I have only known of maybe a total of three places where I could fulfill my love for phallic shaped meat: a) Pink's b) U-Dog (RIP. you will be forever missed) and c)Josie Maronne's sausages at the Century City Mall. As for Pink's, I refuse to stand in line for thirty minutes for a relatively decent turkey hot dog. I just won't do it. Besides, parking is a bitch enough as it is in LA, I don't need it to be complicated by dodging for spots with hipsters in Volvos. U-Dog went out of business and I only found this out recently, so a single tear goes out for their deliciously spicy veggie hot-dog. And since I'm never in Century City anymore, I have no reason to visit and a hot dog isn't enough for me to make the trip.
So what do I have left now that I am living in Sherman Oaks?
It's a five minute drive from my apartment and they offer one free hour of parking with validation! (*****)
Quaint doesn't even begin to describe The Stand. The exterior brings back nostalgic memories that I've never had of childhoods in North Carolina, sipping lemonade on the front porch, and tire swinging. The interior is small and cozy with a diner feel, but not contrived like Johnny Rockets.
But on with the hot dogs.
I had the "Chicago" turkey dog which consisted of small turkey hot dog (a little thinner than what I'm used to; I'm a fan of girth) encased in a kaiser roll. Piled on top were pickles, onions, tomatoes, mustard, sport peppers, and a raddish whose teal green color should never occur naturally.
Neil had a regular all beef hot dog, piled high with bits of bacon and cheddar cheese. I was disappointed that the cheese was not melted, but I guess it is only a hot dog. We also shared a small side of Macaroni and Cheese (how the hell do I not weigh 500 pounds?).
The Verdict: I would definitely visit again. The atmosphere is lovely. The hot dogs were satisfying and paying a measly $3.95 for a hot dog? Both wallet and appetite are sated.
The Stand
17000 Ventura Boulevard
(Just West of Balboa)
Encino, CA 91316
4 comments:
$3.95 for a fucking hot dog?! you lived in new york for 4 weeks! did you not visit any of the grey's papaya in the city? recession special: two hot dogs and a fruit juice for under $2.
I know! BUT this is CALIFORNIA! I actually never went to grey's because they didn't have veggie or turkey.
isn't it Jody Maroni's?
Sure? I have no idea. I never paid enough attention, all I knew was SAUSAGE!
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