Next month, bubbledogs, the gourmet hot dog and Champagne bar in Fitzrovia, will celebrate the FIFA World Cup with their very own hot dog tournament inspired by the teams that make it all the way to the quarter-finals. Co-founder Sandia Chang will create eight wildly different hot dogs, inspired by the flavours of home for each national team, to coincide with the first quarter-final matches in Russia on Friday 6th July.
As the competition progresses, the teams’ hot dogs will play in a league of their own, with each one disappearing off the menu forever once that team is knocked out. Following the World Cup final on Sunday 15th July, the victorious dog will bask in the glory of staying on the menu for the rest of the month.
Of course, these teams are yet to be confirmed, but Sandia’s top contenders for the menu include: a Japanese dog with teriyaki noodles, sweet peppers and nori; a hot dog topped with spicy romesco sauce, charred green onions and toasted almonds to represent Spain; and a Germany-inspired hot dog topped with bubbledogs’ own currywurst sauce and crispy potatoes. If the hosts make it to the quarter finals, expect to see a Russian dog layered with grilled sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and melted cheese on the menu; and for those who dare to dream, perhaps even an English hot dog with homemade piccalilli, British cheddar, and crispy onions. Of course, Sandia will be on hand serving bubbledogs’ hand-picked selection of grower Champagnes, from a glass of own label Collin-Guillaume Rosé to the Jean-Marc Sélèque, Extra Brut.
“When I first moved to the UK from the States, I was taken aback by how much the Brits loved football – now I completely understand why the beautiful game is a national obsession,” says Sandia. “I’m looking forward to celebrating the World Cup in true bubbledogs style – and backing England all the way!”
