My weekend began with some time with the guys celebrating Wilson’s birthday. It was good being with only the guys and just bullshitting about old times. Nothing really says friendship like 7 guys making fun of one another about their weakest moments in high school and college. We had a great dinner at Lucille’s again. I love that place! We ended up in Corona playing a very competitive poker game at Shon’s place. At 5am I finished the game being up $126.
The next day I had another birthday to go to. But this time, it started at Tokyo Delves and ended at Saddle Ranch (again). Nothing says “Happy Birthday!” like getting wasted with your friends! Again, a birthday wish to my good friend Ann. You can probably guess which one she is.
Super Bowl Sunday was ok. Had some good food and spent some more time with my gf. The game was boring. Nothing special but a laid back Sunday. Back to work again. *Sigh* 
Let the birthday season begin! We start off with Kylee’s at Saddle Ranch, Universal City. Yes, nothing like having the waitor stand up on the table and singing Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and having half of your Mai Thai get spilled on you to ring in your special day. Food was good as usual, but the mass of drunk people dancing to music that would might as well be played at a High School dance was a sure indication that the night was going to be an interesting one. And it was. It further confirms that bars and clubs are no longer the pass-time of my choice anymore. I enjoyed my Saturday night spent watching Underworld Evolution, eating In-N-Out burgers, and reading at Barnes & Noble more. Not that I’m saying Saddle Ranch wasn’t fun, its just I prefer to be in a nice, quiet, and relaxed environment. Its just the natural progression of growing up I suppose.
I spent 2 joyful days celebrating Christmas with great friends. First we went to Anandia’s first company Christmas party. For those who don’t know what Anandia is, its a jewelry store which specializes in pearls. Go check them out at their web site or visit their store in Newport Beach @ 377 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92660. We enjoyed a great dinner from our gracious hosts Eric and Erica at their lovely home in Corona. Not to mention playing Cranium and Set was fun too.
The celebration didn’t end there. We went to our 3rd Annual Christmas party held @ Salya’s place. The place was decorated with the holiday in mind. Enjoyed some food and played a few games. Did our White Elephant gift exchange. That was fun as usually. Especially with the love statue! 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I typically write about what I’m thankful about. So here it is.
I am thankful for…
- an understanding and loving girlfriend who I adore.
- great friends who provide years and years of memories.
- being closer to my parents ever since I started living away from home.
- the emergence of Texas Hold’em as the favorite pass-time amongst my friends and I.
- the ability to to hop on my motorcycle and ride wherever I want.
- understanding co-workers and bosses who value my opinion and looks out for my best interest.
- Dave Ramsey for his podcast on teaching financial responsibility.
- not wanting anything for Christmas because I already have everything I’ve ever wanted.
That is all for now. As for my Thanksgiving activity, I went over to Peuv’s house and had an awesome Thanksgiving lunch. Very delicious food. Even had the effects of tryptophan hit me and napped for a couple hours afterwards. Thanks Peuv for everything!
So who’s getting ready for Black Friday tomorrow? I haven’t decided if it is worthwhile digging up bargains while fighting the other crazy people who would wake up in the middle of the morning to save a few bucks. I know my sister thinks its worth it. She’ll be at Sears and I might get dragged into it. We’ll see.
On a daily basis I am constantly reminded by my co-worker/friend, Jamie, how great all things Chicago is. About two weeks ago she sent me an e-mail message that her favorite hot dog stand in Chicago is coming to California. So this weekend, I decided to head out to visit the one and only Portillo’s in Buena Park. After a quick 30 minute drive down to Buena Park (would’ve taken me 20 minutes if it wasn’t for the Knotts Scary Farm crowd), I arrive at a bustling parking lot and equally bustling restaurant. The drive-thru lane was filled with idle vehicles waiting to put in their orders. There were lines everywhere. Lines to order, lines to pick up your food, and lines to the desserts. The restaurant resembles an indoor hot dog stand or a fancy cafeteria. You don’t have a host to take you to an open seat. Instead you just go line up, order your food, pick up your food, find an open table and eat. Want dessert? Go line up for a dedicated line for dessert. There’s also seating outside in a patio area for those looking for fresh air. The restaurant is littered with numerous items relating to Chicago, I presume.
As for the food… Well, they’re hot dogs. Only thing special about them are the numerous items they top these things with. I ordered a regular hot dog and the Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Style Polish, 2 regular drinks, and a regular french fries for $13. The regular hot dog came with a slice of pickle, tomatoes, relish, onions, and chili peppers. The polish dog came with grilled onions and mustard. The bread was a bit moist because of the wrapper. The hot dog was too sour for my taste, but the polish dog was delicious. Even had to order another one to satisfy my hunger. Because of the atmosphere of people looking and waiting for seats, we felt rushed eating our meal. So for a total of $20, my girlfriend and I walked out of the chaotic scene with filled bellies.
The food is delicious but I wouldn’t say it was worth the price I paid for it. Perhaps the bustling crowd was just an anomaly considering that it just opened last Tuesday. For what its worth, I would definitely come back here instead of driving to the famous Pink’s Hot Dogs in Hollywood and wait in a much longer line to pay for overpriced hot dogs. Why drive so far to spend so much on hot dogs?
Click on the image above to view more pictures of Portillo’s.
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