Category: Miscellany

Portland, OR – Le Bistro Montage

Portland weekend brunch….if you’ve seen the skit on Portlandia, it’s pretty dead on. Long lines, high prices, “interesting” cuisine. A lot of online reviews talk about how great Montage is, and to be prepared to wait.   We went for Saturday brunch with another couple yesterday, the wait was non-existent, there were about 8 tables… Continue reading Portland, OR – Le Bistro Montage

San Fernando, CA – Gourmet Tamale Factory

In the age of computerized cars, while many people have things like nav systems, and bluetooth, my car is pre-programmed to automatically stop at mini marts and truck stops; but with dual driver settings, when Mrs. Burgerdogboy is in the car, and we’re in Los Angeles, she switches to her settings, which means the car… Continue reading San Fernando, CA – Gourmet Tamale Factory

Irvine, CA – Yard House

1995 – A dude moves from Colorado to SoCal, decides to open a restaurant that features a LOT of beer and tunes, and the Yard House is born. Today, the chain is spread across America, and features “more draft beer than any other place,” American fusion food, and daily doses of classic rock and roll.… Continue reading Irvine, CA – Yard House

Hollywood, CA – Musso and Frank Grill

Since 1919, the sign says. Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, outlasting the other greats like the Derby and Chasens, Musso and Frank hasn’t changed much in the last 93 years – except for the prices. Name a historic Hollywood writer or literary figure and chances are, they’ve tipped a few at the bar. As for me, it’s… Continue reading Hollywood, CA – Musso and Frank Grill

New Product Test – Sneaky Salts

If there is anyone who admires people who do a start-up, it’s me.  Having been peripherally involved in dozens, I know how difficult a path it is to follow one’s dream, just like having a baby and coddling, nurturing, pushing it along to try and achieve something. When the start-up falls in the food business,… Continue reading New Product Test – Sneaky Salts

Woodland, CA – Denny’s (Diner Motif)

(Imagine the comic book guy from the Simpsons uttering……..”worst…….food……..ever…….”) My bride and I hit a Denny’s 5-6 years ago, and vowed never to return.  As vows don’t mean much to us, we ended up at this location, in the middle of nowhere the other night. The gas station next door would have been a better… Continue reading Woodland, CA – Denny’s (Diner Motif)

Napa, CA – Alexis Baking Company

At the butt crack of dawn, met retired radio superstar “Martin in the Morning” at one of his local haunts in Napa, CA, the Alexis Baking Company (ABC). We were in search of a quality breakfast, and avoided the usual Sunday crowds by being in attendance at opening bell. Martin went with his usual hotcakes, Mrs.… Continue reading Napa, CA – Alexis Baking Company

Paso Robles, CA – BBQ Fun Fest and Kids Day in the Park

We were feeling a might peckish driving down US 101 in Cali the other day, and pulled off at Paso Robles to get a bite to eat.  Mrs. BDB said “what do you feel like?” and since I am omniscient, I said “I feel like we’re going to run into a church or something having… Continue reading Paso Robles, CA – BBQ Fun Fest and Kids Day in the Park

Nationwide – Carl’s Jr. – The Six Dollar Something Burger

I remember when Carl’s first came out with this, the pitch was basically a “burger that tastes like it costs six dollars, but at a lower price,” or some such.  Apparently  that six dollar burger will cost you close to six dollars now, and in a small combo? Seven bux plus. I rolled into our… Continue reading Nationwide – Carl’s Jr. – The Six Dollar Something Burger