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.

For more food talk, check out my food blog: The FUNdamental Foodie.

I Called It!

Back in May, I posted a review about Fab Hot Dogs in Reseda, CA and said that it would one day be featured in a book or Food Network special (read my prediction here).  Well, the Food Network part has come to pass!  I recently noticed an increasing amount of hits on my Fab Dogs post, then finally received a comment from a stranger who said it was on the food channel.  Yep, the BBQthDirector nailed that one!  For the moment, Fab Hot Dogs is driving more traffic to my blog than Candyland and Famous Dave’s … combined!

So food fans just stumbling on the BarBeQuethMinistry!, hope you come back for seconds, thirds … dessert.  A fish market review is forthcoming as well as more BBQ research.  Loyal followers looking for the youth ministry stuff and/or NepomuceNews, don’t worry, it won’t be 100% foodie fodder from here on out….

Football season is coming!

Bomb-Diggity-Dog!

Three words:  Deep.  Fried.  Dog.  Okay, here’s one more:  Wow!  Smack dab in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, a legend is in the making.  Nathan’s in New York and Super Dawgs in Chicago are certainly the heavy weights of the weiner world, but Fab Hot Dogs will one day find itself featured in a book and/or a Food Network special.  It will be one of the darlings of frankfurter fans across this great nation.  Remember, you heard it here first.

Read the BBQthDirector’s restaurant reviews and you’ll know that I’m not quick to proclaim such lofty praise on a food establishment.  I will always give my honest opinion.  I’m not getting paid for this.  Fab Hot Dogs hasn’t asked me for permission to use an itty-bitty picture of myself for a commercial.  My experience in this tiny place with seating for maybe ten people is one I want to share with those who think hot dogs are just okay.  I’m confident you’ll leave this place with a greater appreciation for the humble hot dog.  The BBQthDirector’s Wife is not a big fan of hot dogs, but she thoroughly enjoyed her Chicago Dog:

Who cares about the Bulls, Bears or Cubs?  In my mind (and stomach), Chicago’s claim to fame is it’s hot dog.  Fab’s all beef beauty is authentically garnished with yellow mustard, neon green relish, tomato, onions, a pickle, hot peppers and celery salt.  The delivery system of a soft poppy seed bun is yet another nod to Chicago classicism.  It’s the real deal.  And it’s real good!

The BBQthDirector’s choice may seem quite plain in comparison, but the taste and texture was truly the greatest hot dog experience I’ve ever had!  “The Bald Eagle” is as majestic as it’s name:  a deep fried dog topped with Fab’s homemade mustard relish.  Goodness, please give me a moment to drool and mumble incoherently as I look back fondly on this special occassion.

Om nom nom nom nom nom ...

Known as the ripper, the deep fried dog is slightly charred, a bit crispy, perfectly juicy and crazy tasty!  The relish is a mix of chopped pickles and onions and compliments the hot dog without overpowering it.  And is there a cuter food on earth than tater tots?  These are not your soggy elementary school cafeteria tots.  They’re nice and crisp, a great change of pace from your everyday fries.  We ordered ranch garlic fries that were very good.  My only complaint is that the garlic wasn’t mixed around real well.  But they were burp-a-licious, nonetheless.  If you’re a fan of chili dogs, this place delivers, as well.  This rich concoction of homemade deliciousness was easily one of the best restaurant chilis I’ve ever had.

We tried to hook up with youth group alum, Melinda Rollema, who was finishing up her school teacher duties and couldn’t get to Fab.  We’ll plan better next time.  I guarantee, there’ll be a next time.