Pulling all-nighter for Chick-fil-A

Klaus is part of a loose-knit traveling army of fowl fans who flock to each new Chick-fil-A the day before it opens, arriving in the afternoon. They park their vehicles, then move into a roped off part of the lot where they set up tents or cots, play cards, shoot baskets (if someone brings a portable hoop) or listen to music. They turn in at about midnight and are awakened at 5:30 a.m. or so for their prizes.

"It's a good deal and it's fun," said Klaus, who has attended four in the last couple of years. "I met a woman there who knits quilts -- she made two for me and she's going to do five more."

A couple from Phoenix are also regulars. "I don't know why they come this far," Klaus said. "The husband never gets out of the tent. He reads. The wife sits outside. She's a gabber."

Besides the first 100 who arrive, about 15 standbys are allowed to stay. Usually, a few early birds grow bored and leave. Some are disqualified. Attendees are not allowed to leave the roped off area (restroom facilities are open inside the restaurant). Workers take roll call.

"In Moreno Valley," Klaus said, "one couple snuck out to a McDonald's next door and the guy who was No. 101 squealed on them. They were disqualified and he became No. 99."

More food for thought

In the category of unusual menu items (see accompanying), today's specials are:

* A serving for men who've forgotten their pants (from Patrick Mauer of Los Angeles).

* And, no disrespect to Presidents Day, a dish honoring a Colonial Army traitor. Howard Siegel, the restaurant's owner (and a former classmate of mine at Hamilton High in West L.A.), points out that Benedict Arnold is not such a villain in Canada. Siegel's Pagliacci's restaurant is in Victoria, British Columbia.

Eggs Benedict Arnold would be the enemy of any dieter, however.

From cod pieces to the Strip

Sure it's been a bit chilly lately, but I didn't realize how chilly until I saw the sign snapped by Tom Greene of L.A. (see photo). Turns out this Sunset Strip is actually in Williams, Ariz. I'm surprised Williams hasn't sued L.A. for stealing the name.