California Trip, Part 2: Delicious Things

Would you hate me if I said that my very favorite thing that I did/saw/ate in California was Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt? Because, that shit is fresh.

You know of my recent and ongoing Menchie's obsession, but I'm kind of glad that we don't have a Pinkberry nearby because then I'd really have a problem. I had my first Pinkberry (original tart with strawberries) in Hollywood, and ate it two more times during the trip (half peach, half original tart in Santa Barbara and back to tart w/strawberries in Santa Monica).

I've since tried at least three other attempts at tart (Menchie's, Sweet Frog and a froyo place at our local mall) that have paled in comparison.

But I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the California-based chain had expanded to most other states, including New York City, where I'll be twice (!) in August. I can't wait to be reunited — but they say you never forget your first (or second, or third).

One thing I won't miss from California is In-N-Out Burger. I was as excited as any carnivore could be to try the famed burgers and fries, but they let me down in a big way. Not only was it not a life-changing culinary delight as I had hoped, but my burger was, for lack of better words, not good.

The bun was so hard it may have been a crouton, and everything else was average at best. The thing I remember most fondly about my lunch was the fountain coke, which was everything a fountain beverage should be — cold, refreshing and sweet. But hey, we have those in Ohio too.

In Ohio we also have Swenson's, which by my scientific calculations is about one million times better than the In-N-Out burger I had, and I have to travel approximately 2,999 less miles to get one.

I did appreciate the cozy way they wrapped the burger and I have been told I should regret not ordering it animal-style. I'm willing to give it another chance, but I won't be going out of my way to do so.

On the sausage front, I had a wonderful hot dog from Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom, at the original location on the Venice Beach boardwalk. The staff was friendly and the dog was delicious — even if the spicy mustard did a number on my sinuses. Even the seagulls couldn't wait to get a hold of my scraps, although unfortunately for them I didn't leave any.

None of my other California meals were very memorable, although I can't exactly say that I sought out noteworthy food (we actually ate at an Applebee's, and yes it was just as crappy as it would have been in Ohio).

I did, however, try my first (and second) Doritos taco from Taco Bell, and my life hasn't been the same since. You can take the girl out of Ohio, but you can't take the Ohio out of the girl.