Porky's BBQ

BBQ seems to be something that everyone can associate with. There are various types of BBQ, something to fit everyone's tastes. Porky's has been widely regarded as one of the best BBQ restaurants in Southern California. They specialize in pulled pork and pork ribs, but also serve beef and chicken. Their BBQ is dry rubbed and smoked for up to 20 hours over hickory wood.


The pulled pork sandwich is overflowing with luscious, slowly smoked pork butt that has been dry rubbed. It is topped with coleslaw and just a hint of BBQ sauce. The sauce is a little tangy and not too spicy. The sandwich has to contain at least a half pound of smoky pig. There is just enough fat on it to glisten your lips and give it that extra flavor. The only thing that could be better was if the meat was hot, but they take it right off the smoker and serve it at that temperature, otherwise that juices would evaporate with the added heat.

The yams are very Southern style, loaded with butter and brown sugar. There was just a little too much butter for my taste, and its heavily seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg. It's almost like a mini dessert in a bowl.

They even have Golden Bird Fried Chicken, and chicken and waffles for adventurous types.

Porky's truly is one of the best BBQ places in town.



Porky's BBQ
801 E. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 671-2900

Portillo's

Chicagoan's rejoiced when an outpost of their very own opened up in California. Throngs of faithful diners lined up non-stop to relish one of the things they missed most, the Chicago hot dog. Even though Portillo's has been open for a while now, it always seems to be crowded.

I came here wanting a taste of something truly original, the Chicago hot dog with the works. For Chicagoan's nothing can seemingly be beat. For Californians it seems like an odd mix of ingredients to pile onto a hot dog.


The Classic Hot Dog comes adorned with mustard, relish, onions, sliced tomatoes, Kosher pickle slice and sport peppers loaded onto a steamed poppy seed bun.


The hot dog has a natural casing for those who like that snap. The hot dog itself is very good, nice and juicy although a bit on the smaller side. The combination of all of the ingredients just didn't work for me though. There was way too much going on. I didn't realize it was a sweet relish, and though the Kosher pickle's saltiness was a flavor contrast, I went into cucumber overload. The cornucopia of toppings just seemed to hide the taste of the hot dog, which is ashame since the hot dog should be the main character and not just another role player.

I would certainly give Portillo's another try, but would tone it done and have it "California style".





Portillo's
8390 La Palma Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-6400