Food Review Primo's Gourmet Hotdogs

Tom Goodhand tries out some innovative Leeds fast food

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Food Review: Primo's Gourmet Hotdogs

The concept is a relatively simple one. Everyone likes hotdogs, but feels a bit dirty after eating those cheap canned things – who knows what on earth constitutes the meat in them? So, the team behind Primo’s Gourmet Hotdogs did the smart thing – they decided to make hotdogs only with quality sausages (no less than 86% meat). Much like Gourmet Burger Kitchen reclaimed the burger from the McDonald’s and Burger Kings of the world, so we hope Primo’s might start doing the same with the dog.

We went down to review Primo’s and discovered that while their diner-cum-takeaway names itself after its ‘gourmet hotdog’, they actually offer a whole lot more. New York bagels, salads, artisan ice cream, luscious thick shakes and fruity smoothies. And breakfasts of porridge and pancakes. Oh, and perhaps most impressive of all, really good coffee.

And we’re not just saying that. Before Primo’s had even served their first warm beverage, their coffee blend (quite delicate, soft and creamy, since you ask) had already managed to be the highest scoring espresso blend at the UK Barista Awards 2009. Not bad, huh?

Obviously though, we were going to order a hotdog – the clue’s in the name of the place. Between two of us we took on their Mexicana (beef frankfurter, Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and jalapeños) and a Big Easy (Lincolnshire pork sausage, crumbled blue cheese, crispy bacon and pine nuts) – each at £3.85. Plus, being greedy we shared a portion of French fries and some West Virginia coleslaw (£1.30 each). And we clearly had to try the coffee, so we got a pair of great cappuccinos to boot (a very impressive £1.90 a pop). The coffees turn out to be huge, immaculately presented and taste as good as an award winning coffee blend should. So far, so good. A brief wait later and our hotdogs and sides turn up.

The dogs themselves are massive, piled high with toppings and prove quiet difficult to eat – which is all part of the fun. My Mexicana is nicely spiced, with a great meaty sausage, while my co-diner is impressed with the quality of ingredients that make up his Big Easy. Our sides are just as good, the coleslaw chunky and well seasoned and the fries crisp, salty and a perfect accompaniment to the dogs. Had we resisted the ‘slaw and fries, one of the great range of artisan ice creams might have been tempting, but as it was, the dog itself was filling enough for a lunch break.

As the Corn Exchange grows and redevelops, we expect to see Primo’s putting itself on the map for weekday lunchtime treats (and perhaps as an excellent stomach liner on a weekend). The ‘gourmet’ in their name isn’t just wishful thinking, they well deserve it.

Posted on Wednesday 18th August 2010

Primo's Gourmet Hotdogs

Unit 12a/b, The Corn Exchange, 1 Crown Street, Leeds, LS2 7DA

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