby is to wrap a wet towel around the head to induce pneumonia and then refuse to take the baby to a doctor or a hospital, so when finally the baby does die it dies of natural causes. Another common way is to give the baby a couple of drops of alcohol to induce diarhhea.

Consider the following figures

Ø A 2007 report by UNICEF states that girls under 5 have a mortality rate 40% higher than boys in the same age group

Ø A 2011 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research and Harvard School of Public health reports that infant girls,1 year and younger are 50% more likely than boys to die by violence.

Ø The rate of death of girls in the group 1 month-5 years, due to pneumonia and Diarhhea is 4 times that of boys

The worst part is the people who are doing it don’t realize that it’s wrong, they consider themselves to be a doing the girl a favor by not letting her live what they believe, would be a horrid, miserable life. Despite measures by the Government, Poverty and Dowry are used as excuses for their behavior.

If we were to go by Economic prosperity, Let’s see how India compares with developed countries as well as countries whose economy is on par or below par with ours.

USA- 97 males per 100 females

Russia- 86 males per 100 females

France- 95 males per 100 females

Israel-98 males per 100 females

On the other hand,

South Africa- 97 males per 100 females

Sudan- 101 males per 100 females

Rwanda- 94 males per 100 females

Malaysia- 103 males per 100 females

And India- 107 males per 100 females, the world average being 102.

The numbers speak for themselves. What we’ve come down to is this, A country which worships Goddesses, With thousands of books written thousands of years ago, portaying women as creatures of grace, A certain building in Agra, built by a husband for his wife, standing as a monument of love, to a country which kills girls, and a country which watches others do it and not be affected by it.

However, there is a way we can make a difference. In 1986, Dr.Amartya Sen calculated that 37 million women were missing from the Indian population.Women who should've been part of the population,but weren't accounted for. Now that figure has escalated to 50 million.

So, from all of us, Sign the petition below, and show your support to this cause.

http://50millionmissing.wordpress.com/contact/female-infanticide/

It doesn’t even take a minute.

So this women’s day, show that you appreciate. Not just by signing the petition, but

Actually let the women in your life know how much they mean to you. And we’re not talking about a grand gesture, or a small subtle hint…..It can be both and everything in between. And the women reading this, Celebrate, not just today, but everyday…and smile…there’s very few things in life which are more beautiful.

Hot Dog Diaries-I

2012-03-05T17:15:00.000+05:30

Yes, it’s been a while…we know we know…But let’s not get into that….

In the first of a series, we wanna let you know how hungry hogs came about. I guess in a way it makes sense for us to recap what can only be called a roller coaster ride on a space shuttle in the middle of an asteroid belt. And yes, it is as much fun as it sounds.

But on a serious note, now that we’ve just started operations in our third branch in Whitefield, Bangalore, We wanna show you how Hungry Hogs operated when there were no branches.

Circa Aug 2009, when the three of us came up with the idea of selling hot dogs, we planned on selling them in carts all over Bangalore.

Yes,That's us working

And that's us working,when no ones looking

But not too convinced with that particular model, we felt starting off with catering at

College Fests and Concerts would make more sense. So we went about looking for college fests, and before we knew it we had three catering deals, two at New Horizon College of Engineering, and one at Strawberry fields, at National Law School of India University (In hindsight, these two colleges have turned out to be some of the biggest grossing deals for us). Who would’ve thunk it?

New Horizon College of Engineering

NLS

This kept us busy till Dec 2009, and we decided to cover the mainstream colleges, which had our calendars packed for a couple of more months…

Always ready for the camera

We don't know who he is,But he sure does know how to Say Cheese

On chilly days,our banner served us two purposes

And then there was March, We were in Caesar Mode, without any soothsayer to warn us…Which led us to our next step…More details later…Till then..Peace,Love and Hot Dogs.

World records and then some!

2011-09-07T18:03:00.000+05:30

Kobayashi goes for a record 70 hot dogs in O.C. and Dale Boone is right by his side giving him some serious competition!

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Takeru Kobayashi stuffed 49 hot dogs in his mouth in 10-minutes enroute to winning the Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar’s 3rd Annual “West Coast Hot Dog-Eating Championship” in Mission Viejo Monday.
He battled 9 others and won $5,000 for his efforts.

Another plate of hot dogs is ready to be placed in front of Takeru Kobayashi as he stuffs hot dogs in his mouth on his way to win the Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar Third annual West Coast Hot Dog-Eating Championship in Mission Viejo by eating 49 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

Kobayashi, who made competitive eating popular a decade ago, tried but came up short topping his own record of 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes earlier this summer with a meal of 70.
Another pro eater that competed Monday night was West Coast contest defending champion Thomas “Goose” Gilbert of Las Vegas. He ate 29 hot dogs and took second for $2500.
Peter “Furious Pete” Czerwinski finished third and took home $1000. He swallowed 25 hot dogs.
It was the third year for the event which also included live music, a magic show and concessions.

LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY

Red Dog at Malad

2011-05-25T22:42:00.000+05:30

I know we’ve delayed this long enough. But some good stories take long in the telling. You think you got what it takes to beat the nice off our first “awesome, benevolent, heroine and Hungry Hogger”?

Read on to find out.

We walked up to the building, giggling and gossiping, and as usual stopped to pet the friendly neighborhood mutt; except that he wasn’t very friendly on this particular night. He shied away, afraid and limping. A closer look stopped us right in our tracks. A swollen eye, a broken front left paw, and sides wounded so deeply, that there was no more fur or skin, just raw, red flesh. “What happened to you?” we asked, as he backed away, scared and helpless. “We’ve got to do something” I said. “He’s too scared; he might bite if we get too close. Let’s go upstairs, he’ll be all right” she replied. But neither of us could move. We both knew his chances of getting better were minimal. “I think there’s a shelter a few blocks away” she said.
“Its past 12, it’s probably closed. And how will we get him there?”
“Its not too far, I’ll take an auto and go check”
I do believe in the Universe, and that sometimes it’s just on your side. An auto stopped a few feet in front of us. She got in.
“OK, be safe, call me on the way”
“I will”
We stood there alone, me and little him. He was still trying to move away. All of a sudden a pack of dogs came bounding down the road. Survival of the fittest, part of their instinct. They circled him, I picked up a stone and raised my voice. He realized I was on his side, and hobbled over to hide behind my legs. As soon as they were out of sight, he let me stoke his nose. Relief and a sad almost smiling expression in his open eye. My phone rang.
“He’s not coming out, he’s shouting for me to come in an speak”
“Who?”
“the guy at the shelter, he’s awake”
“Don’t go in.
“OK stay on the phone, am coming back”
“How are we going to get him into the auto, don’t think he’ll let us touch him”
“Let’s see, am almost there”
The auto stopped on the opposite side of the road. She whistled and snapped her fingers, “come here, come..”
I patted him on his hind leg, pushing him toward the auto. He understood! He hobbled to the auto and climbed in, broken paw and all. We rode to the shelter, stoking his head and amazed at how he just walked up and right into the auto. In a few minutes we were at the shelter, we called out for the caretaker to open the gate. No response. We yelled and knocked the gate, and the auto driver joined in. finally a young boy came up to the gate, “Andhar lao” he said, we walked in and snapped our fingers so that he would follow us. The boy closed the gate and came towards us with a rope. Holding both ends, one in each hand, he whipped the rope in the air, as though trying to cast fishing net. The dog backed away. The auto driver motioned towards the boy to hand him the rope. “Pyaar se bando. Itna darte ho to kuta ka kaam kaisa karega tu?”
The auto driver bent down and petted the dog. Slowly he tied the rope around his neck, and then led him down the passage into the shelter. Once in the dog was put into an enclosed area. We were handed a form and asked to fill it out. I began.“ Date –OK, time – 1: 30 am, colour of dog – brown”

“red! Ye lal hey na madam?” said our auto driver. “nahi, brown” with both replied smiling. A couple of signatures, one final pat goodbye and we were on the way home, chatting with the driver. Now I can’t recollect the exact sentence “Ek ju , ne doosre ju par…” Well essentially he said that this was one soul showing kindness to another, that we did a very good thing, and that he did a good thing that night because of the two of us. We thanked him and said that it was fortunate that we found an auto driver as helpful as him.
According to the form at the shelter, they’d keep him until he was healed and then call us when they let him go. We said we’d go back to check up on him in a week - we didn’t; and we didn’t receive any calls from the shelter; but if I’m ever back in Malad again, am going to keep an eye out for a lovely red dog.

Courtesy - Anonymous aka the blue ribboned belle

Send in your entries for our next weeks' pick to hungryhogs@gmail.com

Until next time, live it and love it!

PEACE LOVE AND HOT DOGS!

Peace, Love and Mother's Day

2011-05-06T17:55:00.000+05:30

Mother’s day is coming up and it’s a great opportunity to get on board the peace love and hotdogs campaign.

Here’s a lovely article you may find some inspiration from.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while i'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside i'm thinking, 'Can't you see i'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if i'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm the invisible Mom. Some days i am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days i'm not a pair of hands; i'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

Some days i'm a crystal ball; 'Where's my other sock? Where's my phone?, What's for dinner?'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature. But now, they had disappeared into the pickle jar, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England who'd just gotten back from a fabulous trip. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't sure why she'd given it to me until i read her inscription: 'With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead i would read - no, devour - the book. And i would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which i could pattern my work: 1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals; we have no record of their names; 2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished; 3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit and 4) The passion of their building was fuelled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

I read the story of a visitor who saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if i heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

From the “Speaking Tree” Column, Times of India.

Spreading the love!

2011-05-05T16:20:00.000+05:30

Peace, love and Hotdogs. The term was coined one fateful day as we were finishing up a fest and one of our long time associates and good friends sent out a message thanking everyone for having a great time working together.

With things happening around the world the way they are, we at Hungry Hogs actually want to make a change.

Not things like curb our carbon footprint or plant trees, which are bloody important, but break it down to brass tacks, we go after the very basic fundamental of existence. The human condition,

You may think we’re stealing the idea from the movie “Pay it forward” (which is not the case), but even if we were it ‘s for a good cause.

Here’s what we are proposing. IF. If you consider yourself a hungry hogger. You have no choice but to live the life of one.

Hence, here is what we would like you to do.

Make someone else's day. Starting today.

Be it your maid, or the office boy, or someone you commute with, the traffic cop at the busiest junction you travel through, the garbage man, your local “cheta”, your mom, dad, brother sister, uncle, aunt, bhanja, best friend, girlfriend. The possibilities are endless.

But. You need to do something extraordinary and special. Something that they least expect.

Special need not be complicated, smile at someone, give em a chocolate or a flower, or a card, buy them a Hungry Hogs, hotdog, or better yet make something for them from the many talents you possess.

Eating our scrumptious hotdogs have assuredly inspired some hidden talents within, right?

So go out there and spread the peace and the love. Come back to facebook and post your good deed on our wall and every week, we pick one good Samaritan who can come down, all by themselves mind you and feast on absolutely anything on the menu. Our reward for your good deed.

Who says kindness often goes unrewarded huh?

Incentive enough? But seriously. Just get out there and brighten up someone’s day.

Be a true HOG. Live the phrase. “Peace love and Hotdogs.”

P.S: Keep checking the blog to see the stories that inspire true greatness.

Hungry Hogs Week!

2011-03-21T13:21:00.000+05:30

Last Monday. One of the founders of Hungry Hogs celebrated his birthday. Nag Manohar turned (insert age here). So lets get the wishes out of the way. Happy birthday Nag!

Now that the boring part is over. Let’s get to the fun stuff. On account of Nag’s birthday. (this is just an excuse I give people.) We created an event called the “Hungry Hogs week.”

It’s got nothing to do with the founding of Hogs before you ask.

How Hogs week came about is another story. (It seems like I’m just telling you stories every time you swing by.)

With all the big plans we have being set into motion here. The three partners decided they needed to take some time off and set about to make things happen.

Leaving me. Akshay. In charge for an entire week.

Can’t say that I’m tired of doing the same things again and again, in terms of operations. But I am.

So we decided to mix things up. Add a couple of new things to the menu.

Our new hotdog the pain killer has been given a soft launch. The reviews are still coming in. Sadly it hasn’t achieved, “Say-Cheese killer” status. A Benchmark we’ve set for every hot dog we launch hence forth.

But we’ve added a bunch of shakes to the mention. So bloody delicious I need to use expletives to express how awesome they are. But I will restrain myself as I have been reminded time and time again that we are a family based organization and my behavior is often not appreciated.

Tis’ been one heck of a week. Grueling! Siege at dawn types. But it’s been great nevertheless. For someday I may take up the cup and take over Koramangla and this week has given me a surge of hope.

It’s going to be a bright long future for hogs.

Before the words trigger my senti persona. I’m going to sign off and invite you down to the diner to partake in some of the most delicious shakes you’ll ever have.

A perfect way to beat the summer. Methinks.

Growing families, painkillers and the world cup!

2011-03-04T15:08:00.000+05:30

The last few weeks have seen the Hungry Hog family grow. We have two new kindred souls that have taken up the cup to help relieve some of the burden on our operations front.

One of them is no stranger to the blogosphere, (namely ours. It’ll be a miracle if he ever takes to the keyboard. A miracle I await with bated breath.)

Satyen Kotekar, winner of our grueling Hot Dog eating competition in Decembe r is the newest face at Hungry Hogs. With expansion plans going on full steam ahead. I am left somewhat outnumbered at Kormangla and have begun full on recruitment.

With the original Three Amigos of Hungry Hogs branching out to set up in greener pastures, I find myself feeling much like Atlas as he let the thought of him holding the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Granted I may not be likened to anything of Greek, Mythological decent, emotions and feelings can be likened can they not?

So yeah. Long story short. We have another one joining our ranks.

But his assimilation into the family was rather without consequence. Story not really worth telling your grand kids.

But the second soul, has a story that precedes him.

A gunslingers tale even. One shrouded in mystery and a heightened sense of misaligned decadence. (Sorry. I’ve been reading a little too much crime fiction lately.)

One night as I was closing up the diner, a lanky long-tressed mensch walked in. He looks around and points at the “We are hiring. (seriously.)” orange sign in the outlet.

“What kind of job.” He asks with a small smile.

“Pretty much everything. From cooking to cleaning and everything in between.” I reply.

“You have any experience?” I ask.

“No not really.”

“Well. Ok. Give us your number and well give you a call.”

And this intrepid adventurer and lone gunslinger walks away.

(The reason I overtly dramatise this particular characters' character is coz he warrants it.)

So his number was written down and the seeds were sown. But the amateur Farmville-rs that we are not forgot that the seed was planted.

And harvest season fast approacheth. (Read - plans of expansion were fast growing and future manpower became more of a concern than ever.)

And we remembered the lone gunslinger and called him up.

Krishna. Sound of mind and body. More Axe-slinger than gunslinger. (He is an extremely talented guitarist.) And rock music, head banging, pointlessly in your ear screaming aficionado. Kiznah (As I call him.) was adopted into this dysfunctional family of circus freaks (An understatement and an elaboration by any stretch of imagination.)

So now. We are SIX in number. The might of a small army. Armed with spatula’s and tongs. Geared to dish out the most delicious hot dogs this city has ever eaten.

All that aside. The past few weeks have been good to us. More importantly. The world cup has been good to us. With the matches being screened at the diner, we have a lot more visitors than usual. Who mostly come to catch a glimpse of the score, but are compelled to sit down and order after the siren’s call that is the smell of delicious hot dogs being made, comes wafting through the counter in the wall.

The India matches get particularly intense like the last match where we drew. People were screaming and cursing and cheering. Basically having a good time as they shared a bite with their friends.

Though free screenings also attract it’s share of NPC’s (non-paying customers) as I like to call them. In a country that is so passionate about the game, I think it is inevitable. And more over it adds to the feeling of watching the game live in a large crowd.

We also welcome the sporadic rains that have brought us relief from the onslaught of the sun and the advent of summer. Even though it promises to get hotter every time it rains, it’s still welcome.

As the recent budget has given us a lot to think about; we’re gonna give you something to drool about. Towards the end of March, we are slashing prices at the diner.

Yeah you heard us right. We’re gonna have offers that will put the many “instant-deal” companies to shame.

Keep a look out on facebook and twitter and even here on the blog to know when it’s gonna happen.

But brace yourself. Change is inevitable and with the world going to hell in a handcart and prices soaring like an eagle out to prove itself, our new menu will get a little bit more expensive. Sorry.

To ease the pain of the sad news. We at Hungry Hogs have whipped together out newest hotdog. The Painkiller.

See we do care about you. Early trials have shown some some serious frowns being turned upside down. We guarantee you that this one is the ultimate in soul food and if you wanna get your prescription, come on down to the diner.

For this is gonna be an exclusive diner hotdog. No deliveries on this bad boy.

I have learned that the best way to break bad news is to break it off quick and instantly, much like ripping off a band aid or breaking up.

So on that note. I sign off.

Peace, love and Painkillers. Oops. Hotodogs. :D

We Bleed Blue!

2011-02-18T12:13:00.000+05:30

Grab anything you own in your closet that is blue. Strap on your younger brothers pad from his cricket kit that has been gathering dust for the last few years. Call in sick. Put adda at home with you friends and family. Call Hungry Hogs and place your order and then sit back and get ready to cheer on the “Boys in Blue” as they set out to create magic and history (fingers crossed!!)

I know a lot is riding on the boys and there is not a shadow of a doubt that they will do us proud.

Check out the mascot all decked up in our colors.

Hungry Hogs is behind the Indian Cricket team and we wish them all the best in bringing the world cup back home this time around.

But for fairness sake. Let the best team win!

Peace, Love and Hot Dogs!

Why we do, what we do!

2011-02-16T13:39:00.000+05:30

Hungry Hogs might seem like just another place to get awesome food. A refreshing, new brand in fast food. A place you can just chill out and have a good time with your friends.

But for us, it’s much more (like that’s not obvious enough.) To quote and then paraphrase the infamous Jerry Maguire, “You don’t know what it’s like to be US for you, it is an up at noon, pride swallowing siege that I will never tell you about.”

Just kidding people… Being a part of Hungry Hogs is one of the most awesome-est feelings in the world.

When you dine at a restaurant or visit a place, do you ever wonder if there exists a story to the place? In all probability, it’s your boring; let’s make some money kind of story.

But there are those places where you walk in and you can tell there is some history to this place, like the place isn’t just bricks and concrete.

Character I guess is the word I am looking for. Lot’s of places have said character.

Now my definition of character is a marking or a scarring or some sort of physical change or erosion that occurs in a thing and leaves behind an irrevocable mark giving it a distinguishing feature; something that stands out and makes said something easier to remember or if I dare say. Memorable!

Like the Purple Haze on Residency Road, or Qwiky’s in Koramangala (before it became Jimi’s). Like Pecos back in the day. (Either I’m really old or back in the day was almost as far back as I can remember.) Like your local pani puri wala or chaat wala. All these places have it.

(OK, they might seem like bad examples so early on into the piece, but read on and then maybe you’ll get my drift.)

You probably know ours, what with all our newspaper articles conveniently set out for all the world to see (under our table on facebook and the like)

Don't judge us by the photograph! :D

Before this inane rambling continues, the point I’m getting to is, we blog, so that you, dear reader, know that there is a method to our madness, unlike a publicity tool where a million pop ups and status updates translate to how hep and new age we are (And by saying hep and new age, I think we just lost half our readership. It’s ok. Someone else might take your place. Fingers crossed. Please don’t go!!!)

We’d like you to know who we are and what we do, inside out. (Which co-incidentally is an awesome book for Pink Floyd fans.)

On a different tangent. We have been toiling away behind the scenes to bring Hungry Hogs to more and more of you lovely Bangaloreans out there. (It sucks that they can’t all come down to Koramangla.)

Don’t worry my pets. We’ve heard the pleas and we’re going to make sure there’s a lot more place for you guys to sit. Rest assured, we got the kind of place in mind where you can feel even more at home.

As far as the where question goes. We follow the old real estate adage of “Location! Location! Location!” Which pretty much translates to a wider coverage area to satiate Bangalore’s hot dog craving.

We don’t know if you know but, we are officially in a tie-in with the greatest gift to gaming Dell could come up with, Alienware.

And as they set up to host India’s first Call of Duty: Black Ops gaming tournament, we are going to be right there beside them fueling and energizing the eager mercs and commandos who will fight for glory and the top prize.

(On a side note: Apparently COD: Black Ops hasn’t officially been released in our fair country {Sorry state of affairs, methinks} and neither has it’s predecessor Modern Warfare 2 which I admit is one of the finest games I have ever played. Black Ops. Not so much. But that’s just me. CITATION NEEDED.)

So yeah. It is a big step. The world’s first and only, official ALL ALIENWARE gaming store has chosen yours truly, Bangalore’s finest HOT DOG brand as their official caterers.

Another feather in our cap? We’d like to think so. And the only way we’ve been able to achieve this is because of you guys.

Every time you come down to our Diner, eat our hot dog, tell your friends and bring them down. Every time you think of Hungry Hogs, we grow. As a company, as friends, as a family and as individuals.

Which brings me back to the up at noon, pride swallowing quote. (See I’m not always random.) The only reason we open up everyday is cause of you guys. The love you’ve given us, even if it might just seem as characterless and coming in, sitting down and eating a hot dog. Your support creates history for us. Builds our character.

Who would’ve thought that history is symbiotic? You create memories with your friends and in turn history is created for us.

And before you think all this lavish praise and thanks is to get you to come back for more. Don’t worry we prefer to let our hot dogs do ze talking.

This is my 868^th word. And all of a sudden I’m feeling like I’m writing one of those high school essays like “What was your most significant emotional moment.” And on that note. I stop.

As always,

World's On Fire

2011-02-08T16:14:00.000+05:30

When Jack Black said, “ One great rock show can change the world!” It was a lesson I took extremely seriously.

But what happened at the Invasion festival a couple of weeks ago brought in a whole new perspective to the adage.

One of the greatest perks of working at Hungry Hogs is finding a way to weasel into the food stalls at some of the biggest concerts and festivals around.

This time around, we skillfully maneuvered our way around the red tape (read incessant phone call making and harrowing the organizers and such.)

So yeah! Yours truly catered to the hungry masses at the Invasion music festival at Palace Grounds.

Me being a HUGE (no pun intended) Prodigy and Pendulum fan couldn’t contain my excitement. (Which my therapist tells me isn’t a very good thing. Kidding. I doesn't need therapy.) I was planning on playing hooky from work and going for the concert myself anyway, but as the fates would have it, our illustrious partners saw it more of a money making venture than a chance to have fun and set down the ground work of setting up a stall there.

Let me just come out and vent about this one thing that’s been on my mind since that day. We weren’t allowed to carry our kit or a gas cylinder for B S security reasons. We were pretty much left between a rock and a really high place with no sight of how far the hard place below us was.

So we packed off to the nearest appliances store and got ourselves an electric burner. For the uninitiated, it’s what we call a hot-plate these days. With absolutely no idea how well we’d work with our less than perfect surrogate kit; I closed my eyes and prayed for a miracle. (An uphill battle of wills and principles for an agnostic I might add.)

The day finally came and amidst the chaos of preparation and a deluge of orders at the diner we set out, late, tired and antsy to get started.

Whatever mental maths we learned in school, we tried to apply in our given situation. The factors being the surging crowds we served at strawberry fields and our exponential expectations of the crowd we were gonna face.

Turns out our math is only as good as our accounting skills.

Prodigy was pretty insane. The opening acts did their best to rile up the crowd, playing some pretty good Drum ‘n’ Bass. The kind of music I have only recently become a big fan of and didn’t know was so popular in our fair city.

The crowd was actually very sparse, nothing like the turnout of a concert this awesome should have been. The beverage counter (Non-veg drinks) was strategically located right across our stall.

Though the alcohol was flowing all night, there weren’t too many nefarious characters around. (My ex was one of them =>)

When prodigy came on. We lost it. They opened with their new track ‘World’s On Fire,’ and for the first couple of seconds we were oblivious to all the people standing around us clamoring for their hot dogs.

They played an amazing set and totally blew the meager crowd away. When the show was over, the cops jumped into action herding and shooing the stragglers away, even harassing the few customers that were trying to get their last few hot dogs.

Once everything was over and the people were gone. Liam Howlett; keyboardist, mastermind and overall awesome guy of Prodigy came around and surveyed the land. I walked up to him and shook his hand, whacked the set list from an organizer acquaintance and got his autograph on it. (anyone who wants to buy it off me is more than welcome to make an offer)

It was by far one of the most greatest moments I have ever had as part of this team.

Invasion aside, January was a great month, with more and more people walking in through the doors of our diners. (read as KA CHING!!!)

Recently Dale Boone, World Champion Professional Eater and WLOCE legend came by. Here are the (embellished and overly dramatized) excerpts from the conversation.

Dale: I hear Ya’ll have competition for me.

Us: Yeah. His name is Satyan. Satyan Kotekar. He is our reigning champion right now.

Dale: Not for long. How many did he eat?

Us: 8 Monster Say Cheese in under an hour.

Dale: (scoffs) Am I supposed to be impressed?

Us: Ummm. I don’t know. Are you?

Dale: This town ain’t big enough for the both of us. I’m gonna do 15 monsters in 15 minutes.

A part of us wanted to scoff, but seeing this man demolish food on youtube has us second guessing our selves.

Us: Ok. If you say so.

So he comes down a few days ago and asks us to fire up the stoves. It was show time.

A small crowd has gathered around and it’s republic day. Dale looks out at the crowd and asks them to cheer one

Dale: Every time I finish up a dog, you guys shout, “Jai Ho!”

The crowd agrees and the man starts.

The first one vanishes and the crown chants Jai Ho.

He grabs two and downs them, the astonished crowd chants again.

And one after the other, he gets a Jai Ho.

At around the seventh minute, he’s broken Satyan’s record. I feel really bad for Satyan.

The man is till going strong but there are beads of perspiration forming on his brow.

The monsters seem to getting the better of him. But the crowd’s right there cheering him on. And he’s doing everything he can to not disappoint them.

But the 12^th monster is a fickle one. It stops Dale right in his tracks.

You need to understand that 10 monsters is a whole kilo of chicken. How much can one man take.

Dale Boone is now the new record holder. 12 Monster hot dogs in 15 minutes.

Here's the record breaking footage

Well, that is pretty much all that happened this past few days. It has been a great month and the Hogs family grows stronger and stronger.

A big shout out to all those who have been a part of this awesome ride that was January.

Keep coming back to know what’s been happening at your favorite hot dog destination in Bangalore.

Peace, Love and Hot Dogs.

Long overdue recap!

2011-01-16T15:49:00.000+05:30

We are guilty!
It is not something we would like to admit, but when the shoe fits, we've got to wear it.

We are guilty of ignoring our millions of millions of blog visitors. (Wait! That can't be right! Millions?)

So in an honest bid to keep you guys updated on the goings on at the zaniest, awesomest, hot dog joint in town, we guarantee a twice a month update at the least.

But since this is the first post of the New Year. Let's recap the events that brought the old year to a close.

The greatest highlight for November was our live gig at Strawberry Fields. The music was awesome, the crowd, hungrier than ever and our spirits were high.

Every day, the challenge of feeding the masses seemed greater and greater. With new hurdles and complex situations coming up, we were forced to adapt!

Who are we kidding. Not to blow our own trumpet; (hard not to) working at fests have become somewhat of a learned involuntary action for us. One of us mans the pans, the other the prep station table and it is at that precise moment when our minds sync up, neural synapses start and end the exact way; but in two different bodies. (Strictly in the heterosexual way!)

Needless to say. It was an amazing experience and we thank the entire NLS family for making it so.

To give our patrons a little something something or their continued and loyal erm... Patronage; we came up with a number of combos you can order. Though it didn't have many takers, it is a tradition hat started during Diwali and it is one we hope to carry on whenever festivities abound.

Also new at the diner are a number of signs and quips that are fast becoming quotable quotes by some of our illustrious younger patrons. And if you ever come across anyone who uses the word "endo" throughout a conversation, you can be assured they've heard it here.

The diner is fast becoming a world of it's own. Budding anthropologists can soon base research papers on the customs and behavioral traits of the Hungry Hogger. We make no bones about it. We have officially paved the way for Gen-HH!

The next big event on the December Calendar was the hotdog eating competition.

As the fates would have it, the day before the competition, we were visited by an innocuous person. White of skin and blessed of girth. This jovial man walked into the diner and gave it a discerning once over. He looks up at us and asks us for 9 Say Cheese. (Chesses? Cheesi?). Monsters none the less.

In record time; this culinary Jedi knight demolishes his foe and smiles.

"The name's Dale Boone."

We look at him perplexed. The name rings a bell. But the bell chimes far far away; lost in the depths of our mind.

He flashes the embroidered logo of the WLOCE (World League of Competitive Eating) on his cap. It's still greek to us. So he goes and officiates his presence and whip out his business card.

Like a bolt of lightning; we realize our ignorance. The big-daddy of competitive hot dog eating the world over is standing right in front of us; at our humble little diner nevertheless!

There's nothing like the feeling of having someone of his stature talk to us and appreciate the efforts we've put behind Hungry Hogs. But Mr. Boone has definitely added a well deserved dose of gasoline to the fires within us. Thanks BOSS!

Onto the competition itself. Maybe the timing was off or our efforts in promoting the event was lackluster, but for the lack of a better phrase. It Tanked.

The coveted prize had just four contenders unlike the last time.

But our "Vijetha" needs to be applauded. Satyan Kotekar demolished 8 monsters in an hour. Though the time limit might seem liberal. It is a feat nonetheless.

Those of you who may think otherwise, are more than welcome in slugging it out in ROUND 2 in a couple of months.

Our 'Vijetha' Satyan Kotekar

The other highlight was the prestigious Burrp certification we received mid December. Our equivalent of an Oscar; or a Golden Globe at least. We were certified "Best Speciality Hot Dogs 2010" an honor we accept and uphold with the utmost pride.

Plus we are almost convinced it's a good line to open with to get the womenfolk interested. (You think???)

Apart from that. We had a pretty good Christmas and a WMD sized blast of the new year and from the last few days; it seems like it's gonna be a good year.

From all of us at Hungry Hogs, we wish you a great new year ahead.

And keep on reading.

P.S: We got a new viral thing we're dying to show you. Hope it comes out sooner than later.

A hundred hands

2010-11-27T20:29:00.000+05:30

This week was slightly toned down when compared to last week, but it was still a good one!

We had a stall at A Hundred Hands handicrafts bazaar. It was interesting mix of stuff and initially we were a little apprehensive about whether our hot dogs would sell, but yes they did sell!
Especially thanks to one ardent little fan Raoul. Over the two days that we were at A Hundred Hands he ate approximately 15 hot dogs in all (no onions and no jalapenos!!!) :)

Raoul and his 9th Say Cheese!!!

On Friday we woke up to a nice surprise! We were featured in The Hindu's, Metro Plus supplement.
So a big thank you to Marianne De Nazareth for her support and appreciation.

In case you missed the article here it is.

The Hindu - Metro Plus

Besides this the week wasn't too eventful, hopefully the next will be exciting again!
It's the beginning of the final month of the year so we're hoping the festive season kicks everything in to high gear!!!

Until next week,

PEACE LOVE AND HOT DOGS!

fests Fests FESTS!

2010-11-25T19:40:00.000+05:30

It's safe to say that the past two weeks were INSANE... And that's putting it mildly.
We were at Strawberry Fields (NLS) for five days straight and then at Expressions (FAPS) for two.
Considerably different age groups, wouldn't you agree, but we didn't see any change in the love and support they brought.
Not to mention our diner was filled to the brim and even more so all thanks to a fabulous review by Christobelle Joseph in the Bangalore Mirror.
If you missed it here it is.

Interestingly her review came out on our first day at Expressions!
We barely drove in through the FAPS school gates and our stall (which wasn't set up yet) was PACKED. We'd like to think all those kids were so excited because they read the papers that morning, it's amazing the effect the media has (we like every bit of it).
So that's a recap for the two weeks gone by, it's been crazy crazy weeks. This week we're at 'A Hundred Hands' bazaar. So if your in the center of town come on by and if you're not in the neighborhood... Make sure are!

Peace love and hot dogs!

Rained out!

2010-11-13T09:41:00.000+05:30

Last Sunday was the Little Sisters of the Poor mini fete and as part of our corporate social responsibility we decided to sell some hot dogs for them and donate all the proceedings from the sale. Little did we know Bangalore's weather had other plans.
The morning began, dull and over cast, but like it had been for the past few days we assumed the gloom would step aside for some bright sunshine. Wishful thinking! The gloom got worse and by 11AM the clouds had given way to a steady drizzle...we still had hope, a steady drizzle wasn't so bad, right?... that's what we thought too!
We were scheduled to set up our stall at 12PM and by the time we got to the old age home, the crowd had thinned and it looked like our hot dogs probably wouldn't sell, nonetheless we set up the stall and waited for our customers. Barely 5minutes in and we had two customers who bought 10 hot dogs, we were amazed and pretty darn glad, but then the rain got worse and our tent began to leak!!!!
By this time we noticed there was almost no one walking around, so we made a few hot dogs packed them into a cardboard box and decided to go inside the building and hand out the hot dogs to the 'young' boarders. As we stepped on to the corridors it was like we stepped in to a whole new world, stalls had been shifted inside, there were people calling out to customers, old timers were getting their groove on, some hopefuls trying to win themselves a car and then some, the air was festive and the weather had nothing to do with it.
We placed ourselves on the corridor with our box of hot dogs and in less than an hour all our hot dogs were over!!!! Yes, we managed to sell every single one!
Freezing but happy with the sale we finally packed up and headed back to the diner, it was and interesting afternoon, just the way we like it!

Hungry Hogs Hallow’ Eve

2010-10-30T20:13:00.000+05:30

It’s been a few long weeks ever since we had the last blowout at the
diner. And with Halloween tomorrow, we just couldn’t help but decide
to celebrate it the proper way.

The Hungry Hogs Hallow’ Eve celebration kicks off at the diner
tomorrow. Urging all you Hogs to come geared up and dressed in the
most outrageous, wacky, original and fun costumes to enjoy your
favorite hot dogs.

Also try our new line up of fries and onions rings with your hotdogs,
a first at Hungry Hogs.

And the unveiling of a long waited new hotdog. The only way you’re
gonna find out what it is, is if you try it out for yourself.

So grab your friends, family and loved ones and be sure they all come
dressed up in true Halloween fashion. The lucky winner can rack up a
king size meal at the diner, the coming week.

Remember. The wackier the outfit, the better. So plan ahead and come
on down to Hungry Hogs, Your favorite hot dog destination.

Peace, love and hot dogs!

Peace, Love & Hot Dogs

2010-10-23T17:17:00.000+05:30

Finally!! after over a year we've decided a blog was in order.
There's so much happening at our diner that needs to be put out there.
To begin with we turned one (yes, it's been a whole year!!!) We can't believe it ourselves, time has really flown by and it's also been good to us. From just catering, to home delivery it all started in the apartment and now we have our very own diner! So much excitement surrounded the launch and there was so much happening during the week but we survived! *phew*
It's now a little over a month since we opened the diner and well, we can't complain in the least (except maybe for the fact that we need to HIRE HIRE HIRE!!!)
This has proven to be the biggest thorn in our side, but we still manage to find a way to survive!
There's been new additions to the menu, a whole lot of events, a load of media coverage, milestones being crossed, records being broken but most importantly we see a growing fan base and that's really what counts for us at the end of the day.