On a chilly jet black night, we stood motionless on the cold concrete staring up at the structure before us.  Our faces illuminated by the giant neon sign pulling us forward like a beacon in the darkness.  Tomy walked up behind me and asked with more fear in his voice that I can ever remember hearing; “Where are we?”  It was as though we’d stepped into a time machine and waiting to greet us when we stepped out of our Delorean, was this week’s restaurant, Foster’s Freeze.  Thankfully, I packed my tardis full of cohorts who both love fast food and appreciate references I make about British TV shows that I don’t actually watch…

Aimee-Roommate since the 90’s, BFF, allergic to hot dogs and therefore labeled a commie by many

David-Technical writer, singer, robot super villain

Durwood-Best friend, comedian, San Diego’s go-to young black non-singing actor

Dylan-The newest addition, the 2014 model.  A Kate & Joe production.

Joe-Theatre and beer enthusiast, podcast co-host, Co-Creator of World’s Cutest Baby

Joe “Bish”-Computer wunderkind, Husband of Kate, a tall drink of water

Kasey-Rocky Horror performer, Coffee wife,  Occasional Drag King

Kate-Costume designer, Comedian, Once starred in a church rap video

Lily-World’s Cutest Baby (a Joe & Nicole production)

Nicole-Stage Manager, Cupcake diva, Co-Creator of World’s Cutest Baby

Sebastian-The coolest kid in Kindergarten.  A Kate & Joe production.

Tomy-Fashionista, Rocky Horror performer, an original Kathryn

Not pictured: Jack and Diane who are outside sucking on chili dogs.

Foster’s Freeze is a Southern California institution.  Calling itself “California’s first fast food chain”, Foster’s Freeze began as an Inglewood-based soft serve cone place that branched out into other foods and has been a staple since 1946, making it the second oldest SoCal relic that I’ve seen in person! I was really unsure what to expect. I mean, this wasn’t exactly snooty upper crust dining but I can’t imagine you last that long in the food service game without bringing something good to the table.  Besides, I’m no snob and I love a good burger.  Let’s do this.

For dinner, Joe ordered the Big Boss (with Swiss and American cheeses, bacon, onion rings, lettuce, pickles, tomato and Foster’s Special Sauce).  He expected the burger quality to be on par with a Dairy Queen/A&W type place and he got it.  He also loved the crinkle cut fries on the side.  Tomy also ordered the Big Boss minus Onions, tomato & pickles.  While he appreciated the thick cut condiments, he felt the meat was a bit on the chincy side for such a big burger.  He also liked his waffles fries and the fact that they have Diet Dr. Pepper on tap was a plus for Tomy.  David got the Double Cheeseburger with crinkle cut fries, which he said was a nice departure from the standard fast food fries.  He also really liked that the soda machine was well stocked with ice.  Like, he mentioned it twice.

Aimee ordered the Patty Melt with Onion Rings and a chocolate milkshake.  She was delightfully surprised to see they used traditional rye bread and thought it was a great value for $4.99.  She also enjoyed the onion rings because the passed the “Onion Ring test” (With a single bite, the onion did not come out of the breading).  She also gave high marks to the milkshake’s flavor and the fact that she didn’t pull a lung trying to drink it with a straw.  Kate had the Double Old fashioned with chili fries and a root beer.  She really enjoyed the burger and felt it was well proportioned with the amount of toppings.  She added that the chili fries were FOR REAL.  Sebastian had the corn dog and was very enthusiastic about it.

Kasey got the double cheese burger with a root beer float.  She like so many others praised the amount of toppings.  She also enjoyed the amount of ice cream used in her root beer float.  Joe B had possibly the best review of his meal in saying “Never has 1600 calories tasted so good!”  He also praised the amount of pickles included on his Big Boss Burger.  I had the Double Decker with Waffle Fries.  I have to say I was unsure what my experience of dining her was going to be like but I have to be honest: This is was damned delicious.  It was big, messy and full of flavor.  Loaded with toppings and well made.  A great value.  The waffle fries were also terrific.  A hugely satisfying meal.

I’ve paid up to 8 bucks for burgers like this elsewhere. That was stupid of me…

I could’ve gotten a milkshake with my burger but I wanted to do a proper dessert so I went back and ordered a mud pie twister.  One of my favorite desserts is a mud pie.  My Mom would always make it for Thanksgiving when I was growing up so it both hugs and feeds my inner fat kid.  This dessert delivered the flavor perfectly and just as remember it.  A home run.

Not gonna lie. Googling “Mud Pie” for a recipe link made me very afraid of what results might come up. Fortunately, my imagination was far more perverse than the internet, for a change.

So I have to say this was one of the biggest surprises of the challenge.  I really loved Foster’s Freeze and would come back as soon as possible to get my fast food on.

Further reading