Fun On a Bun

I always love a great burger and Pasadena's full of them. Pie 'n Burger's long been a favorite of mine so every chance I get, I drag another person along with me for the ride. This time we were at a Grand Opening of a new espresso bar on East Washington, so what's a three minute drive over to California Street? Known especially for two things, pies and burgers, this place resembles something out of Mayfield, Beaver Cleaver's town. Be sure to check out the mechanical cash register too. Open since fall of 1963, the recipes have not changed in over 50 years. The same quality ingredients go into each pie and burger as went in in 1963! Grab a seat up at the counter if you can get one and watch the servers use a Hamilton Beach vintage green-three drink- spindle mixer to make the world's best chocolate malt. ($4.50) There are literally chunks of malt floating in the glass, which is just the way I love it. Eat it with a spoon or drink it with a straw. Either way, you'll devour it!  Burgers are perfect too. You get a full quarter pound of beef, served on a toasted white bread bun, with American or Swiss cheese, pickles, lettuce, and Thousand Island. Dressing is homemade and is a 1963 secret! Burgers are expertly grilled and all ingredients combine well to make this a lunch you won't soon forget! Fries are golden brown and crispy.($9.90)  Since I drank the entire malt, I skipped my usual butterscotch pie, but let me tell you, there's nothing like it! Pie 'n Burger 913 East California Blvd. Pasadena (626) 795-1123 Hours: M-F 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. 

Just how badly do you want a extraordinary burger? That badly huh? Me too. Fight for a parking spot on Fairfax right across from Canter's if you dare. I did, and let me tell you, oy vey, it was worth it. Located between Beverly and Melrose, get yourself over to The Golden State as quickly as you can! Go without your kids to enjoy some great artisian beer from Craftsman Brewery (Pasadena) or some syrah from Topanga Vineyards. (Selections change, so you'll have to see what they're serving when you get there). Or, take the kids and enjoy a Mexican Coke ($3) or some Virgil's Root Beer (16 oz. draft- $3). Sandwiches are served with one side. We love The Burger ($12). If you love Harris Ranch natural beef, (and who doesn't?) some of the best-tasting beef in this universe, Fiscalini Farms cheddar, glazed applewood smoked bacon, arugula, aioli, and ketchup on a crispy, buttery brioche bun, you will devour this burger in no time flat! For non- beef eaters the Turkey Burger ($10) is very popular as well. Ground turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, aioli, and ketchup are served on the same brioche. But friends, come here for the burger, that's what this place is all about. Let's be frank, if you like hot dogs, this is the place to enjoy one, in several forms. Choose from the All Beef ($8), Spicy Pork ($8), Bratwurst ($8), or Turkey ($8) with a choice of (choose 2) Golden State relish, sauerkraut, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or garlic aioli. Yummy sides include crispy French Fries ($4) with garlic aioli dipping sauce or curry ketchup. Golden State Potato Salad ($4) is fabulous made with red potatoes, chives, egg, mayo,mustard, and shallots. For dessert try some Gelato by Tai Kim ($2.75/$5/$7) or a float ($5.50-$8) ranging from Root Beer to Old Rasputin Beer! Order at the cashier, then get your table number. Food will be brought to your table. Get there early or late because this place is hopping! The Golden State 426 N. Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles (323) 782-8331. Hours: Noon-10:00 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday.

Recommended Dishes: The Hamburger, BLTA, Hot Dog, French Fries, Potato Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, beer, wine.

In the midst of cooking Passover dinner which in itself is both a rant and a rave, we managed to sneak out last night for a pretty amazing burger at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar in West LA. Open since 2012, this little gem, tucked away on the corner of Nebraska and Sawtelle, in a Little Osaka, offers up some good eats! burgers. Dine inside or opt for a seat on the patio. There's also a communal table available. Service is A+ and super efficient. Start with a fancy cocktail like the Tito's Thunder ($12) with jalepeno infused vodka, mango, lemon juice, and sugar or a Ginger Grant ($12) pisco, blood orange, sake, aperol (sweet and bitter orange), and ginger. For draft beer drinkers try a Saint Archer Pale ($7), really crisp and clean or Germany's Weihenstephan Hefenweizen, witha slight banana taste ($8). Bottled Beer lovers are in luck as there are over 16 choices here! Try the Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat ($7) for a nice taste of citrus. White wines by the glass range from $6 (Blu Prosecco) to $8 (Seeker Chardonnay). Red wines include Martin Ray Red ($7), Boom Boom Syrah ($8), Catena Malbec ($9), Gauthier Pinot Noir ($10), and Von Strasser Rudy Cabernet ($10). Try the housemade sodas too ($3.50) in flavors like yuzu (cross between grapefruit/mandarin orange), mango, vanilla cream, or lemon. Once you've ordered drinks get some beer nuts ($3). Now I literally played with fire here as I am allergic to all nuts except for peanuts (which are legumes). I picked my way through the cashews, etcetera and enjoyed the sweet, salty, wasabi covered delacies at my own risk. It was worth it. For dinner I had the Blueprint Burger ($13). Smoked blue cheese, pig candy (more about this in a second), fried onions, roasted garlic steak sauce, and peppercress are piled in between a crunchy sesame seed bun. This burger gets an A+ in my book. We also had the Chef's Favorite Burger ($14) which is cheese two ways, (American dashi-a slice of American cheese crisp combined with Japanese dashi powder) pig candy, bacon, ketchup leather, a sunny side up fried egg, and hot sauce. So let me describe two things here, pig candy and ketchup leather. Pig candy is simply brown sugar bacon. It is, my dear readers simply put,"crack" bacon. It's so easy to make yourself, but who takes the time I ask you, who takes the time? Tired of that leaky ketchup dropping on your new white J Brand jeans every time you eat a burger? I am! Ketchup leather saves the day! Basically, it's dehydrated tomatoes, but it's ingenious, I tell you, especially since white season is upon us. Order some fries ($5) and you'll think you're at Mc Donald's but I mean in a good way. Remember how they used to make those addicting fries? These are them reincarnated. Cooked in tallow fat, served with a sprinkling of smoked salt and freshly made ketchup (be careful if wearing white), they're outta this world yummy! Save room for dessert. (I forced myself). The Cruller Donuts ($6) are made to order, and served with rich, rich vanilla ice cream, and sliced bananas. Our server, Adrian was super nice, so I want to give a big shout out to him too. We can't wait to go back for the Pastrami Nosh ($12) and the Southern Fry ($10). We love Plan Check! Plan Check 1800 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles (310) 288-6500. Hours: Sun-Wed: 11:30 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Thurs: 11:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m. Daily Shift Change (Happy Hour) 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Recommended Dishes: Blueprint Burger, Chef's Favorite Burger, PCB Burger, Fries, Beer Nuts, Cruller Donuts.

One word...bacon! That's right! If you find yourself in Old Town Pasadena and you're craving a burger, Slater's is the ticket. The huge sports bar was founded by Scott Slater who has a passion for craft beer and great food. When Slater got together with Executive Chef Brad Lyons, the 50/50 burger was born. The restaurant, founded in 2009, today has six locations in Southern California (Pasadena, Anaheim Hills, San Diego, Lake Forest, Rancho Cucamonga, and Huntington Beach.) Since opening, Slater's has won numerous awards including "Best Burger" (OC Register, OC Weekly and Fox 5 San Diego) and "Best New Restaurant" by San Diego Magazine. Wait among the crowds for a table then order some craft beers (rotated daily) and Vampire Dip to start your meal. Roasted garlic, cheese, and artichoke abound, served inside a sourdough bread bowl along with fried pita chips. This is for serious garlic lovers only! Beer Cheese Fries are topped with chili, beer cheese sauce, pepper jack, and jalepenos. We also love the Slater's Fries with Bacon Ketchup. Jalepeno Mac and Cheese isn't too shabby either. Thick- cut bacon, creamy cheese, jalepenos, and a Cheez-its crust make this dish a winner! Salads are big and we never can pass up the Wedge. Iceberg, red onion, cherry tomatoes, thick-cut bacon, blue cheese chunks, and avocado come together to make an unforgettable starter. So let's talk more bacon. Fifty-fifty burgers got their name due to the patty's half ground bacon, half ground beef content. Try the original 50/50 Burger. A delicious patty is topped with a sunny side up egg, avocado, pepper jack, and chipotle mayo served on a brioche bun. I'm a fan of the B'B'B' Bacon Burger. American cheese meets a 50/50 patty, sunny side up egg, bacon, Bacon Island Dressing all atop a bacon pretzel bun. You can also design your own burger using 13 different types of cheese, arugula, grilled onions, avocado mash, peanut butter, and a slew of other toppings and sauces. Don't worry if you are anti-bacon; all burgers can be made with chicken, veggies, turkey, or portobello mushrooms. For the adventurous, try the 50/50 Famous Bacon Brownie! Two moist chocolate brownies sandwich candied bacon and chocolate ganache. The whole treat is topped with more candied bacon and vanilla ice cream. Eat at your own risk, and have your cardioligist on stand-by. Slater's 50/50 Burgers by Design, 61 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena. (626) 765-9700.

Recommended Dishes: 50/50 Burger, Burgers by Design, Vampire Dip, B'B'B' Bacon Burger, Wedge salad, Slater's fries.

Welcome to LA Freddy's! The famous Wichita-based chain has finally made it out west. Named after WWII veteran Freddy Simon, the restaurant pays homage to 1950's style quality cooked-to-order meals. With locations throughout the U.S., Freddy's can definitely call Westlake Village home. The lines are long so be prepared to wait. It's worth it! Employees show attention to details and make sure your visit is as best as it can be. Start off with the #,1 a Steakburger Combo called Freddy's Original Double. Two steakburger patties, cheese, mustard, onions, and pickles are nestled between a buttered bun. Skinny, skinny fries and a drink complete the meal. Burgers are juicy and on the thin side, but full of flavor. The #3 Combo, the Chicago Dog, is topped with mustard, relish, diced onion, and pickles on a toasted buttery bun. The Original Double Patty Melt is Combo #5. This one is a sure winner and includes two steakburger patties, Swiss cheese, and grilled onions on taosted rye. Dessert lovers won't want to miss the frozen custard. Made fresh throughout the day, frozen custard is a gourmet treat. Originally served on the east coast, at the turn of the century, this frozen treat contains more egg yolks than regular ice cream. Yes, it's much richer. Try a sundae with chocolate or vanilla custard. Tons of toppings are available as well as sauces. Hot fudge is crazy good! For a quick meal that won't set you back too much, stop into Freddy's-you'll be glad you did! Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers 391 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village (805) 497-3344

Recommended: Frozen custard, Steakburgers, skinny fries, chili.