Category: Other

Regional Brands, Hoffy, Part 1

The Hoffman Brothers Packing Company was founded in  Southern California in the 1930s by three siblings and thrived for decades.  Hoffman produced sausages and other processed meats from their factory in Vernon, CA, and were well-regarded suppliers to grocers and restaurants around SoCal. By the late 1970s, the industry had changed significantly, and larger concerns were dominating… Continue reading Regional Brands, Hoffy, Part 1

Portland, OR – Green Wok

Joined our friends for holiday lunch at this neighborhood establishment.  It’s close to our house, and I’ve only been once before, for take out soup for Mrs. Burgerdogboy;  the Mrs. loves her soup. Green Wok is a vegetarian restaurant, and at noon offers a set price buffet as well as the regular menu.    It’s a… Continue reading Portland, OR – Green Wok

Portland, OR – Salty’s Seafood Grill

Was invited by Portland’s garden consultant extraordinaire, Sara Pool, for brunch at Salty’s on the Columbia River. We’ve wanted to hit this brunch for a long while, as it features at least three of Mrs. Burgerdogboy’s favorites – crab legs, raw oysters, and bacon! And I’m all about any place you can eat pounds of… Continue reading Portland, OR – Salty’s Seafood Grill

Totino’s Pizza & Jeno Paulucci

A tale of two different generations, a couple of empires, and the son of Italian immigrants. Jeno Paulucci died last week. The name might not mean much to you, but it should. A Northern Minnesota entrepreneur, Jeno started numerous food companies, built them up, sold them, and started some more. He was the leading citizen… Continue reading Totino’s Pizza & Jeno Paulucci

Fairview, OR – Stagecoach Saloon

Yippee kay yay, pardner!  Belly up to the bar, straddle the saddle, and be welcomed to one of the friendliest “dive bars” in the Portland area, with food all day long, and nightly specials. What constitutes a “dive bar?”  Well, according to the all knowing, all seeing, magic 8 ball Wikipedia, these days, it’s really… Continue reading Fairview, OR – Stagecoach Saloon

Reflections on Several Different Turkey Days

Our national holiday to give thanks (maybe we should do it more than once a year), is celebrated all across our country (and where Americans live worldwide).  With my turkey hangover in full force this morning, I wanted to write about a few difference experiences from this year, and in the past. Some years ago,… Continue reading Reflections on Several Different Turkey Days

Signature Cafe Brand Shepherd’s Pie

I’m not really sure if Shepherd’s pie is a regional favorite in the US, I certainly didn’t know about it growing up in casserole central – Minnesota.  I did become aware of it, fond of it, living in London in the 90s. For the unaware, classic Shepherd’s pie is a “hot dish” – basically a… Continue reading Signature Cafe Brand Shepherd’s Pie

Attention Food Company Executives – “Clean up in Aisle Everywhere”

Food companies: Americans need your help right now. We’ll make it up to you later, we promise. Seems like every time I go into a grocery store, which is 3-4x weekly, everything is up another dollar. Seriously? Yes, we know your costs are up, but aren’t you taking advantage just a wee little bit? I… Continue reading Attention Food Company Executives – “Clean up in Aisle Everywhere”

Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Reprise

Minnesota Burger Reporter Kawikamedia and the burger posse hit Grandma’s Saloon and Deli the other nite. A frequent hot spot for locals and tourists alike, at the base of the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth’s tourist quarter, “Canal Park.”   We’ve had a couple reports from Grandma’s in the past. Relevant to nothing except my memory book,… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Reprise