Culinary caboose

For a fun twist on a classic summer treat, stop by The Hot Dog Caboose in Midland Park (201-444-2531; www.hotdogcaboose.com) - a genuine train caboose parked off Greenwood Avenue.

For a fun twist on a classic summer treat, stop by The Hot Dog Caboose in Midland Park (201-444-2531; www.hotdogcaboose.com) – a genuine train caboose parked off Greenwood Avenue.

"The food, the friendly service and the nostalgia of the 100-year-old caboose attract people," says owner Kathie Lane. When her husband, Roger, first saw the caboose, he had the notion it would make a great hot-dog stand-then one day he noticed it was for rent. With business partners Brian and Carol Laube, the Lanes seized the opportunity and spruced up the caboose. In 2006, their unconventional stand opened its windows for business.

Besides the standard hot dog ($1.89), the menu includes five "Specialty Dogs" ($2.50), among them the "Italian Dog" (with potatoes, peppers and onions), the "Reuben Dog" (Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing) and the "Taco Dog" (with chili, crushed corn chips, cheese and jalapeños), which Lane touts as their bestseller.

The Caboose also offers sausage, soup and ice cream, plus chili and "Frito Pie"-Fritos topped with chili, chopped raw onion and shredded cheddar cheese. "They have super hot dogs-and delicious chili," says Lori James of Wyckoff. "Everything they have there is good."