Steve Marshel has a deep respect for history.
Marchelle is the owner of Water Dog Smoke House in Ventnor, New Jersey.
For example, in the past, Marchelle introduced “The Loose,” a direct homage to Ventnor’s legendary Loose restaurant.
Marchelle’s “The Lou’s” is a recreation of the corned beef sandwich from “Lou’s Restaurant” stacked high. It rivals any version you can find in delicatessens in New York and other major cities.
Now, Marchelle is back to her childhood again and the closest thing she’s ever seen in 2024 is back to the iconic Lenny’s Hot Dogs at Washington Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Margate. It’s right next to Lucy the Elephant.
Yesterday, we spoke to Marcel about his latest menu.
I’m always drawn to the foods of my bygone youth. A time before the internet and cell phones, when days were filled with adventure in the fields and beaches on bicycles, when parents allowed their children to go outside without the fear they experience today. Marchelle said no food brought her more freedom and fun than when she and her friends hung out at Lenny’s Hot Dogs in Margate in the mid-1970s.
Marchelle vividly remembers a bike ride with her friend Al in the summer of 1975.
“After we finish the ball game at Jerome Avenue Senior League Field. Still in our uniforms, we go to Stewart’s at Douglas and Bentnor to see if there are any girls hanging out. It was pretty quiet so I headed to Lenny’s Hot Dogs at Washington & Atlantic to get some postgame food and check out the scene,” Marchel said.
Marcel continued…
“Al got two of Lenny’s dog ‘surf and turf’ mashed with Mrs. Smith’s fishcakes. (He loved the combination!) | Choose a pair of dogs with mustard and kraut. We both asked for extra pepper hash. Pepper hash is Lenny’s famous condiment made with shredded cabbage and pepper in a sweet and sour base. It’s the best condiment I’ve ever had to top my dog with,” Marchelle said.
Water Dog now features Pepper Hash, which Marchel says is reminiscent of Lenny’s Hash, adding: “It’s almost the same flavor I remember riding my bike to Lenny’s in Margate in 1975. It’s hard to tell the difference,” Marchel said.
The Water Dog version is a beef sublet hot dog topped with Düsseldorf mustard and pepper hash. Or enjoy it any other way you like.
Marchelle promises to transport you back to the atmosphere of “Lenny’s Hot Dogs” circa 1975.
thank you.
Just below, see a photo gallery of amazing seafood items submitted by our readers, on-air listeners, friends and family gourmet members.
Source: Steve Marchel, The Water Dog Smoke House.
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