WineLovers Discussion Group

So I took my staff out to lunch today and for some reason have been craving a burger. We went to a local restaurant that has just about anything you'd want and everything is always outstanding, so thought I was safe in ordering a burger. It was obviously "good" beef, probably ground sirloin, and nothing was wrong with the bun, toppings or condiments, but it was just so dry. Yes it was medium-well but I remember the good old days when burgers had a little fat in them to make them juicy and tasty regardless of how well-done they were. It didn't satisfy my craving, so I guess I'll just have to make them at home from now on with some good old fashioned ground chuck.
Anyone else missing the old fashioned burger?

I'm not missing them right now, but I know exactly what craving you're talking about. It's the kind of craving that only a medium-cooked, hand-formed, 1/2 pound with a slice of American cheese (for meltability purposes) topped with a fresh piece of Bibb lettuce, a thick slice of the ripest tomato and a hint of ketchup on a toasted bun can fix. Juicy enough that it drips down your chin as you eat it, but cooked well enough that it doesn't fall apart in the bun. Changing it up every now & then with a couple pieces of bacon or a slice of avocado (or both) isn't a bad idea either.

I had surgery several years ago and had my jaw wired shut for a short time. I craved a burger like that almost every day.

We have a five unit chain that started here in Rochester and goes now ranges from Portland, ME to Worchester, MA called Wild Willie's. They consistantly win allocades in their localles. Mmmm good.

Can't remember the last time I ate a restaurant burger. I can buy quality local ground beef and whip up a yummy burger in no time and if I want the sumabitch rare I can have it rare. :0

You're so senile that you're quoting yourself now, 'winger? Or was that your version of an Instant Replay?

Hoke wrote:You're so senile that you're quoting yourself now, 'winger? Or was that your version of an Instant Replay?

Between the goverment's attempts to prevent us from getting e-coli and the health nazis' desire to eradicate all fat, it's become nearly impossible to get a great burger. Where I live, there's actually a chain called Bob's Burgers & Brew that's probably the premier casual sit-down restaurant, and as the name implies the menu's all about burgers. And how's their meat? Gristle-y and tough, from frozen. Why anyone would ever go back I can't guess, I never did--but I have a feeling I'm the only person who ever complained.

Hoke wrote:You're so senile that you're quoting yourself now, 'winger? Or was that your version of an Instant Replay?

Next year I get to hide my own Easter eggs.

After Gene and I had our family, we started buying beef in bulk. Since he was in the meat business when we first married, he did the ordering. He always asked to have bull meat added to our ground meat, when I asked him why, he said, to add some lean in with all that fatty meat. We had great burgers, very juicy and tasty. The meat does not taste the same as it did then and neither do my favorite family recipes I made when the kids were home. Those lasagna casseroles, etc. are not the same.

Local beef for homemade burger's. Have not had a restaurant burger in quite a while.

There are still good ones to be had around here, but you need to know where to look. A restaurant called Jamie's, not too far from our house, does an excellent burger.

Around me, the mom and pop restaurants do the best job. Chains don't.

David M. Bueker wrote:Local beef for homemade burger's. Have not had a restaurant burger in quite a while.

Burger night at Dave's house!!! We can all be there by 6:00.