| Jackie Sayet |
| Nothing's fishy about Ray Trout's dogs |
Ray Trout is owner of Sun, Cloud & Rain Hot Dog Stand.
"I realized after I named it, that I'd have to be out here no matter what," he says.
It's a hearty commitment, but Ray looks the part. His sombrero shades a face that's beet red, like he was born with a sunburn.
| Jackie Sayet |
| Dog, it's a pleasure to introduce you to blue cheese mustard |
| Jackie Sayet |
| This dog bites back |
Flanked by friends at the flower shop in the lot behind, Trout started vending two weeks ago. It's rained five times since then - five times that he's stayed put for customers who know he'll be there. The first week, he explains, business was great. It dropped off a little during week two, but is now picking up again. "I'm getting some regulars now."
| Jackie Sayet |
| Three's a crowd |
Born and raised in Wynwood, this hot dog artist is appropriately just that, an artist. Trout works with found objects for outdoor installations when he's not busy running the Sun, Cloud & Rain stand. He apologizes for the makeshift sign. "[The cart's] in the process of being painted."
| Jackie Sayet |
| Stand and soon to offer delivery |
He shares with me his vision for a neighborhood art fair inhabiting this block, where he and other emerging artists can display their work and engage with the community. It's akin to the grandiose plans of area developers, but lacking the commercial artifice. With Trout, it's grass roots and real, like a metaphor for his own life.
'It's time for this area to blossom," he reflects. "It's been down and out. You know, we have troubles as kids, and we find a way to make things right for ourselves."
Ray Trout, you're on your way.
Sun, Cloud & Rain
The corner of N.E. 2nd Ave. and 17th St., Wynwood
Rain or shine, Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and most Sundays (same hours)
