Continental Kitchen

I just discovered a new place to get food that is less than a minute from my home, is not expensive, and tastes amazing. It is called Continental Kitchen and it is located in the same spot as Tasty Donuts on Santa Monica Blvd. 

I originally called Philly Steak Depot and after three minutes of trying to tell the lady on the phone my address before she finally told me they don't deliver here (they do) I checked for burgers in West Hollywood. When I saw the address I thought that either the information had not been updated or that it was flat out wrong. Nope. Turns out I was that close to great food.

The food was ready in 15 minutes (I called it in). I walked over there and was mad that I've passed this place so many times. It is really comfy looking inside and the staff was nice. I grabbed my food which was way cheaper than I was expecting. For this big burger, these strange delicious fries, and a fresh smoothie it was $15. They have all kinds of food. Not just burgers. They have liquor, fresh everything, a juice bar, coffee, and serve breakfast/lunch/dinner. I have to say that this burger was very fresh tasting. It took years for me to know the difference when I ate somewhere and this place has fresh burgers. If you are in the area you need to go here.

Slater 5050 In Pasadena

Both of my cousins aka the only people in my family that I see mentioned this place called Slater 5050 in Pasadena. So before heading out to see Godzilla me and Mala headed to Pasadena and made an attempt to find parking since there was a damned bike race going on and every street was compromised. We found public parking and headed in. The place wasn't packed since we went so early in the day. We got seats as soon as we arrived. This place has TV's all over the walls and hot chicks that work there. The menu is a bit overwhelming. There are a shit ton of burgers to order from. Our waiter was cool and got our orders without writing it down since we got the same meal.

I ordered a Sprite and we both got the 5050 burger since nether of us had been here before. Mala got her's with an egg on it. This burger has guacamole, cheese, and the patty is made of half beef half bacon. This is a thing! He warned us that even though the burger was well done it would appear pink because of the bacon in it. We had no problem with this. We also got one order of fries that was enough for two people. Did I mention that bacon ketchup came with it?! Oh, it was so good. The fries alone were good and well seasoned but the bacon ketchup made it even better. We ate this before noon and I didn't need to eat anything else for the rest of the night. If you get the chance to go here do it. You'll be full but it won't cripple you.

Back At Fatburger

A few weeks ago Cam and I went to Fatburger since I had not gone in a while and the only time I seem to go is with her. I'm so glad we went. This place is so damned good and fast but not UCLA hospital cafeteria make Dante get food poisoning for a week fast. I got a burger, fries, and an awesome vanilla shake. Not sure why I never got one there before but I will from now on. We also had twin little girls and their mom come in and one of them could not stop looking at us! Even when she was leaving she was afraid to walk past our table or something. Also, just as we were heading in a lady at a salon nearby thought she knew Cam's mom but it turned out she did her hair a while ago.  

Itis Causing Burgers At The Counter

Me and Coco went to The Counter on Wilshire after a show at LACMA because as she put it “Jazz makes me hungry.” I had sworn off this place for a while because the service had dropped considerably and the food wasn't as good anymore. Thankfully the last two times I've gone its improved. It was a Friday night an very busy on the inside and outside but after about a five minute wait we were seated at a both like I requested which was nice. We started off with an order of fries and I got a lemonade to drink.

For my order I got a burger with bacon, grilled onions, garlic sauce, avocado, and cheese. The avocado slid off immediately so Coco just took it along with any onions that fell off. By the way, that is something only women can get away with. The burger was good and I finished every bite. The Itis began almost right after my last piece.

Coco got this monster. It had crispy onions, boiled egg, cheese, lettuce, garlic sauce, tomato, and pineapple. She couldn't finish this beast. She got halfway through before tapping out and taking hers home. I feel better knowing that this place is back to being good again.

All About That Lala's

This past weekend after a bunch of shopping and running around mixed with an ever growing hatred of the city of Glendale Cam and I headed over to Lala's on Melrose. I love this place. They have remodeled since we last went and it looks much better and has more room than before. We hadn't been in a long while so we took our asses there and had some really good food. Of course we started off with the bread and that delicious oil and herbs they serve.

Five Guys One Dante

The other day I went to Five Guys on Wilshire before work because this past weekend I was being a fat ass. Three days three different food places. When I was walking there I knew I had pizza but pizza ain't Five Guys. This was my first time going alone so I knew not to get too many fries since a regular is enough for two people. I know I've said it before but this place is the only one where when their fries get cold I will still sit there all happy and inhaling them. The fries always come from a different place and they post where but I never remember. I have been here I think three times now and each time they are good so who knows how important it is. Some farmer just spit his potato coffee at his screen because of me saying that.

I got a double cheeseburger which was awesome. Their burgers are real burgers. Not some glued together patty that looks the same going out as it did in. It was good and hot and the cheese just melted all over the place. I'm sure some got in my goatee but I didn't care because I was eating it at work in the privacy of my bay where no one can judge me. Go to Five Guys on Wilshire. Nice staff, decent prices, and a Black chick that has a beautiful smile. 

Apple Pan On Pico

There’s this place called Apple Pan over on Pico that I tried for the first time. Seen the place a ton of times and talked about going there a few times but never did. It was damned good. The way its set up is what I’d describe as like a sushi place. There are no tables. You sit in a semi-circle and they cook everything like right there in front of you. Its pretty cool.

The Counter On Sunset Rules

The other day Miss Q. and I went to The Counter. No, not that shitty one on Wilshire that has terrible service, but the cool one on Sunset. Let me talk about that one on Wilshire. Not only have I had two shit experiences there, but Miss Q. had one as well with a group of people. That place really needs to get their stuff together before they go the way of the Koo Koo Roo that was there. Anyhoot…

The one on Sunset is great. We went there with Wolfenstein because they allow pets outdoors and they even brought us a heater since it was chilly outside. Yes, I know I live in California. And yes, you are a jerk for mentioning how much colder it is where you are. Sorry. Them’s the rules.

Burger's At Calendar's

Went to Calendar’s the other day while on a mural tour. Cam, her mom’s friend, and I all sat down and had a very good meal. We never think to go to this place which is weird. On either side is Johnny’s (good food angry service) and The Counter (still on double secret probation for being asshats). I got a cheeseburger and fries with Sprite. They gave me four refills! Four! I’m like Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs where I need a certain amount of refills to make me happy. Cam had to explain that I will drink a ton and then not have to use the restroom for hours. That’s how I roll. I have trained my bladder well. Anyhoot, go to Calendar’s on Wilshire. Its good.

Penguin's On Pico

This weekend while hanging out with Cam and running errands we both realized that we hadn’t really eaten all day. I wanted something different. Something I hadn’t had in a while. Fish and chips! And shrimp! We went to this place called Penguin's on Pico that I had never been to and probably passed all the damn time. We ordered catfish, jumbo shrimp, fries, and Snapple’s. This was exactly what I wanted and needed. This place was fast, good atmosphere, and the price was good. I’ll be heading here again. Better than going all the way to the ‘hood just for some fish. I got a side of macaroni while Cam got potato salad. Damn it. Now I'm hungry again.

Nickel Diner Downtown Los Angeles

Last week during the LA Art Walk in Downtown Los Angeles my tattoo artist Koko took me to this place called Nickel Diner aka the 5 Cent Diner. No, it doesn’t cost just fives cents to eat there. That would be silly. The reason that there is no picture of the delicious bacon avocado burger I ate is because I ate it before I took a picture. It was that good and I was that hungry. The burger was huge and the bacon was perfect. The fries were perfect and there was just enough of them. And guess how many times I had to ask for a refill? Not never! Our awesome tattooed waitress was on top of her shit. The place was super busy but no one sat around asking where their food was. It came fast, hot, and good. They are located at 524 S. Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90013. If you’re ever Downtown you should definitely check this place out.

Carney's On Sunset

There’s this hotdog place up on Sunset Blvd. called Carney’s. You know the place if you’ve driven down Sunset. It looks like a train car. They have a little rivalry with Pink’s on Melrose. And by a little rivalry I mean that Carney’s put up a big ass billboard advertising themselves right above Pink’s. What a dick move. I mean, the two places are so different there’s no reason to compete. Pink’s is popular. Carney’s is not. Its like comparing McDonald’s to The Counter.

I had not eaten from Carney’s in close to 10 years because the last experience I had with them was so bad. They are not far from me and when me and some co-workers from the old porn shop ordered a few things it took them close to two hours to bring it. Nothing like an ice cold hotdog! But thankfully I didn’t have that experience this time. I got a half pound burger with fries to start. Yes, I said start. Very good. Fries were not burned and the burger was cooked thoroughly. Looking at you, Umami Burger. The hotdogs are good but nothing to get your panties wet about. They do give you a baby bucket of sauerkraut for some reason.

Father's Office

Last week I went to Father’s Office in Culver City with Miss L. She had posted about this place and I was always wondering “When’s gonna be my time?!” Well, I finally got to go and I’ll be damned if this wasn’t the best burger I’ve ever had! I know I said the same thing about Umami Burger. Then I said it about The Counter. Well, I’m saying it once again. The burger has blue cheese, lettuce, and some kinda sauce that is just delicious. They also give you a mountain of fries so split your order. And don’t get me started on their powerful ass drinks! The staff was really awesome and nice and there when you needed them. I loved this place but already Cam has told me about a place that’s supposed to be better. We’ll see how that goes.

(edit: Was just told by Miss L. herself “How can you forget to write about the bone marrow fat!?!” so here it goes)

For an appetizer we got this bone marrow fat. Yeah. I know it sounds strange and I’m really not one to experiment when it comes to what goes in my mouth. Don’t be a pervbot. It is a couple of pieces of beef marrow with the smoothest, most buttery, most tastiness inside. It was served with pieces of toasted slices of bread to spread it on. I had heard for a while that marrow had the best tasting part of most meats but I was nervous about trying it. I’m so glad I did though.

Lala's On Melrose

Went to Lala’s for dinner with Cam. It was so good! I usually get the half polla ala something or other picante, an empanada, and Sprite. This time I decided on a chicken picante sandwich with fries and a lemonade. Damn, it was good! I told Cam that I didn’t feel like dealing with my normal meal (“I don’t feel like fighting with my food…”). It was super good and I was glad I decided to try something new for once.

Cam got this rice deal thing. I cant even pretend to remember what it was called or what all was in it.

Before the meal we waited until we got this bread and stuff. Its so good but you have to be careful you not to get full off of it. I love Lala’s and a while back their quality dropped (after the Deadly Tomato Scare a few years back) but they are back in business!

Hooter's In Long Beach

While seeing fireworks in Long Beach with Coco (who did my tattoo) we wanted to grab something to eat. At first we were going to head to Outback Steakhouse but the wait was 45 minutes and we would’ve missed the fireworks. So after seeing the explosions every place had stopped serving food and only had booze. Heat and hunger plus liquor is stupid so we hunted for food. Chili’s, Boston’s Pizza, and a few other places I had never heard of were done for the night.

But Hooter’s wasn’t!

So we get to Hooter’s which I’ve eaten at before in Santa Monica near the beach. That location is fast, good service, more legs than hooters. I had used the gift certificates I’d won from being on Adam Carolla’s Show when he was on 97.1 here in Los Angeles. It was great. The one in Long Beach, not so much.

They say they called us for our tables but we didn’t hear it apparently. We got our seat and I ordered a burger and fries with bacon and Sierra Mist. Coco ordered crab cakes. So a minute before my food arrived they let Coco know that the crab cakes were non existent. So she ordered what I had. They finally bring her food and…its wrong. They brought some mushroom and cheese burger. Coco ate it but it wasn’t what she wanted. The waitress asked if she wanted to switch it but it was that thing where you ask praying someone says no.

I hope this place isn’t like this all the time. Strange service (waitress took our order on a napkin), wrong food brought, blaring television followed by even louder music, and a glass case keeping a old man who stared at all the waitresses while they worked. The food was good but, wow, I’ll try not to go to Hooter’s in Long Beach if I have a choice. Which I do.

The Stand

Yesterday me and my heterosexual life mate Alex from The DNA Show went to The Stand in Westwood. They should call it "The Last Stand" because Westwood is damn near a ghost town now! I wanted to head to Chile’s but its gone now. Yeah. Gone! I only got to go there like two times. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to Olive Garden when I know  places like Red Lobster exists. Anyhoot, we went to The Stand and I got a burger and fries with a Coke. There was only one other occupied table so saying the service was fast would be redundant. Their burgers are great and the fries were perfectly made. For about $8 you will be crippled by the size of the food. Go now before its gone too.

The Bowery On Sunset

Last week I went to The Bowery with Ms. L. I had never been here but had heard of it. Nothing good or bad. Just heard of it. In my ever growing quest to try more and more burgers we headed there. I got a Bowery Burger which had fresh lettuce, tomato, these tiny ass pickles, and a side of aioli sauce. I love that stuff. The burger was served on a English muffin and upon first glance seems very small but then you realize that the patty is a friggin’ inch thick! Yeah. If you go with another person get one order of fries since it so damned big. I also got a Jack Daniels on ice (more ice than Jack sadly…). I liked this place and will head back again.

Love That Chicken From Popeye's

Popeye’s Chicken is the shit! I mean that in a good way. Its probably what I will miss most about not working in Burbank. Yeah, there’s one on Hollywood but its freaking swimming with hobos and people asking for change or trying to sell you drugs. Or if you’re me, Dante, trying to buy drugs from you. They have this awesome ass deal with all these delicious shrimp and fries with a drink. I get the sweet tea which somehow tastes better once the ice melts and its warm. The only chicken I ever get from here is the po’boy sandwich because it has two huge pieces of chicken and the spicy version rules all kinds of ass.

Hot Dog...On A Stick

Me and Cam went to Hot Dog On A Stick. I hadn’t been here since the 90’s. Its one of those places I never ever think of going to. Especially since I try not to eat at malls. This one was at the Glendale Galleria and you all know how much I absolutely love the city of Glendale. I got a hotdog on a bun. Had no idea they had these. Or fries. Or veggie dogs for Cam. Seriously, it was a really good hotdog. Oh, and I got a big ass lemonade that was full of sugar! It made my stomach very happy thank you very much.

Wood Ranch Bar & Grill

After seeing an awesome film (which you can check out reviews for at dnashow.blogspot.com) me and Cam headed to this place called Wood Ranch Bar & Grill. This spot is over at The Grove and I have passed it an assload of times and never went inside. I would smell it and be like “Wow, that smells good…” but never ventured inside. Tonight we did and I’m so glad. We started off with this macaroni which tasted good. Nothing to write mama about but better than average. They also had these rolls that were super good but needed to be eaten immediately lest they get hard.

I was this close to eating a burger (my staple at most places I try for the first time) but decided to get a chicken sandwich. This place has ribs and stuff but I hate eating barbecue like that in public. You who have eaten with me know I use napkins and act all polite but when I eat at home alone I’m a fucking animal. Why lie? I eat like a beast when I’m by myself. Anyhoot, the sandwich was very good and had a surprising mixture on it. A hot mustard sauce, bell peppers, and grilled onion on a whole wheat bun. Very tasty. The prices are about average for a spot like this and you will have something to take home. Unless you’re Cam and order a salad with old lettuce and mystery avocados. I also ordered fries with the meal and some very good strawberry lemonade. I got three or four refills and the waiter was on that shit. It was awesome. Check this place out next time you’re at The Grove.