Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Chicago for Thanksgiving, and Burgers (of course)


Although a recent trip to Chicago was all about turkey and eating massive quantities of food this did not deter me from paying visits to two of my favorites in town - Top Notch Beefburger and the newish MBurger. Pictured above is my regular order at Top Notch, a King Size cheeseburger (1/2 lb.) with sauteed onions. Pictured below is the glorious Double MBurger.


Every time I mention that I'm heading down (way down) to Top Notch I still get the same response from ALL Chicagoans. "Where is it again?" This decades-old burger joint/diner is unquestionably one of the best burgers in the nation and Chicago is basically blessed by its presence. Chicago just doesn't seem to appreciate the Top Notch. Sure, it takes about 25 mins by car to drive there at top speeds but the burgers are truly worth it. I guess heading all the way down to 95th and Western from downtown Chicago is like telling a New Yorker to head out to Flushing, Queens for a burger. Or better, telling a Los Angeleno to drive from Hollywood to Santa Monica for a burger. Me? I would drive hours for this burger, but that's just me..

I also managed to squeeze in a Double MBurger at the burger joint now attached to the kitchen of Tru. Thankfully, I showed up after 2pm and the place was empty (no large feat - MBurger would be filled with 4 people, 5 max). Love that Double M.

Missed DMK, Billy Goat and a new burger joint called Burger Bar (?) There's always next time.


Friday, November 19, 2010

Burger Bites, Episode 2 - Some Odd Griddles


After over 9 months I've finally given birth to Burger Bites, Episode #2 - Odd Griddles and Techniques. I was on-and-off the road for months doing research for the completely revised Hamburger America (out April 2011) and learned a few new cooking methods for great burgers. In this episode you'll see some strange and amazing stuff, like burgers being poached at Pete's in Prairie Du Chien, WI. Click here to watch.

Friday, November 5, 2010

My New License Plate


Check out my new plate! (not kidding)


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Hamburger Photo Contest


I just found out that a photo contest involving burgers is ending tomorrow at midnight. The folks at Photo Shelter are holding the contest and I'm entering. Here's the link to the contest.