No, NOT World of Warcraft

Wieners of Waterton. With a name like that the business almost needs no further explanation. But you know us, we just can't help ourselves.

We found ourselves in Waterton this past weekend to celebrate the wedding of Jessica's brother, Gabriel. How romantic: a small, simple service beside Waterton Lake, no wind, slightly overcast (perfect for pictures), and a young couple in love. And yet, what had us, I dare say, almost as excited during this blessed event? The promise of a wedding lunch at Wieners of Waterton.

Sure, Waterton has an abundance of independent restauranteurs, but this special business needs to be highlighted partly for it's terrific food and service, and partly because of the horrifying Subway located right next door! Honestly, people, Subway? Choose WoW!

At around 11:30 am the roughly 20 people that formed the Olsen/Snyder wedding party descended on this tiny eatery. Fortunately we were just ahead of the lunch rush. That didn't stop a half dozen kids from trying to obstinately cram themselves into the place a few minutes later. Honestly, kids, read a situation! Those poor suckers had to wait.

Sorting out the orders for the crowds was a little confusing at first (this was our fault - we should have had a written list) but the two guys and girl behind the counter were calm and organized and sorted us out with great skill. As soon as the dogs were ordered and on the grill the sweet potato fries started coming thick and fast.

A word about these fries. It is hard not to run into a person who claims to have had the "best" sweet potato fries "ever" at any one of a dozen different establishments - none of which have sweet potato fries that I would be happy to serve our dog (if we had one). We can, with great surety proclaim that these fries are, in fact, the best sweet potato fries you will ever eat!!! Heck, the best fries in general. They are so crispy and sweet - no sogginess to be seen or hinted at - and just the right amount of salt, totally nowhere near over salted. They come with your choice of a selection of delicious dips. We won't go into the dips here, but we recommend the rosemary parmesan. The wasabi ginger was also very fine.

In terms of hot dogs you can choose from ye olde traditional 1/4 lb. wiener or locally made sausages or smokies. There are kids' hot dogs, too, and they are nothing to sneeze at. The dogs come in a soft bun with a delicately crusty outside (so important), and your choice of about 9 different toppings. Jess and I chose Special Sauce (every restaurant should have a "special sauce"), deli mustard (grainy), sauerkraut and banana peppers. Perfection. The toppings we did not choose (onions, dill pickle, potato chips, etc...) continue to call us back, tempting us to try another dog.

A big bonus - drinks are included in the price of the hot dog.

Even with the price of park admission this place is worth it. We will be back as soon as we can.

In other news: a big, and we mean BIG, shout out to our non-regularly-meeting-but-well-intentioned dinner club. We feasted this past Sunday on:

1. Francesco's Mussel Soup and baguette
2. Alex's Buttery, Garlicky Shrimp; Tomatoes Stuffed with Goat Cheese, Garnished with Roasted Peppers and Fresh Basil; and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
3. Sheriann's Spicy, Fruity, Summer Salad; Green Beans and Bacon (hmmm, what could make beans better, I know...); and Delicious Organic Lemon and Limeades
4. Francesco and Sarah's Tiramisu
5. Adam's Peach Cobbler (to round out the evening, because, you know, we didn't have enough food)

All we can say is that everything was so amazing we couldn't really pick out a winner - and for us that's tough. Thank you, our dear foodie friends!