Obit: Sam's Dogs on Devonshire

Recently, Silence on the Los Angeles Chowhound Message Board recommended Sam's Dogs in Granada Hills to us, pointing out that it was the last remaining vestage of the Flooky's chain in Los Angeles. Apparently, Sam bought out the stand when Flooky's was pulling out of the area, but continued to make his dogs according the the high quality standards of his predecessor. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to sample the place's bill of fare in time... This message came through from Silence yesterday.

Hiya Steve... I must be the sad messanger and inform you that Sams Hot Dogs on Devonshire in Granada Hills has closed down. I wish you'd had the chance to try 'em.
 
The fellow running the counter who I always identified as 'Sam' was a soft-spoken Asian chap with kind eyes. I inherited a condo nearby, and during the many weeks of renovation on our place, I frequently walked to Sams just a block away for the filling, satisfying, and inexpensive fare. I always ordered the same thing, perhaps 20 times in a three month period: 2 chili dogs with extra chopped onion and a large order of fries. The chili dogs had a medium 'snap' and the chili ladled upon them was generous with the beef. They employed a large a soft sesame bun, which was appropriate as the dogs were also larger than usual. The fries were thin, crispy and never warmed over. The food always seemed to stay hot, even up to a half hour after taking it home...

I never saw more than one other customer in Sams at any time I was there, which gave the place a surreal quality, like a Night Gallery episode. About a week before they abruptly closed, I had a chat with Sam. I told him that his place was occassionally mentioned on the internet by a bunch of food lovers. His eyes lit up and he let forth with a rare smile. The next week, they were gone. I hope they re-emerge somewhere... In a town where even humble restaurants can act as if they are doing a big favor by taking one's money (then wife-to-be having a low blood sugar episode and being gouged $2.50 for a small banana at a certain hip/quirky cafe in Los Feliz, for example), Sams was a simple exemplar for good food prepared by good folks. Thinking of Sams, I'm reminded of Linus (Peanuts) and his assessment of his beloved pumpkin patch: " Just look, sincerity as far as the eye can see. Not a trace of hypocrisy to be found!"

R.I.P. Sam's Dogs