I've mentioned, some, that I have a laundry list (including keeping up with the laundry!) for the summer. One major item on my list is (drum roll, please) finding my *perfect* burger.
I had a few odd cravings when I was pregnant. The first trimester, when I was at the height of my coaching, outside, long hours, in wind and sun, was chunky orange juice - such chunky pulpy deliciousness that I had to chew it on the way down. Later in my pregnancy, I had a penchant for kalamata olives. Prior to pregnancy, I'd never been a huge olive person, but something about the brininess was just...perfect.
I never had real cravings. I had a ravenous stomach and a mind open to suggestion - so much so that even Homer Simpson eating spaghetti made me want some with meatballs. But I did have one craving that hasn't gone away, and that is for the *perfect* burger.
I'm driving everyone I know crazy with this yen for my *perfect* burger. I don't want anything cooked on a griddle. It has to be grilled. It cannot be a pre-packaged, perfectly round or square slab of meat. It needs to be hand-pressed so it is thick enough to retain juices. The mix of condiments and toppings has to be just right so the heat of the meat contrasts with the crisp, coolness of the tomato and lettuce; And I'd really like it with avocado, but I'll take just a plain burger with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mayo, if I can get it.
I've tried...7 places in our area. None of them have it. Of those 7, 5 were recommended to me as the *best* burgers in the area. I don't want the best in the area. I want MY PERFECT burger. There is one more place I've heard of, but when Steve drove all the way there (it is apparently quite a distance from us, but in the same area...) he didn't have cash on him, and they do not take credit cards. I'm holding out a sincere hope that we can get there within the next week.
The Irish pub we tried today at our department lunch was good. But mine was dry. I only asked for medium well, which should have put a nice char on the outside without drying out the meat. Don't get me wrong - it was good. But it wasn't that for which I am yearning. And I was really hopeful, since this particular pub's food is truly satisfying. They have a pecan crusted salmon that is absolutely delectable.
If any of you know of a place that has THE burger, please please PLEASE let me know so I can put this search to rest.
Oh, and graduation was today, so I now have 2 months to dedicate to this search!! :-) Yay!
I don't know where you should go but I may have a few recipes up my sleeve. My Steve has become a grilling efficianado and there are a few recipes in his latest grilling cookbook that look particularily tasty! I'll email some to you soon! Love you!!
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