If you haven’t hit Slappy Cakes in SE Portland, because you think it’s just for kids, you’ve missed one of the best breakfasts in town. Although children of all ages will enjoy the concept of making their own pancakes right at the table – choose from a type of batter and a wide… Continue reading Portland, OR – Slappy Cakes
Santa Monica, CA – Bay Cities Italian Deil
One hears a lot these days about “artisanal” foods. In the industry, the word is used to describe making foodstuffs by an artisan, in a manner or using tools to craft the products, generally in a fashion reminiscent of a time when our foods were made with care, and not produced. Lots of companies… Continue reading Santa Monica, CA – Bay Cities Italian Deil
Canoga Park, CA – Jerry’s Pizzeria
I was tooling around the San Fernando Valley the other day, looking for sustenance, when I spotted Jerry’s Pizzeria on Sherman Way. I found a parking place in the pack, and noted it was right next to a deli proclaiming they had “L.A.’s #1 sandwich.” Hmm, dilemma. As I had a scheduled lunch… Continue reading Canoga Park, CA – Jerry’s Pizzeria
Corning, CA – The Olive Pit
What does an out of business burger chain in the midwest and an olive retailer in Corning, CA have in common? Burger condiment bars par excellence! My then fiance and I used to head over to the regional chain Burger Chef on occasion – you could buy a cheap burger and load… Continue reading Corning, CA – The Olive Pit
Van Nuys, CA – Beeps
At the intersection of Sherman Way and Woodley, Beeps has served the neighborhood and burger fans since 1952. We were across the street at Toys R Us, and I snapped a pick of Beeps and tweeted it, proclaiming “alas, no time this trip.” But when Mrs Burgerdogboy and her pals exited the toy store, and saw… Continue reading Van Nuys, CA – Beeps
Duluth, MN – Va Bene
Minnesota Burger Reporter Kawikamedia and his Burger Posse checked out Va Bene during one of Duluth’s Eat Downtown promotions. Va Bene focuses on Italian home cooking, fresh ingredients, and delicacies imported from Italy; it recently celebrated its 5th annivesary. In addition to dine in, take-away, they also carry a select line of Italian groceries. The special… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Va Bene
Portland, OR – People’s Sandwich
Nestled in a corner of Old Town Portland, People’s Sandwich is dishing out some of the tastiest noshes you will find between buns. With all proteins sourced from the region, house-made chips and condiments, People’s satisfies my sammich jonesin’ frequently (3x this week). There’s a nice variety on offer, from breakfast types (fried egg and… Continue reading Portland, OR – People’s Sandwich
Legendary Birmingham Hot Dog Man Passes
Constantine Koutroulakis, known to most as Gus, was found dead Tuesday morning at his home. The previous day, the 81-year-old Koutroulakis worked his day long shift, just as he had for 63 years. He operated Pete’s Hot Dogs in Birmingham, which I visited a couple years ago. No word on the fate of the shop. … Continue reading Legendary Birmingham Hot Dog Man Passes
Home Cookin’ – Carnegie Deli Corned Beef
Arguably, Portland isn’t the easiest place to find a “good” corned beef sandwich, or even deli style corned beef. There are the usual national brands of PCF(1) briskets in stores, which I generally eschew, some unusual texture thing going on in those “meats”. And there are few local restaurants that serve ‘locavore’ produced corned beef,… Continue reading Home Cookin’ – Carnegie Deli Corned Beef
With Your Help – The Big Burger Bible
Please help us build the big burger bible of recipes – submissions welcome from individuals and restaurants. All chosen recipe submitters will receive a free e-version of the book, and author credit for the recipe! Make your recipe as specific as possible, include art or photos if you wish! Let’s do this thing! (And yes, “any”… Continue reading With Your Help – The Big Burger Bible