The plane trip to America was hell. I was sick as a dog, I hadn't been able to sleep the night before, and I was all by myself on the plane for the first time. I was seated next to a bunch of rowdy guys on their first holiday away from their parents, which is never pleasant, and all the movies were crap (but the food was surprisingly good!). When I reached the shores of California, I was tired and worn out. THEN I had to catch a shuttle bus to Irvine, which took 2 hours because of all the traffic.
By the time I met Stephen at the University Campus, I was hungry, partially deaf because of the pressure from the landing, and ropable. I was ready to conquer something, to devour something. Enter Berkeley Dog.
Berkeley Dog is not your average hot dog store. This branch rests at the University Center at Irvine, and is a popular hangout for young adults. The food you get here is actually similar to a regular sausage sizzle at home, except for the gourmet range of sausages they have. You choose your sausage (which is cooked in front of you), add onion, cheese, or bell peppers, then choose sauce, mustard and sauerkraut from the self-service bar.
German Frankfurter with Grilled Onion - US$4.44
Stephen was boring and ordered the German Frankfurter. Don't get me wrong, it was a good sausage: the skin of it burst open when bitten, releasing juicy pork and beef that was fragrant with garlic; grilled onions gave it some sweetness, and tomato sauce and dijon mustard completed the package. However, I was here for one thing:
Rattlesnake Dog with Grilled Onion - US$5.99
This dog was actually more pleasant than I thought it would be. Like Stephen's, it was juicy and gorgeous, but the texture was firmer, and the flavour? Very gamey. It sort of tasted like a cross between chicken and rabbit, and was delicately spiced, just enough to enhance the flavour. An elegant specimen, I must say.
Onion Rings - US$2.95
The onion rings were an afterthought, but they were definitely worth it. Covered in a solid beer batter, they gave a satisfying crunch when bitten in to.
My need to conquer sated for one day, I returned home to sleep off the jetlag. Stay tuned for more whacky American adventures! [Sorry - too much American TV]
Berkeley Dog
4249 Campus Drive
Irvine, CA
92612
USA
Phone: (949) 387-2111
I'm glad you had some good American food waiting for you after the journey. It is a hideously long trip and every time I do it I say never again. Then of course I do it again :-). It will be easy to settle in now that you are with Stephen again. I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary
Posted by: Mary | Dec 10, 2011 at 04:24 PM
I love mean old American burgers, but I can't eat too much of it in one go. But dang the food is so cheap compared to Australia!!! :( And wow the onion rings are huge!
Posted by: Akika | Dec 10, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Oooh, rattlesnake, huh? You are brave. I have not tried that yet. But I definitely would rather eat one than have one surprise me in my backyard. LOL
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | Dec 11, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Dear Jasmyne,
I would be tempted to try the rattlesnake but I suspect it may not be as nice as a regular dog and will be knocking myself for wasted calories.
Posted by: Chopinand @ ChopinandMysaucepan | Dec 13, 2011 at 12:56 AM
The onion rings look so good, and beer battered too. I bet they tasted wonderful.
Posted by: Dumpling Girl | Dec 13, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Traveling while sick is always a terrible experience. Glad this meal made your day.
Posted by: Gaby | Dec 13, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Oh yum. Those hotdogs looks great. And it's lunchtime! So sorry to hear about your horror flight.
Posted by: Hotly Spiced | Dec 13, 2011 at 12:30 PM
haha rattle snake? hope your enjoying your trip.
Posted by: muppy | Dec 13, 2011 at 09:53 PM
Onion rings are the best in America! Aussies just can't do it like they do. Looking forward to more of your eats! I really do love America...
Posted by: Tina @ bitemeshowme | Dec 14, 2011 at 09:25 AM