LABJ Insider: February 6

Cheeseburger Paradise

Legend has it that 99 years ago Lionel Sternberger began putting cheese on hamburgers and serving them at his Rite Spot eatery in Pasadena. And regularly in recent years, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has held cheeseburger week. It not only honors that giant of a culinary achievement that began so humbly in Pasadena, but it also gives a bit of a boost to local restaurants. Diners are encouraged to test local fare and vote for their favorite cheeseburger. 

But this year, the chamber changed things up a bit. It added a “favorite burrito” category. Paul Little, the longtime chamber chief, explained that “it could be argued that a burrito is a deconstructed cheeseburger (if you use your imagination a little).”

Cheeseburger week was held the last week in January, and 1,464 votes were cast in various categories. The “favorite lunch counter burger” winner was Pie ’N Burger. “Favorite gourmet burger” winner was The Stand. The “favorite sit-down / white table cloth restaurant” winner was a tie between The Raymond and Smitty’s Grill. 

But the big winner – in the overall category of “favorite cheeseburger” – went to the Dog Haus and Dog Haus Biergarten. 

Oh, and the winner in the “favorite burrito” category? That was El Cholo, the local restaurant chain that this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary – making it one year older than the cheeseburger.

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Branimir Kvartuc was the longtime communications director and senior advisor for Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino. But after Buscaino dropped out of the race for mayor last year and ended, at least for now, his political career, Kvartuc decided it was time to go out on his own. Last month he formed Branimir & Associates Inc., a strategic communications agency. 

One trait he thinks will help him: His instincts have placed him in some of L.A.’s most memorable moments. Kvartuc claims he snuck into Dodger Stadium to see Kirk Gibson hit his walk-off World Series home run and later took an iconic shot of OJ Simpson’s car chase. 

“I am motivated to help tell the L.A. Story,” he said.

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The longest tenured employee of City National Bank is retiring. Ellise Seelig, 75, has worked for CNB, L.A.’s largest locally he

adquartered bank, for 49 years. She has served many roles; her last one was assistant vice president and accounts payable lead in finance.

 

 

 

 

The Insider is compiled by Editor-in-Chief Charles Crumpley. He can be reached at [email protected].