QUEENS — The dog days are not over in Kew Gardens.
A new food cart, on the south side of Queens Boulevard at Union Turnpike, now serves up hot dogs with unique toppings, like mango relish, kimchi, and macaroni and cheese, in addition to the more traditional sauerkraut, onions, and chili.
“It’s a New York hot dog cart with international offerings,” said Chris Engevik, 47, a Kew Gardens chef, who recently decided to run his own food stand in the neighborhood.
Last month, he bought a cart that he named "Frankie" — after franks he was going to sell — and decided to go for hot dogs made by Hebrew National instead of Sabrett.
"I just wanted to offer something different," said Engevik who also cooks hot dogs on the grill instead of boiling them.
Engevik, who has lived in Kew Gardens for about a decade, said he came up with the toppings based on his experience gained during various street fairs and his observations about local residents and their taste in food.
Since his soft opening last week, mango relish and kimchi have been the most popular toppings, he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Chris Engevik
Hot dogs with just ketchup and mustard are $2, those with a topping are $3.
Engevik also offers hot sausages for $3, pretzels from SuperPretzel for $2, and knishes from Gabila’s for $3.
Customers can also order knishes stuffed with mac and cheese or chili.
Engevik, who has worked for the restaurant industry for more than three decades, most recently as a chef for several catering companies, said he was ready to open his own business.
“I just want to work for myself,” he said.
He picked the busy Kew Gardens corner because he lives in the neighborhood, but also because it's close to the Union Turnpike subway station and Queens Borough Hall. A courthouse, college and federal building are also nearby.
The cart is open six days a week on Monday through Saturday, usually from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. or longer, depending on how busy it is.
If the business goes well, he and his partner will consider opening a brick-and-mortar eatery in the neighborhood, most likely offering Indian food, he said.
