Pinks, a hot dog adventure!

This obscene thing is my lunch. I do not feel guilty at all, not one little bit, I earned it. My husband and I drove 42 miles to have it, and anyone who has driven in L.A., can understand what that's like. We then waited forty-five minutes, on a hot side walk, in full sun, clutching our pink paper menu, preparing to order. Yes, we were rewarded for our effort.

I'm speaking of course of my "12"Jallepeno Dog" from Pinks. This massive beauty protrudes a full 6' off the bun's edge looking like a train parked on a sleeping bag. More like a sausage then a dog, it's riddled with jallepenos, smothered in chili, wispy diced onion and a smidge of mustard. We had some onion rings as well, but to be honest I think they steeped a little long in the grease. A Diet Coke to counter act any damage done by the rings and the dog.

Pinks, is a historical food lover's landmark. Located on La Brea at Melrose in L.A., it morphed from a little hot dog cart in 1939 to a white washed petite shack. Don't let looks fool you, the food is great, the service fantastically patient, and the prices amazingly low. It has been a" star magnet"for years, many celebrity's contributing their autographed pictures to the decor.

I thoroughly enjoyed munching my dog with a plastic fork,(I didn't dare try to pick it up) under a cheerful umbrella,on a clean graffiti free patio. Worth the drive, worth the wait, and way... worth the calories!


Now some guidelines for ordering etiquette at Pinks:

1. 45 minutes is nothing, people have waited hours for their delicious dog, so no whining about the wait. No fidgeting either.

2. With #1 in mind, if you bring anyone under 12 and they can't wait quietly, leave them with a sitter.

3. Read the menu ahead, don't stand in line for an hour get to the front and say, "gee...hummm... what do I want?...  because everyone behind waiting their turn, will kill you.

4. Don't screw with the food, just order off the menu! They have dogs, burgers all kinds of stuff master planned for every taste.

5. Don't annoy the staff, they are working elbow to elbow, and heroically patient. Order pay and move on.

6. Give up any Hollywood fantasy's that you'll be discovered here. Eat and go, I want your table.