M.A.'s Gourmet Dogs

On a recent Friday, the lunchtime line at M.A.'s Gourmet Dogs sidewalk cart stretched 15 people deep, filled with regulars looking for an early spring fix. Like salmon -- and tourists -- the arrival of Michael Anderson's cart on 4th Avenue and F Street helps mark the beginning of the summer season in Anchorage.

People may come for the grub -- polish and reindeer dogs -- but they come back for the attitude.

Onions are encouraged, and Rules of Engagement are posted on the stand. The first rule? "Absolutely no cellphones are to be used while ordering your dog." A word to the wise: though the other rules serve as banter fodder (you don't have to exchange a courteous hello) the first one is enforced.

It's a hot dog stand, so don't go looking for a vast selection, but Anderson is happy to cater to the herbavores out there:

"I have veggie dogs. Onions on a bun."

Contact Stephen Nowers at stephen(at)alaskadispatch.com.