HotelChatter

The pool is just for guests, but anyone can stop by for a brat and a drink. Purists (read: those who lack imagination) can go for the Simple Dog ($8) with a beef wiener, mustard and ketchup, while those with more initiative (read: control freaks) can opt to make their own combo. There are five proteins to choose from: beef, small beef, turkey, bratwurst, and veggie dog; six kinds of buns: classic, sesame, pretzel, poppy, spelt, or none at all (this is LA after all); two kinds of ketchup and three mustards; and twenty-two toppings including caramelized onions, vinegar-braised peppers, green lentil chili, and slow-braised carnitas.

There are also several signature hot dogs including an LA Dog ($13), where a turkey dog comes toped with avocado, alfalfa and mango pico de gallo on a spelt bun (for you gluten-free folks out there). The most intriguing of the bunch, however, has to be the FIG Dog ($11). It’s a beef wiener slathered in bacon-habanero marmalade, covered in Fritos, and finished off with Comté fondue on a sesame seed bun. We can’t decide if it sounds palate-challenging or trashy. Or perhaps a sexy mash-up of the two.

Then there are the specialty cocktails (all $14) meant to cool you down on a hot LA summer day including: Sangria Blanca with raspberries and St. Germain, a Cucumber Lemonade with Hendrick’s Gin, and a Pineapple Mosquito with Belvedere Vodka, Licor 43, pineapple juice and mint.

Suddenly the ice cream truck isn’t looking so special anymore.

Rates at the Fairmont Santa Monica this summer are starting at $339 per night.