After the lackluster protest, 2 friends and I schlep on down to this tiny little place called Cyber-Dogs. It is a vegetarian hot-dog joint that offers Internet, nestled next to the Convention Center. The place is packed with charm and character. The proprietor is a friendly and hilarious Russian lady who personally greets every customer like she's welcoming them into her home.
As we enter, Edith Piaf warbles on the stereo, and The Wizard of Oz plays on a television. There is an ancient, but operational, tetris machine that also serves as a table. There are photos and posters of people like Tom Waits, John Lennon, and Audrey Hepburn covering the walls.
One of my friends has come here to get a job. She chats casually with the owner, and it's like they are old friends. I order a hotdog, some kind of creation called a "Greek Goddess". When it arrives, the hotdog is not visible, covered in delicious humus and other toppings. It's really like "Humus with a hint of hotdog". The owner says she has a song to go with each hotdog on the menu. The one she plays for mine is "Hey, Good Lookin'" by Hank Williams.
At one point, a man enters the shop and tries to interest the owner in selling some kind of all natural gummy candy snacks. She examines them, then my friend notices an ingredient that is derived from horse hooves. A quick conversation about vegetarianism ensues, ending with the salesman saying this: "What's wrong with eating meat? In the Bible, it says its okay to eat meat." My friend and I exchange a look and the man leaves, but not before saying, "Have a blessed day!" This illicits chuckles.
The hospitality and atmosphere of the place make me feel like Rick Steves, as he will often find some little eatery in a small European village that has the character and humbleness of a family dining room. Cyber-Dogs is a great little establishment with delicious food and warmly friendly staff.
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