THERE'S A NEW DOG IN TOWN

A new restaurant called LAZY DOG that is! The town is Temecula, CA.

It doesn't actually open until May 20,2010 but they were having a mock run today where friends and family of the staff could go and enjoy a meal for free.



We got to go because my nephew, John, is the head chef and is even part owner of this great restaurant! I'm so proud of him.

He has been in charge of everything in the kitchen. From ordering the food, hiring and training the staff to making sure all the food is cooked to perfection.

When you walk up to the restaurant you can see touches that let you know this isn't just any restaurant. This is a fun restaurant that has many extra cute touches. Like the dog paw print on the fireplace screen outside.

A big paw print at the top of the building.

Inside, the place is warm and cozy. Almost like you are in a huge dog house.

We didn't order off the main menu. They had a special menu for us. Just a hint of things that are on the regular menu they will be using once they open.

Yes, the owners are all big lovers and everywhere you look, you can tell how much they love and adore dogs.

Even the signs on the bathroom are a hint at how they are forever thinking about their dogs.

I love these signs. Notice how the boy dog has his leg lifted up. To cute!

There are paw prints everywhere. Even on our table. It reminds me of the hidden Mickey Mouses at Disneyland. They are everywhere, but sometimes you have to search for them.

This sign is over by the bar.

I have to admit, I was laughing and smiling through out my whole visit here. There is so much to see and being a big dog lover myself, I enjoyed it all.

My favorite item was the fire hydrant with dog bone levers they have for the beer on tap. Very clever if you ask me.

As much as I adored the decor of the place, the food is what will bring you back again and again.

My sister, Patty, had these Ribs, mashed potatoes and veggies. She said they were by far, the best ribs she has ever had.

My photo didn't come out that great as I had my camera on the wrong setting. Trust me though, if it taste as good as it looked and smelled it was like heaven.

I got cheese pizza. First of all, it was big enough to feed a family of four. However, it was so good, I couldn't stop eating it and I had 1/2 all by myself. I took the other 1/2 half home.

I think I just found my new favorite place for pizza. It was that good.

Even though we were stuffed from our meal, we had to try the dessert. Patty got Apple Cobbler with ice cream and whipped cream on top.

It was served warm and the ice cream was melting making each bite a perfect blend of warm crunchy goodness with cold creamy smooth wonderful flavor.

I had an ice cream sundae. It was huge! Served in a darling dog bowl was three scoops of great vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate and raspberry sauce, whipped cream, nuts and a banana.

As hard as I tried, I couldn't finish it all. Believe me when I say, I tried too. I was just to full from all the pizza. But, it was so good.

We had a blast, the staff was so nice and professional. I don't have one bad thing to say. I'm not just saying that because my nephew works there either. It really was a fun and enjoyable time and I can't wait to go back real soon.

LAZY DOG

What could be better then a fun resturant with great decor, good food and wonderful prices? Well, how about all that AND you can bring your dog with you!

That's right, dogs are welcome at The Lazy Dog resturant. Just remember that if you do bring your dog though, you have to eat outside. CA laws won't allow dogs in any restaurants. Maybe someday though.

But sitting outside isn't that bad. In fact, it's rather nice. You will dine in a covered patio area, complete with an outdoor fireplace.

Many people, even without dogs, prefer to eat outside in the nice So. Cal weather.

This cute little guy was just waiting for people to come in so he could greet them.

The Lazy Dog resturant is decorated with dog items everywhere. Even the front door handle is in the shape of a big dog bone.

The indoor fireplace has family pictures on the mantle. The only little difference is, the family is all dogs.

So come on in. Sit down and enjoy a nice meal.

The menu has a little bit of everything. No matter who you bring they are sure to find something they love.

There is hamburgers, pizza, Chinese food, pasta dishes, salads, beef, chicken, pork and just about anything else you can think of.

The little children can order from the "Puppy" menu and the older children can order from the "Big Dogs" menu.

They even have a big bar area with several TVs where you can enjoy your favorite sports. It has that home town feel there. Almost like you stepped into the Cheers Bar and everyone knows your name.


I thought it was cute how they have "This Dogs New Tricks" drinks and "The Old Tricks".

The walls are lined with photos of dogs. You can even get the OK to put a photo of your own dog up, if you are lucky.

The after dinner mints are served in a dog dish and are in the shape of a bone. How cute is that!

You can even buy a tin of dog mints, tee shirts or hats.

Even when you look up you find a surprise. See how the ceiling is in the shape of a dog's paw print.

The kitchen is out in the open where you can see all the chefs preparing your meals.

I like this and think all restaurants should be this way. That way you can see for yourself how clean they are and there won't be any rumors of an unhappy chef spitting in your food.

More dog pictures on the wall. OK, I'm sure by now you are thinking "cute place but how is the food?". Well, I'll tell you.

I ordered a cheese, basil and tomato pizza. It was SO good. I couldn't get enough. Well, I got enough really. To much as a matter of fact, I was stuffed. But, I couldn't stop eating it.

My sister got the Grilled Pork Chops with a chutney on top, mashed potatoes and thinly shredded veggies that they call confetti veggies.


She said it was very tasty and loved every bite. There was way to much food for one person to eat. They give you two BIG pork chops. So, she took 1/2 home and had another whole meal.

My other sister ordered a hamburger and rather then fries she went for the fried zucchini. She said it was by far the best hamburger she has ever had.

I had a zucchini and have to say I can't wait to go back because I'm getting some of those.

None of us had room for any dessert though. We were way to full. Though they do have a great selection of sweet treats.

The Lazy Dog is becoming one of the most loved restaurants around. The first one opened up about 3 or 4 years ago in Huntington Beach CA. Now there are two more that are opened in Torrance CA and Orange CA. Several others are planned to be opened soon.

If you are ever near a Lazy Dog Restaurant you MUST stop by. I guarantee you will love it. I've never met a person who hasn't.

No, I didn't get a penny to say any of this. I just love this place and wanted to share it with the rest of you.

Hugs,
Joanne