Dogs Dine Out too at Park Bench Café

Huntington Beach Central Park, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

    I thought to myself that I always eat out, and the closest Kamir gets to a fancy meal is my cold leftovers, which are usually a few days old.  While exploring through Huntington Beach Central Park, I came across the Park Bench Café, a wooden structure nestled under the shade of fall’s thinning trees.  The restaurant has outdoor seating only, and the best thing about it is, our four-legged friends are encouraged and welcome to join in on a tasty brunch. 

Kamir on her way in to the Park Bench Café, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            As I approached, Kamir was uncertain of the squirrels which thrive in this park, and also curious of the heavily scented new turf, which she immediately realized was a place that dogs go.  When I was greeted by the hostess, I was told I couldn’t stay since I forgot to bring a leash for Kamir, showing how responsible of a dog owner I really am, or acting on my own belief that she obeys even without being restrained by me.  After an instance of despair, I was reassured when the hostess popped back out from the cabin-like shack with a leash she said we could use as long as she got it back. 

Doggie water station, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            As we were led across the grass to one of the many umbrella-covered tables, the hostess pointed out a giant water jug on a central table, which had complementary water bowls to fill and take, so the dogs could wet the whistle while waiting for their food just like people do.

Doggie Menu at Park Bench Cafe, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            Once we were seated at our table, we were handed menus just like any other restaurant, except toward the back was a page devoted to delicious homemade doggie dishes.  It was then that I realized I would be ordering for Kamir also, and treated the decision with the same importance as my own dish.

A Redlands, CA couple and their dog "Love II," Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            As I was skimming through the options and taking in the beautiful scenery, I began to make small talk with a couple from Redlands, California. They made about a 90-minute drive to check out the Park Bench Café, which they discovered on Google.  The couple had a special story and introduced their new dog “Love II,” a five-month old adopted Staffordshire Terrier, who was born the same day they lost their first dog as a couple, “Love,” to the Parvo disease.  The couple admitted they were ignorant first time dog owners just as myself, and the lady sadly described nursing their pup in its final days, due to their failure to get the pup all its necessary vaccinations.  When I had told her I had never taken Kamir to the vet, and was unsure if the owner did before me, I promised the lady I would, after hearing the story about “Love.”

(Left to Right) Eggs Benedict, "Rover Easy," Denver omelette, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            When the friendly waitress returned with refills of fresh-brewed iced tea, we were hungry and ready to order.  I decided to get the Denver omelette, and I ordered the “Rover Easy” for Kamir, a small plate of scrambled eggs with tiny bits of ham throughout.   We both thought it was delicious, and Kamir licked her plate clean.

 

Kamir getting her "Rover Easy," Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            

The waitress left a pawprint on the bill!  Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

            Park Bench Café is truly a pleasant and unique place, where the only problem you may face, would be napkins blowing away in the cool lakeside breeze.  Kamir and I were not only satisfied by the tasty brunch, but also relaxed as the serene eatery made it feel like a traditional easy-going Sunday in California.

A pug and a chihuahua meeting under the tables, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

Doggie cookies for desert, Photo by: Elgin Ozlen

Click the link below to be taken to the restauraunt's website where you can find hours, directions, and more info.
www.parkbenchcafe.com

Huntington Dog Beach a Big Splash for Kamir

 

Kamir following her nose at Huntington Dog Beach Photo by:E.Ozlen

            Even though summer came to an end so abruptly according to the calendar, southern Californians don’t necessarily have to stop enjoying beach trips.  Since I live in Huntington Beach which is nicknamed “Surf City USA,” I thought it was only right to venture nearby first, at Huntington Dog Beach, a mile-long stretch of beach that dogs are allowed anytime of day.  Every fall there is even a surfing competition for dogs, who learned how to surf while wearing life vests.

              The beach has hundreds of breeds from Yorkshire Terriers to Great Danes with a variety of personalities making this neutral turf a complex social model of the dog world.  It is amazing how an animal behaves so differently away from the house where it feels it must protect you.  Kamir can bark for no reason at home, just at the slightest movement of the window blinds, but out at the beach not a peep out of her.    

                 

A Great Dane playing with an English Bulldog Photo by:E.Ozlen

                                    

             Some breeds are more playful and friendlier than others, and some seem skittish and unsure of their environment.  Some are older such as Kamir, and others just pups.  There are purebreds and mutts, those that have been fixed and others that haven’t, making them more curious or aggressive, so prepare yourself for that.

 

Kamir and a 14year old Golden Retriever Photo By: E.Ozlen

            I spoke to some visitors from an inland city, and they bring all four of their dogs here every weekend, because it’s such a special place that they can enjoy with their pets for almost free.  It does cost a few dollars to put in the parking meter, but is definitely worth the spare change.

 

Kamir with Ian in background, a Cerritos man with four dogs Photo by:E.Ozlen

            As you walk the beach amongst paw prints along a cliffside, you have a beautiful view of the Huntington Beach pier, and surfers catching the waves all four seasons.  Today there was a slight bit of a coastal haze, shielding most of Catalina from view, yet you could still make out the mountain peaks on the pleasant island just off our coast.  It is truly a beautiful place, with the ability to enjoy nature with your best friend. 

            A surfer said she’s glad that the city also allows surfing while dogs play on the shoreline, and she also looks forward to laughing at the innocence and humor of dogs.  She says it cracks her up when a dog barks at her coming out of the water with her surfboard, and she thinks her wetsuit can protect her in case of a random nip at her leg.

 

A local surfer who loves dogs too Photo By: E.Ozlen

           

            Leashes or harnesses are recommended but not mandatory.  There aren’t many rules besides to be responsible, and clean up after your pet.  Dogs are allowed from Seapoint St. to Goldenwest Ave. and there are several doggie bag dispensers and trash cans along the beach.  Huntington Dog Beach is only possible because of the contributions donated by the public.  It is a non-profit organization that keeps this dog beach clean, safe, and open.  If you want to donate you are helping preserve this for many dog years to come.

One of the many "Doggie Bag" dispensers Photo by: E. Ozlen

Here is a link to the Huntington Dog Beach website where you can get more info and make donations
http://dogbeach.org/

Dog Owner by Default           

         
            So I’m not the biggest dog person in the world.  I don’t particularly enjoy something’s life and well being depending fully on me, a young man in his mid twenties.  Beside the extra chore of feeding, bathing, walking, and picking up after an animal added to my daily routine, I hate finding dog hair on my prized wardrobe!

            Those late nights that lead to early mornings at friends’ houses or night clubs, abruptly come to an end when you remember a worried friend is at home waiting on only you, to use the bathroom and enjoy its almighty dinner.  At the moment you hear of a social outing in Las Vegas, or a weekend music festival in the desert, you already know not to get too excited, because you can’t let your four-legged friend tag along.  So I guess it’s going to be another regular weekend, forcing me to find an adventure here in the OC, where tail wagging is acceptable.

            You must be asking, so why did this guy sign up for this?  What’s a guy like this doing with a dog?  Well the truth is, I am now a dog owner and dog lover—by default.  A former roommate went through some personal problems, which led him to abandon the dog upon me, either a sucker, kind-hearted, or whatever it may be, it might just be the best thing that happened to me.

           

Kamir totally relaxed with no guests to scare her

Meet “Kamir” (sounds like "come here"), a dog whose age and past life experiences are a mystery to me… Some friends of mine claim the dog has issues such as her fear of people’s feet coming off the ground, fearful of being kicked in the mouth where she is already missing a front tooth.   It’s no secret this dog has experienced abuse in her past along with neglection/abandonment, and the most odd habit of hers is running in circles constantly due to her uneasiness, or maybe herding instincts.

The purpose of creating this blog is for people who aren’t necessarily dog savvy, to find way to adventure with our pets around Orange County, California.  Every place I visit I will try to analyze and learn as much as I can, to help everyone possibly enjoy the experience on his or her own.  With the importance of health in the mind, body, and soul, I will share how spending time with your pet benefits both ways.