Just Follow The Golden Road...To Deliciousness!

Greetings, Readers!

Feelinjg inspired by last week's entry with Tony's Darts Away, I decided to try out another local beer themed locale. This week I stopped by Golden Road Brewing.

Also run by Tony Yanow, this massive micro-brewery opened up on a small stretch of land between train tracks and the I-5 in Atwater Village.

I had been wanting to visit Golden Road when they originally opened late last year, but I my plans were continually thwarted. I had even tried their Golden Road Hef before even stepping into their brewery because of its availability at many local bars (canned, not bottle btw).

Finally making a stop at the brewery this past week, I was not only excited by their enticing beer menu, but after having sampled the food at Tony's Darts Away, I was eager to find a sandwich that would appeal to me here.

It didn't take long to decide on the pulled pork sandwich. The shredded pork was braised in the aforementioned Golden Road Hefeweizen, and stacked high on the bun along with shredded Napa cabbage and whole grain agave mustard on a croissant.

Yes, a croissant.

When I first got my food, I was a bit confused. Maybe I was given the wrong sandwich. I had never been given a pulled pork sandwich on a croissant before, or even anything after breakfast hours, so this was a bit strange.

But did it taste so good.

The buttery, flaky croissant really contrasted amazingly with the sharp mustard and strong flavors from the barbecued pork. The cabbage joined the party and added some crunch to the mix, which was definitely needed to contrast with the soft croissant.

Overall, this may be the best pulled pork sandwich I have ever had. Combine it with some potato salad and two pints of Golden Road's own draft offerings, and you have a delicious meal.

I cannot wait to go back.

Until next week, Readers!



Pulled Pork Sandwich
**** 1/2 Stars
Golden Road Brewery Pub
5410 West San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA
www.goldenroad.la

Pinch Me, I'm In Beer Heaven

Greetings, dear Readers!

I have mentioned before on this blog that over the years I have increasingly become what one might term as a beer connoisseur. My love for finding a delicious beer or excellent pairing with a meal is only matched, or outrun, by my love of sandwiches.

As some people may know, I've even taken this secondary love home and have become a homebrewer of modest talent.

That being said, when I research my future sandwich stops, any bar or restaurant that makes note of their sizable beer selection usually catches my eye.

Imagine my sheer joy when I found that Tony's Darts Away in Burbank had 40+ beers. ON TAP, and none of them are the big name usuals you'd find at any other bar.

Not only is that impressive, but the beer selection is split into two parts: IPA and not IPA.

For those of you with an interest in beer, you may know of the sizable contribution to the beer world by way of the California IPA. It's a delicious, dry, hoppy type of beer that is found the world round, but is especially delicious when coming from the Golden State.

I started off with a delicious Hangar 24 Orange Wheat and let that work my palate until my sandwich arrived: the pork Hot 'n Spicy sausage.

Honestly, the sausage is one of the best I've ever had. Fresh, spicy, and with a little bit of a pop to it (but no too much as that usually does not sit well with me.) On top of the sausage, piled high, were pickled jalapenos, grilled red peppers with a spicy creole mustard and hot sauce spread around the bun.

As if the sausage itself didn't have a spicy kick, the additions took care of that. I tend to like spicy things though, so it was incredibly delicious, but for those wary of burned taste buds, you may want to avoid this.

The bun itself was fresh and fluffy on the inside and held together until the end, even though that didn't take too long to complete. It was delicious.

For a side, I highly recommend the homemade potato chips with sea salt. Better than what you'd get in a bag anywhere you go.

Tony's Darts Away is definitely one of the gems of the Valley. Not only is the atmosphere enjoyable both inside and out, the beer selection and sandwiches put this place over the top.

I definitely think I've found one of my new favorite hangouts.

Which makes me wonder, Readers: what's your favorite local bar/restaurant in your hometown?

Until next week...


Pork Hot 'N Spicy Sausage Sandwich
**** Stars
1710 W. Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
http://tonysda.com/menu/