Despite what Food GPS might have you believe, my life involves more than just food and drink. For instance, music has been instrumental, and the more I hear, the more themes become clear. Los Angeles is my adopted city, a place I actually chose to live for more than a decade, and anytime singers reference L.A. establishments in songs, it’s always fun. Here are some of the songs that stood out to me, plus recommendations from Facebook and Twitter, with the related restaurant name, lyrics and YouTube clips (complete with time cue). Enjoy.
“Lonesome L.A. Cowboy” by New Riders of the Purple Sage (Barney’s Beanery) @ 1:05
“There’s so many pretty people in the city
I swear some of them are girls
I meet ’em down at Barney’s Beanery
With their platform heels and spit curls”
“Today Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube (Fatburger) @ 3:31
“Today was like one of those fly dreams
Didn’t even see a berry flashing those high beams
No helicopter looking for a murder
Two in the morning got the Fatburger”
Beck “Debra” (Zankou Chicken) @ 1:13
“Like a fruit that’s ripe for the picking’
I wouldn’t do you like that
Zankou Chicken”
Notorious B.I.G. “Going Back to Cali” (Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, Fatburger) @ 3:21
“Frequently floss hoes at Roscoe’s
If I wanna squirt her, take her to Fatburger”
Pat Saperstein: “Oki Dog” by Youth Gone Mad
“I don’t want an Oki Dog
I don’t want an Oki Dog
I’m hungry and I want to eat an Oki Dog”
Blog Comments
Kris P Pata
December 2, 2011 at 3:13 AM
Good topic; good posts.
“Weinerschniztel,” the :10 punk classic by Hermosa Beach’s Descendents, is a definite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3JKJjAriWk
While an instrumental, Alt Surf Rockers Lawndale’s “Days of Pup N’ Taco” warrants inclusion on title alone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKf4l07a3rQ
South Bay Indies love their fast food.
Days of Pup N’ Taco by
Joshua Lurie
December 2, 2011 at 9:26 AM
Kris P Pata,
Thanks for adding the South Bay additions. It’s always good to get more geographic (and musical) diversity. Very cool to see you include the youtube links too.
Michael / South Bay Foodies
November 30, 2011 at 5:56 PM
Don’t forget about Usher’s line from his song “Do it to Me”:
“I got two-dozen roses, and a card that says baby I can’t wait to see you later
We made dinner reservations at Nobu or Mr. Chow you just pick the location”
Joshua Lurie
December 1, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Michael,
I like the Usher reference. Thanks for chiming in.
Fireball McNamara
November 30, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Great list. Fun stuff.
i’m keeping this list for consumption later:)
two more to throw on the next edition…
Tom Waits proclaims himself an erstwhile gastronomic Magellan of low-rent LA eats & also shouts out “i’ve had strange-looking patty melts at Norm’s” in ‘Intro to Eggs & Sausage’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivtlUq5-7bY
and
A Tribe Called Quest, in “Midnight” give props to the westside soulfood destination Aunt Kizzy
“The nighttime is busy, it’s word to Aunt Kizzy”
Hadley Tomicki
November 30, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Tom Waits also shouts out Burrito King in the intro to his album “Nighthawks at the Diner.”
Joshua Lurie
November 30, 2011 at 9:15 AM
Joe and Hadley, thanks for the additional suggestions. Tom Waits is clearly a fan of L.A., at least in song.
Mattatouille, wishful thinking, but probably possible at some point.
mattatouille
November 29, 2011 at 9:36 PM
someone needs to reference scoops westsiiiiiiiiide. lol jk
Joe
November 29, 2011 at 7:57 PM
That Dog – “Westside Angst” http;//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmv90SH7iJY remembering the departed Ships in Westwood.