Football Season Is Upon Us!

I have been counting the days until kickoff and my annual away game trip with my friends to Alabama. We are down to 38 as of today. The iPhone app Big Day Lite is making the experience so much easier. Check out this pic of the app on my phone - the swamp and all.

I was looking more into the conference changes today and discovered that the Big Ten will now be the Big Twelve and the Big 12 will now be the Big 10. How weird is that? The logos and potential name changes should be interesting.

Burgers times 3

I am a little behind on my to do list in every category. So rather than giving a review for each burger I had on my honeymoon separately at a later date, I figured my blog would be better served with a single article and lots of pics rather than waiting any longer.

We hit a semi-landmark burger spot in Ocean Beach (San Diego), California called Hodad's within the first few days after getting married. Then I had the Jimmy Buffet burger in Bora Bora, French Polynesia at Bloody Mary's. And then towards the end I scarfed down the burger at Snack Hinerava in Teahupoo, Tahiti; which was also in French Polynesia.


Hodad's, Ocean Beach, California

Hodad's - from across the street.


Hodad's - cool mural on the west side facing the beach.

Hodad's line nearly around the block.

Hodad's storefront with burger fans everywhere.

Hodad's - the inside.

Hodad's Menu - I ordered the single with Cheese, a strawberry shake, and split an order of onion rings with my new wife.

Us at our table - what a coincidence! I'm originally from New York and she is originally from Michigan (note the plates). We were just sat at the first table available. How cool.

My single with cheese.

Me eating my burger - tasty!

My strawberry shake - tableside.

A Hodad's vehicle outside.

Bloody Mary's, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

The entrance...

Me and my wife at Bloody Mary's. Note the sand floor...

The restaurant at early lunch time.

My Jimmy Buffet Cheeseburger.

Snack Hinerava, Teahupoo, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Looking at the front of the restaurant towards the Teahupoo waves.

My Burger and Hinano beer.

Mile Marker 0 and the plaque for the annual surf competition.

And...another angle of my burger.

Articles to come...

Lots of blog posts on their way. From my wedding and honeymoon to the expansion of the PAC-10.

Otto's

The sign says "Best (1/3 lb.) Burger in Town". I disagree.

Although it had a tasty patty, an quality bun, and fresh toppings it just didn't do it for me. Here is a picture after I cut it in half.

I was surprised when I was not asked what temperature I wanted it cooked. I no longer tell the wait staff how I prefer the meat to be cooked to better get the full restaurant experience. I of course opt for medium-rare if asked, but I am finding there are more places out there that have a predefined temperature for their burgers. These places quickly loose my interest.

Nothing really bad to say except for my fries. Sweet potato and super overcooked in old oil. I didn't send them back because I shouldn't be eating fries anyway. Otto's is just not a top ten burger stop or a reason to boast best in town. Maybe they should modify their marketing to "Great burgers with Tons of choices for toppings." You should check out the Seelbach where Otto's is located though.

Shake Shack no longer MIA

I was wandering around Lincoln Road in South Beach last weekend waiting to meet up with someone and stumbled into the new location of Shake Shack's restaurant to be. Tucked in off of the north west end of Lincoln Road you can find this store front cooking up. I peaked in the windows and sure enough there appeared to be restaurant equipment - possibly even the grill!

I hope the burgers are as good as the one by the Flat Iron building in Manhattan.

The new Shake Shack location is at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL (North West corner of Lincoln & Lenox).

Man shows of my youth Part I

I was laying in bed the other night and had to spring up to grab a piece of paper to capture this short list of ideas so that I would not forget them. (Read Notepad post from months back).

Where are the Man shows of today?

When I was younger we had shows like Knight Rider, A-Team, MacGyver, and Airwolf. I thought, and still think, they were motivational and entertaining at the same time. Today's tv stations need to start showing re-runs of these shows. I want to see if I have the same appreciation for them now as I did when I was a kid.

My question is: "What are the shows like this for today's youth?" I can't figure them out. Maybe I don't watch enough tv - which is a good thing. Maybe I am just out of touch? Or maybe they don't exist?

PCH Pitstops from San Diego to Santa Monica???

**ATTENTION BLOG READERS**

My wife and I will be driving up PCH from San Diego to Santa Monica the first week in June and I would like to get suggestions on a northern route and any great places to stop along the way.

Specifically, I am looking for the best burger stop on the way to Santa Monica and for the route I am curious if it is possible to go up the coast the whole way. If not, where should I plan to get on and off the highways. From looking at maps and understanding how long it takes to travel up AIA on the southeast Florida coast I am estimating 5-6 hours of travel time plus stops. Does that sound about right?

Thanks...