I got to travel (fly) back to San Diego a few weeks ago and as usual had to hit all my old spots for eats, treats and tasty libations. One of those spots, as mentioned on countless Food network shows such as Triple D and the like, is Hodad’s original location in Ocean Beach, which I affectionately call “The armpit of San Diego.”
This place opens at 11 and quickly fills up and a line is short to follow. It’s menu is pretty simple with burger joint items and the shakes and burgers don’t disappoint. The vibe is beachy with a beach bump surfer feel. Custom license plates, surf boards and stickers adorn the entirety of interior walls.
If a patron donates a license plate they get their burger for free. The standard is that it will go into a box in the office, and sent to one of their new locations at some point, and mounted.
But, that wasn’t going to satisfy this stubborn old geezer. Because while I may now be old, my need of instant gratification rages like a millennial. Only child syndrome plays a big part as well, I’m sure.
After having my waiter notify me of this procedure my mind just couldn’t rest. My plan was to memorialize LG MARG (my RV’s license plate) here. After all, this is Marge we are talking about. My beloved RV, the old plates from Oregon, from before I changed the registration to Montana. This is my blog, this is my story, this is my life and no way in hell am I going to let some store clerk ruin my experience of knowing exactly where her license plate is, and demanding all of you to go look at it, and enjoy a tasty burger.
I go against my nature and ask to talk to a big boss. Confrontation, eeeek. A bit later a lovely angel rounded the corner and I gave her my “travel blog” business card and explained that the standard policy for license plates is much too pedestrian for a royal guest such as LM. She would require proper treatment and care.
After sharing Marge’s royal expectations the angel disappeared and reappeared shortly thereafter with wonderful news. It seems Sir Hodad would make an exception for Marge and have her displayed in the great ballroom of this exact establishment within the next few moons. It’s funny how much better my food tasted as a result of this news.
So where is it?
Well, first of all do you have to get to ocean beach in San Diego. Down towards the end of Newport street you can’t miss Hodad’s.
Once inside, the last set of booths on the right have a Hodad’s plaque of some sort. Scroll up and look at those pics again. Notice anything just below the plaque?
Yep, there she is. In all of her glory. Shining like a beacon of freedom, and pleasing all the passers by with a quick riddle.
Nice lady moved for the pic.
But, what plate did they remove to make it so? Dunno, don’t care. LG Marge reigns!
But wait, there’s more.
The other plate was separated from this one, kind of like how the US President and VP should not be together in case of disaster, these two plates were split up.
The other plate is now peacefully resting in a dear friends business establishment in Troutdale, Oregon, where a young, handsome, but very chubby, budding fly fisherman, blogger and procrastinator grew up. The business is The Troutdale House, a wedding and reception venue. The plate is in the grooms party lounge, sitting on a cutout of an old car.
Perfect. Thanks Martin.
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