by Franklin on December 28, 2011
What is a theme park without cotton candy, popcorn, and corn dogs? Well, without it, you don’t have yourself a theme park. Corn dogs is on a stick, and is easy to eat on the go. It is no wonder that there is almost always a line for the Corn Dog Cart at Disneyland. Good to know that this American classic snack can be had at America’s favorite theme park. But is it my favorite corn dog? It’s hard to say. As for as classic corn dogs go, they are one of the best.
Waiting in anticipation, I was never this excited about a corn dog, ever. It might have been the Disney magic people keep talking about. The cart is a small wagon type food stand towards the end of Main St. The corn dog was deformed looking — this was interestingly a plus for me. I never understood how corn dogs have that perfectly balled tip. The batter was light and crispy, a bit greasy, but delicious. Most importantly, the batter stuck to the hot dog.
It was a bit pricey, as all things are at Disneyland. The corn dog was nicely sized though, and you can get chips or fruit as a side. If you are ever at Disneyland and need a bite on the run, get your corn dog on.
by Franklin on September 16, 2011
Donuts are without a doubt bad for you. That is what your doctor would say. Well, good thing I’m not your doctor. I am telling you, right now, and you may quote me on this — “donuts are good for you.” Nothing this delicious can be bad for you. Strawberries inside a donut? You had me at strawberries. With strawberries being one of my favorite fruits, and donuts being one of many of my guilty pleasures, I was surely in for a treat.
Think of the most delicious strawberries you ever ate. Imagine that drenched in some of the sweetest and stickiest syrup you can think of. Split open a perfectly glazed donut. Stuff those gooey, whole fresh strawberries inside, and devour. That’s it.
The mistake was the creme puff. This was neither tasty not something texturally pleasing. Though they offer so many flavors, pass on this.
I do hear that their tiger tails are good. It is the twisty striped donuts. And look out during peach season for the peach donuts. A definite must when I go back.
Donut Man serves plenty of donuts, but their signature creation is the reason people drive there for. Serving world famous donuts on the famous Route 66 is what they do. Sadly, they are all the way in Glendora. Have you ever been to Glendora? I don’t mean Glendora near the freeway. I’m talking about Glendora way north of the 210, and in between two of the farthest exits from the freeway. It is basically not as central as can be. It is not on the way to anything, at all. Why would I, or anyone else drive out of their way for any reason? Donut Man.
by Franklin on September 1, 2011
Hacienda Heights, I commend you. You have won the lottery. Anyone knows the power and might of 85C Bakery in Irvine. The lines forming and the awesome pastries, amazing! Put one of these in any city in the San Gabriel Valley, and it will thrive. With the grand opening of the 2nd 85C Bakery in the US being in Hacienda Heights, they clearly won the lottery. I guess I shouldn’t complain as it is a bit easier for me to get my hands on these pastries. Who knows, in a few years, this will come closer to the Los Angeles area — crossed fingers.
Some things I was worried about was the consistency of the bread. I feel like the Irvine location has fresher bread. Maybe it is all in my head, but that is the way I feel. Also, what is the with the B grading from the department of public health? This is a brand new location, which means brand new everything. How does one get a B grade from that? Hopefully that will change soon.
Anyways, they have pretty much the same stuff as the Irvine location, as they should. This one is a bit larger and has more eating areas. Is it also weird that this one is right next to a Guppy Teahouse, just like their Irvine counterpart? Coincidence? I doubt it. Probably a good business plan. Anyways, check out the grand opening. If you haven’t tried 85C Bakery, lucky for you, it is a bit closer to Angelinos.
by Franklin on August 11, 2011
Los Angeles has some good Mexican food, maybe the best in the world. Though that may be a stretch, I know we are pretty close. One of my favorite snacking spots for some tacos is Cactus in Los Angeles.
The meat here is like no other. It is almost over cooked to a crispiness, but it is so delicious. It is not too salty, and not really bland either. My favorite is their carne asada or their lengua. Lengua, being cow tongue, seems weird, but it is some of the best part of the cow. For anyone reading who hasn’t tried lengua before, please try it. You will never go back to carne asada ever again.
I don’t want to say it, but the tacos are even better than the King.
by Franklin on August 3, 2011
Walking around Newport Beach, I basked in the sun and enjoyed the simple life of a beach bum. I check out some shops, the harbor, and little eateries — I came across The Crab Cooker. Upon entering, I saw a mini fish market along with people waiting in line to eat. I didn’t want to dine in. I just wanted a warm cup of their clam chowder.
Waiting form my soup, I had a chance to check out their market. They sold smoked salmon and albacore, lobster, scallops, they had it all. I had a sample of the fish salad they use for their sandwiches and it was great. The interior was great at the feel of it really fit in with Newport Beach.
Interestingly, their clam chowder isn’t like anywhere else — 
Theirs was tomato based. Intrigued, I thought it was really hearty and flavorful. The vegetables tasted great and the clams were meaty, though I would have liked full bodied clams a bit more. It was especially good eating it with the cracker balls they gave us. Also, since it was tomato based and not cream based, it meant it was healthier too.
Even though I only had a soup here, my experience was still great. I got to see what they had to offer and check this Newport eatery out. Their seafood plates looked tasty, and I would want to come here for a meal on my next visit to Newport. When I do, I know what I will be doing. “Eat Lots a Fish.”
by Franklin on May 29, 2011
It’s a bright and sunny day, what is one to do? For me and many other lucky Southern Californians, it means, going to the beach. Walking around Newport Beach, I checked out all of the shops and enjoyed my restful afternoon. It was a bit chilly and windy. What was the solution? Chili! Charlie’s Chili to be exact. Situated in the center of the boardwalk, it seemed like a popular spot.
I took it to go and enjoyed it on the pier. Looking at it, I instantly knew it would be great. Mixing in the cheese and the sauce, I could see all the little granules of chili powder and seasonings. Though I would have liked a bit more meat, the beans were really good in this chili. They had a lot of cheese on top that melted within the chili. Every spoonful had a lot of cheese. Yum. The flavor was really good. I am so used to chili in the can, this was really an eye opener — I never eat home made chili enough.
It was a great snack. Eating the warm chili, sitting on the pier, and enjoying the beach is as good as it gets. I think this opened my eyes a bit to chili. I’d like to try other more famous chili’s around Southern California. I may even attempt to make my own chili. Who knows. All I know is that chili is good and hearty. If you are at Newport Beach and want some chili, you know where to go.
by Franklin on May 11, 2011
Living in the Los Angeles area, I don’t get to enjoy the tasty treats of Sonic Drive-In. I mean, they pour out commercials on TV. Well, they used to anyway. I don’t understand why there would be Sonic commercials on locally broadcasted stations, yet, there’s none nearby. The question of the hour is, Why aren’t there any Sonic Drive-Ins in Los Angeles?
When I saw the one in Fullerton just pop up, I was excited. Situated strategically across of an In-n-Out without a drive through, it was just something the town really wanted. People don’t need to get out of their cars. Sonic has a pull up booth to order. People on skates come rolling down with whatever your heart desires. Pretty cool. On top of this, they even had a drive through — people don’t have to get out of their cars in two ways.
After dinner, I shared a Sonic Blast, Oreo flavor. The guy rolled over on his skates, brought the treat, and it was that simple. This was how old school drive ins used to do it — it was refreshing.
That was my mini Sonic adventure. Yeah it is sad that they built one right across from an In-n-Out, but sometimes, I don’t want to get out of my car. I have a feeling I will be coming here a lot more now. Heck, maybe In-n-Out & Sonic at the same time for dinner is in the cards. 🙂
