CALIFORNIA FAST FOOD

Californians should not eat fast food.  Our immigrant-rich society has created a wealth of affordable restaurants that offer a stunning variety of tasty, quickly prepared, take-out meals.  Don’t scarf a Big Mac.  Get a burrito, and munch on it all day. 

But if you must eat fast food:

In-N-Out Burger: Irvine-based In-N-Out Burger only makes three things: burgers, fries, and shakes.  But it makes those three things really well.  In addition to their deliciousness, In-N-Out cheeseburgers are my only sure-fire cure for a hangover.

Taco Bell: When it's midnight, you're starving, and you only have a buck, Downey-based Taco Bell may be the only option you're looking for.

El Pollo Loco & Del Taco: Costa Mesa-based El Pollo Loco and Lake Forest-based Del Taco share a stirring slogan: "Hey, We're Better Than Taco Bell."

Panda Express: It is possible that some meals prepared by Rosemead-based Panda Express have some nutritional value.

Johnny Rockets: I never have eaten at a Lake Forest-based Johnny Rockets.  But I confess that it makes me happy to look in the window as I walk by.

Chronic Tacos: Aliso Viejo-based Chronic Tacos has name stolen from a record company named Death Row.

Carl's Jr.: There was a time when a Western Bacon Cheeseburger from Carpinteria-based Carl's Jr. was the best thing I'd ever tasted.  My standard of living has improved dramatically since then.

Good Riddance -- McDonalds: According to Wikipedia, McDonalds was founded in 1940 in San Bernardino, California.  Fifteen years later, McDonalds's headquarters moved to Illinois.  I think I speak for all Californians when I say, "Please, don't come back."