u/Solo_Polyphony

Chicken Katsu Curry Rice $19

Was in Old Town Pasadena yesterday afternoon and decided to try Champion’s, which I’d heard good things about but had never visited. It was empty, and I ordered a basic lunch plate. The katsu was perfectly balanced: crispy fried breading, lightly seasoned, with tender, juicy chicken. The curry was appropriately hearty. It was every bit as good as Kagura’s (which I had last month, and was an excellent centerpiece of a complete, pricy dinner course). Very good for a small, unfussy lunch place.

This came to mind the other night, when I was hungry after 10 p.m. and went by Pink’s only to see a line stretching out their door and into their parking lot. Settled for a donut at the oddball donut shop nearby.

Cinnamon and Toast wondering where all that tasty wheatgrass went

The Royale. $21.30. Angus beef, pastrami, bacon, chili, American cheese, special sauce, big slice of onion, tomato, pickles, lettuce, bun.

Belgian fries. $6.30.

Macapuno (Fosselman’s coconut ice cream) malt. $9.50.

JFC, sometimes I manage to do things at my age that I last did in my twenties. I usually regret these things. I regretted this only a little bit. At the time: no regrets whatsoever, as I ate everything and it was delicious. I remember going to the Tommy’s a few blocks east forty years ago and eating chili cheeseburgers like they might disappear. I last ate at the Oinkster in 2009, and I currently feel full enough to wait another seventeen years. But I know this subreddit loves burgers and fries and hell why not? Let’s enjoy this country’s heritage while it lasts.

Yes, for once, I was a little taken aback by the price, since, in the anticipation of an imminent diabetic coma, my brain was fogged into expecting something like those old Tommy’s prices. But it tasted good.

Edit: I will note that this $40 meal easily could have been split between two people, and The Oinkster’s classic burger (no pastrami, bacon, chili or cheese) is $13.79.

Probably not, but I just saw folks doing work on the emergency exit doors that are perennially free swinging above the A Line platform. One can always hope.

(feat. Toast)

Give her strength, O Great Capybara

This is from two separate visits.

CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN SALAD $29
grilled chicken, peanuts, tangerine, red cabbage, carrots, soy ginger vinaigrette

ROSEMARY'S BABY (mocktail) $12
Ritual aperitif, apple, rosemary

SOME LIKE IT HOT STEAK FRITES $59
12 oz. striploin, arugula, green peppercorn sauce

BOMBSHELL BLONDIE SUNDAE $13
vanilla ice cream, white chocolate blondie, caramel sauce, mini macaron

The Chinese chicken salad was flavorful and the right size. I came in on an empty stomach for the steak and even so was filled afterwards. It was well-seasoned and correctly cooked medium rare. I’ve paid considerably more for less tasty steaks. The fries were crispy and airy. The sundae was a bit much but if you like ice cream, there’s no complaining.

Happened to have some time in South Pasadena today and walked by the apartment where Jack Nance died in his sleep, after being struck in the head by someone unknown in front of the Winchell’s across the street. Stopped and kept my eyes on a donut there in his honor. RIP Jack.

Single burger combo ($15.99): beef patty, grilled onions, American cheese, OG sauce, plus shoestring fries and a Coke.

Was on Victory Blvd. near the Zoo and hadn’t had a proper meal today, so decided to indulge here. Everything was satisfying. Ketchup and other condiments are left to you to add or not, which I welcomed. The beef was well-crisped but still juicy, and the cheese was pleasingly melty. Fries were a little forgettable but not overseasoned. Not as strong a flavor profile as Burger She Wrote, but on par with For the Win.

—So said the driver on the northbound 296 route on Riverside Drive (east of I-5 by Elysian Park) just now. The bus driver still lowered the ramp and allowed this ancient one aboard, wheeling a massive cargo load larger than herself. Of course it blocked movement in the front of the bus, making it wheelchair inaccessible. He should have refused her: allowing her this time ensures she will do this again.

Luganica $34
pappardelle with sausage, mushroom and arugula in a creamy tomato sauce (bread included)

Uncomplicated pasta but a generous portion with a pleasantly rich sauce.

(If you are going write a comment on how you can make that at home for $9 worth of ingredients, etc., kindly include your street address and hours of operation so I may drop in unannounced. Be sure to have ice water at the ready, I’m usually thirsty.)

A single scoop with two flavors ($7):

Saltine Dream (organic vanilla ice cream with fudge swirl, and chunks of saltine crackers coated in crispy caramel, and chocolate)

and

Cashew Fennel Chip (‘fennel-touched’ ice cream, with dark chocolate chips and salt-and-pepper cashews)

plus

Vanilla Buttercake (St. Louis-style butter cake) $7

All were delicious.

Oklahoma Burger. $9.
Single smashed beef patty with grilled onions, American cheese, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted King’s Hawaiian bun. (I opted for no pickles.)

Fancy Fries. $10.
Fries with American cheese, grilled onions, pickled banana peppers and house sauce.

I walked in a few minutes before they closed on Friday night (so just before 11 p.m.) and ordered a classic combination to fill an empty American stomach. The burger was admirably flavorful beef, especially for a smashed patty. The fries were very filling. I was satisfied.