Ch. 10 Corn Dogs

Northern Kentucky has a string of enchanting little cities along the Ohio River boasting superb architecture from bygone eras. Unique views of Cincinnati’s skyline are plentiful from their distinct vantage points in Kenton and Campbell counties. When our first cohort of Circus Mojo apprentices was ready to tour, I found it hard to swallow that two of the three teens in the van had never even been across the river to Ohio. Considering Cincinnati’s famous Carew Tower is visible from the Ludlow Theatre’s block, this was hard for me to comprehend, but it reminded me that poor kids rarely get farther than a few blocks radius. 

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“Smoked Corn Dog? Really?” Skeptical customers would inquire. Then they’d have one and then one more.  

First fried, then frozen, then smoked, and finally served with a side of chips, spicy brown mustard packets, and foil-wrapped pats of butter rounded out the offerings. The smoked corn dogs and corn grilled in the husk were not only delicious but also easy to prepare and serve. We had found another gimmick that worked. We entertained crowds under the new seating guidelines by setting up an outdoor trapeze rig. 

While hastily assembled, the menu catered to every dietary preference. It thus fulfilled the obligations of the pandemic food service industry guidelines.  

We kept it simple with only three menu items (corn dogs, dogless corn, and cornless dogs). Still, we had something for everyone: gluten-free, Kosher, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, omnivore. Every conceivable type of diner could find something suitable for consumption at Bircus.  

My pal Michael Cusumano was the head chef at the JW Marriott in Venice, a prestigious tourist destination accessible solely by boat. Italy was the first country in the EU to shut its borders and I asked him if we built a woodfired oven if he’d come to town. 

“I am a big deal, Paul. I made lasagna for Pavarotti on his 70th birthday. I’m not moving to Ludlow to make pizza,” he chuckled over the phone as I proposed my plan. 

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Michael Cusumano went home for the holidays to be with his family, uncertain what 2021 would bring. But thankfully, in 2021, he returned, and we added pasta-making classes and a monthly Circus Supper Club.