I can probably count on one hand the number of times in my life some place or experience has exceeded my expectations. I can now add Van’s Frozen Custard and Burgers to that list. Housed in a remodeled Standard Oil gas station that dates back to 1927, Van’s is the creation of Tulane graduate Chad… Continue reading Vans Frozen Custard – East Dundee, IL
Reggios Frozen Pizza Review
I’ve written about Reggio’s before; this one, and competitor Home Run Inn (HRI), were both born in Chicago pizzerias, 40-50 years ago. The companies are still in the restaurant business, and do a good business making frozen pies for regional distribution and nationwide shipping direct to enthusiasts. I’d venture a guess that these two pies… Continue reading Reggios Frozen Pizza Review
Pastrami Dip Recipe
I first heard of, and experienced the “pastrami dip” at a West Los Angeles icon, Johnnie’s Pastrami, on Sepulveda near the Culver City border. It’s a favorite corner of mine, also home to “Cinco de Mayo” (formerly Lucy’s #2) a Los Angeles style Mexican fast food stand open all night. I used to sit there… Continue reading Pastrami Dip Recipe
Charleys Pride Roast Beef Review
My final installment in checking out the beef products in the deli counter at Wal Mart. Most stores that I have been into seem to carry four brands of beef products; their house brand, “Prima Della,” (review) Sara Lee, Hormel, (review) and “Charley’s Pride.” The latter three are not very well represented, the house brand… Continue reading Charleys Pride Roast Beef Review
Why the Communication Break Between the Public and American Fast Food Companies?
I admit, I’m not understanding the apparent disconnect between consumers and the major fast food companies. Anecdotally, it would appear that the American public has become more interested in “healthier options” as well as knowledge of the source of their foods. One could surmise this not only from media reports, but also from the apparent… Continue reading Why the Communication Break Between the Public and American Fast Food Companies?
Private Equity Could Use a Little Disruption
Lazy Cash Flow I didn’t go to B school. I was far too eager to “get out and start doing it,” building businesses, doing deals. I don’t think I missed anything with that decision, and as I sometimes contemplated returning to school during my career, I’m pretty sure I would have ended up like Rodney… Continue reading Private Equity Could Use a Little Disruption
Home Cookin’ – Lasagna Recipe
I don’t remember the last time I made lasagna at home….it’s been years. During the reign of the late Mrs BurgerDogBoy, the dish was pretty much her purview. Before she set out to actually try and kill me, she messed with me once by trying to sneak turkey Italian sausage past me in the dish,… Continue reading Home Cookin’ – Lasagna Recipe
Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest 2015 Results
At the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island, New York, Miki Sudo took the top women’s slot for the 2nd year running, with 38 dogs downed, leaving the Black Widow behind (but not her previous record). In the men’s bout, eight consecutive year defending champion Joey Chestnut ( @JoeyJaws ) was in fine form… Continue reading Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest 2015 Results
Appleton Farms Ham Steak Review
I have written about a lot of Aldi products; Aldi is the global discount grocer owned by the same German family as Trader Joes. At Aldi, you won’t find many big brand names, but rather Aldi concocted brand names that are manufactured under contract to Aldi’s specifications. (Also it will cost you a quarter to… Continue reading Appleton Farms Ham Steak Review
Big Skillet Review – Elgin, IL
Another suburban Chicago breakfast, this one in the town of Elgin, far west of the city straddling the Fox River. The 8th largest city in Illinois, it was founded as a dairy center (there was a Borden factory) and home to the Elgin Watch Company, maker of timepieces big and small. It was the largest… Continue reading Big Skillet Review – Elgin, IL