If you've ever watched Nathan's International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest and thought, what a bunch of lightweights -- well, time to put your hot dogs where your mouth is.

City Dogs, the specialty hot dog restaurant at 1316 E. Cary St. that opened about two months ago, is observing the kickoff of NFL season with a hot dog eating contest Sept. 4.

At halftime during the Washington Redskins-New York Giants game, tables will be cleared, and contestants will have 10 minutes to choke down as many dogs as possible.

First place will be tickets to shows at Toad's Place, and City Dogs owner Travis Irby says there will likely be a second place prize of a gift certificate to his restaurant.

While City Dogs serves intriguing-sounding hamburgers such as a Cheesy Western (on Texas toast) and an Alamo burger (jalapeños and homemade cole slaw), along with Carolina pulled barbecue, chicken sandwiches and Philly cheese steaks -- the draw here is, obviously, the dogs.

Irby has cooked up 11 different styles of dog based on its city of origin.

Example: The Chicago dog is served on a poppy seed bun with pickles, onions, tomato, Sport peppers and, says Irby, "a real neon green relish that I order directly from Illinois."

Also on the menu is a Philly dog (provolone, peppers, onions and mayo), a Santa Fe dog (cheese, homemade salsa and crushed tortilla chips) and, of course, a Richmond dog (chili, mustard and onions).

For details about the contest, which will be capped at about 20 participants, call (804) 343-3647.

. . .

Melted ice: The much-ballyhooed Infuzion, the ice bar/dance club/bistro at 1401 Roseneath Road, north of West Broad Street, has closed. A sign at the door says "closed until further notice" as of Aug. 13.

The 300-square-foot ice bar inside Infuzion-- regarded as the first-ever permanent version of its kind -- opened in February, which might have been part of the problem. Why pay to put on a parka when you have to wear one, anyway?

. . .

Dip stick: The Fondue Fanatic Restaurant at The Shoppes at Bellgrade will hold a "Notte di Amore" from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 9. The meal includes an Italian meatball fondue (dipping baguettes and meatballs into Swiss cheese and then marinara sauce) and a bottle of wine for $50 per couple.

Visit www.fonduefanatic.com or call (804) 423-6783 to make reservations.

. . .

Need a job? Red Robin is hiring. The newest area location of the gourmet burger chain, set to open at the end of September in Chesterfield Towne Center mall, is looking for about 100 employees to work in the 5,513-square-foot restaurant.

Those interested in applying can inquire at the new location, or call the Red Robin recruitment line at (804) 959-5461.