Monday, June 6, 2011

Greek Style Chicken - Serves A Mighty Fine Burger

955 E Main St., El Cajon, CA 92021

On my lazy quest for a good burger in San Diego, my wife mentioned a place in El Cajon that seemed to match the main characteristic of the great burger places of The San Gabriel Valley such as Alpha Omega, Michael's Superburger, P & G and Tops. These places all have a Greek influence to them. The place my wife mentioned is called Greek Style Chicken. So on a day where we happened to be in El Cajon, we decided to stop by Greek Style Chicken.

Upon arrival, I was skeptical due to the fact that the word “Chicken” is in their name. Also I didn’t want to keep my hopes up, because most of the smaller burger joints in San Diego have really disappointed me. When I looked at the menu, something popped right out. It wasn’t the burger. It was the picture of their “Pastrami Burger” on the menu. It looked just like one of those awesome pastrami sandwiches that I would enjoy at The Hat, Michael's Superburger, P & G and Alpha Omega. I really wanted to order it, but I opted not to, because I was here to try a burger not a pastrami sandwich. I would have to come in another time to try it.

My wife and I ordered two cheeseburgers some fries and two drinks. The drinks came in these disposable cups that had Greek markings and a drawing of The Parthenon on it, which again reminded me of home, the cup that is not the Parthenon.



When we got the burgers, they looked about right to me. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into one. Once I did, I thought of Alpha Omega. It’s very close to that taste. It’s a solid burger. I was in burger heaven. This place has it. If you are from the San Gabriel Valley area, and miss those burgers, I highly recommend going to Greek Style Chicken. Their burgers are not the ridiculously dressed up gourmet types of burgers that have lost all touch with what a burger is supposed to be. Their burgers are basic, solid and delicious.

Go there and enjoy!





Greek Style Chicken on Urbanspoon

Friday, May 6, 2011

Summer is Coming. So Give your thirst a Squirt…arita!


When the weather starts getting hot, I start craving drinks that will hit the spot and cool me off. I’m a seasonal drinker. No, it doesn’t mean I only drink during certain seasons. It means for every season there are drinks that do it and those that don’t. For example, sipping a shot of Drambuie on a 95 degree summer’s day doesn’t feel right, however on 30 degree winter’s evening, it’s quite warming to the soul. So basically, I like to enjoy drinks that are in season, and the Squirtarita is a fantastic summer drink, made for easy livin.

So what the hell is a Squirtarita? Well, my wife’s uncle Jorge turned me on to it a couple of years ago, and I haven’t stopped drinking these since. They’re easier to make than Margaritas and in my opinion taste a hell of a lot better. One interesting thing about this drink is, I really haven’t had too many hangovers from it, and I’ve pretty much used Jose Cuervo Gold. So you can use a lesser quality Tequila and the risk of a hangover is still pretty low. That being said, I prefer Cazadores (The one with a deer on it), because the better the tequila the better the taste.

The Squirtarita is roughly one part Tequila to two parts Squirt. Take a margarita glass and fill it up with ice. I prefer a large Glass Chalice for my Squirtarita, because I’m a Reverend and I like it big. Add two shots of Tequila and watch it slowly melt a little bit of the ice. Then top it off with Squirt. Pop in a cute little straw, suck away and savor that cool sweetness in your mouth.

I like my Squirtarita simple and on the rocks. So I usually don’t doctor it up with salt on the rim or lime wedges. However, nothing is stopping you from doing that. It usually takes about a half a can of Squirt. So you can split a can with your significant other while taking in a nice summer afternoon relaxin, listening to Suavecito in the patio or by the pool enjoying each other’s company and Squirtaritas. Or, you can do what I do. Play dominos with the family and impersonate Sean Connery for the whole night. Either way, Salud!

Next up: mixing Cactus Cooler with Cazadores.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Elemental Pilsner - Lightning Brewery, Poway, CA

Elemental Pilsner - Lightning Brewery: This is a premium example of the classic German Pilsner. Clean, crisp and refreshing, the Elemental Pilsner is pleasantly full-bodied. Generous use of German noble hops provides this beer with a complex hop presence with a dry and slightly bitter finish. A bright white, lacey head tops off this award-winning session beer. – Description from Website

There is definitely a generous use of hops in this beer, because it is quite hoppy. If you like IPA’s you’d probably like this brew. I’m not into the whole IPA thing, so this didn’t do much for me. When I drink a Pilsner, I don’t want to think I’m drinking an IPA. So, it really depends on your taste.

While drinking it, I found myself not reaching for the glass. So it took me a while to finish. Basically, I really wanted to like it, being that it's local, but I didn’t care for it.