Faithful, FAB-ulous Friends

Making new friends is sometimes a necessity, and can often be very fulfilling.  But there’s nothing like the comfort of old friends.  Picking up just where you left off, even if it’s been a few years.  That’s how I feel about Fab Hot Dogs and, of course, Porto’s Bakery (my devotion to Porto’s is more like a culinary crush).  Like old friends who live significant distances from us, each visit is a cherished treasure.

Heading home from our “family fun day” in Malibu last week, we had a late lunch/early dinner at Fab.  A few things have changed since my first review (read it here).  Most apparent is how much more busy they are.  For an off time (about 3:30 pm), there was a steady stream of people, something lacking the first time.  Also there were five workers, up from just two.  I guess that’s the power of the BarBeQuethMinistry!.  Or it could possibly be the fact that it was featured on Food Network.  Maybe.

But back to our visit.  My BBQ Honey just can’t resist their Chicago Dog, a true work of art and an explosion of flavor.  I decided to get to know the L.A. Street Dog (foreground in the pic above), which is a bacon-wrapped dog with grilled onions and bell peppers, diced tomato, jalapenos, mustard, mayo and ketchup.  Folks, it’s better than it sounds.  So tasty, without the ecoli poisoning from an actual L.A. Dog from a downtown push cart.  You won’t be wowed by friendly, attentive service at Fab, but I’d keep coming back for more even if they were downright rude.  This place is that awesome.  Hot Dog fans, plan your pilgrimage soon.

Then there’s Porto’s, which was extremely busy when we got there just before 6:00 pm.  It’s a goal of mine to taste everything they offer and I’m learning that their cakes pale in comparison to their pastries and hot savory items (read my two other reviews here and here).  Don’t get me wrong, the Parisian (chocolate cake with chocolate whipped cream frosting) was nice (albeit a bit dry) and the Checkers (sponge cake, chocolate mousse, bavarian cream, and ganache) was very good, but the danishes, croissants and cheese rolls are epic.  I think I’ve tried just over 20 different items and probably have 30 or so left to go.  I can do it.  Just gotta make it a point to visit this faithful friend in Glendale more often.

I invite you to get to know Fab Hot Dogs and Porto’s yourself.

Fave Fives XXVI: Sports Nicknames

As a man who has adopted (and adapted) my childhood nickname as my one true everyday label, I have a special appreciation for nicknames.  Especially in the sports world, where they can find their roots in fanatical adoration or enemy insults.  Here are my faves:

1. Earvin “Magic” Johnson:  My favorite basketball player of all time was truly a magician with the ball.  His nickname was so fitting that the world pretty much forgot about his real first name.

2. Charles “The Round Mound of Rebound” Barkley:  A.K.A. “Sir Charles”, I think “Round Mound” is just the funniest one out there.  Fitting, too.

3. William “The Refrigerator” Perry:  Back in the 80’s, 350 pounders weren’t very common in the NFL.  I love the fact that you can take this name a couple ways: he was as big as one; he spent lots of time opening one.

4. Jerome “The Bus” Bettis:  Big, powerful running back who’s uniform was black and yellow.  Awesome.

5. Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson:  At a menacing 6-10, Johnson truly was ”The Big Unit” on the mound.  This nickname gets extra points just for being really cool.

Malibu Seafood

I have a couple culinary missions in life.  First, of course, is to find the best BBQ around.  Secondly, I’d like to find the best fish market restaurant on the West Coast (we’ll see if I ever get around to exploring the other side of the country).  These coastal gems supposedly have access to the freshest fish around, sometimes getting their offerings right off the boats.

I first heard about Malibu Seafood on Food Network’s “$40 a Day” and have read many positive reviews.  I recently had the chance to make it my fourth fish market research project.  Though not situated in a busy fishing port, its location right on the Pacific Coast Highway makes for stunning ambiance on a clear day.  But let’s keep the main thing the main thing….

We ordered the Ahi Tuna Burger and the Fish and Fries.  The fried fish (I believe it was cod) was very good.  Piping hot, obviously fresh out of the fryer, it was flakey and moist with a tasty and crispy batter.  The tartar sauce wasn’t anything special.  Not terrible, just not any better than what you can purchase at the grocery store in a jar.  Also, you have to pay extra for more.  What’s up with that?  Burger is the key word with the Ahi Tuna Burger.  Don’t get lulled into expecting a sushi grade Ahi steak that’s seared on the outside and rare inside.  It’s ground up, seasoned nicely, but pretty dry and lacking any distinctive tuna flavor.  It seriously could’ve passed for a turkey burger.  Very disappointing.

All-in-all, Malibu Seafood is my least favorite fish market restaurant so far (and the most pricey).  When in the area, I would go back for the fried fish and possibly try one of their grilled offerings.  Great location, but you definitely pay for it.  And considering their prices, extra tartar sauce should be complimentary!

A Secluded Beach in Malibu?

My BBQ Honey taking a peaceful stroll with BBQ Boy I.

Maybe we’ve just lucked out.  Twice.  But I think we’ve found the perfect spot for families who’d like to enjoy the beach without the crowds of uncivilized naked natives spoiling the view.  Just north of the very popular Zuma Beach, the Pacific Coast Hwy will take you to Broad Beach Road.  It’s a cinch to find as it’s a stoplight with a Starbucks on the right.  Turn left on Broad Beach Road and you’ll find yourself in an upscale track of beach front homes.  We know of two beach access pathways and suggest you use the second one as it gets you farther away from Zuma Beach.  This lonely, nameless stretch of dense sand is very flat, which makes for terrible surfing or boogey boarding, but the gentle waves are awesome for the kids.  Sure, we were there on a Tuesday from Noon – 2:00 pm, but we only had one fully clothed dog walker come our way.  We actually tried to visit the vaunted El Matador State Beach but the parking lot was pretty full, and there looked to be a photo shoot of some sort getting prepped.  One day.

My first full day off in a couple months also included a long anticipated stop at Malibu Seafoods (a review is forthcoming) and return visits to Fab Hot Dogs and … uh … Porto’s.

Not only does this picture capture the quiet seclusion of this beach, but it also serves to show off my serious passing skills and BBQ Boy II's receiving fundamentals.

Fave Fives XXV: Knock Knock Jokes

Wow, this is a big one!  The 25th Fave Fives list (I think I’m easily on my way to 30; might as well go for 50!).  Thanks to Daniel over at Dashprod for enlightening me on the unique and lesser known holidays. Today, Oct 31st, is not only Ol’ Hallow’s Eve, it is also National Knock Knock Jokes Day!  So, we just gotta do it….

1. Knock Knock!
Who’s there?
Interrupting Cow
Interrup–
MMMMOOOOOOO!

2. Knock knock!
Who’s there?
I Diddop
I diddop, who?
Eeeewww, gross, you did a poo?

3. Knock Knock!
Who’s there?
Little Old Lady
Little old lady, who?
I didn’t know you could yodel!

4. Knock Knock!
Who’s there?
Boo!
Boo Who?
Don’t cry, it’s just a joke!

5. You: Will you remember me in 1 second?
Someone Else:Yes
You: Will you remember me in 1 minute?
Someone Else:Yes
You: Will you remember me in 1 day?
Someone Else:Yes
You: Will you remember me in 1 year?
Someone Else:Yes
You: Will you remember me in 1 decade?
Someone Else:Yes
You: Knock, Knock
Someone Else: Who’s There?
You: YOU SAID YOU WOULDN’T FORGET!