tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64899020874823906852024-03-13T18:49:42.108-04:00Hamburger AmericaA place where I can tell the world about my burger exploitsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-63080427825443038772015-12-08T15:13:00.002-05:002015-12-08T15:14:28.718-05:00The Great American Burger Book UpdateMy newest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-American-Burger-Book-Hamburgers/dp/1617691828/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449605494&sr=8-1&keywords=great+american+burger">The Great American Burger Book - How To Make Regional Hamburgers At Home</a> has a new release date! Look for it on shelves and ready to ship from booksellers on or just before April 12th, 2016.<br />
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Making a cook book was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. All of the recipes were tested over and over until we got it right. Many thanks goes to my trusty kitchen companion Sydney Rey who was there for every single recipe test. Also, this time around I did not do much shooting - I stayed focused on the writing and testing. Many, many thanks to the talented food photogs Kris Brearton and Doug Young for the thousands of images they shot over 7 months. You really are not going to believe how freaking beautiful this book is..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGHcRTpsQw-DOlXjPqTdIsVh5sXBHUBmXvvrKQ9i8XT2adtEv-XJy4QCGofg-jImsyaES8jdD7Hz2Nv_IUgt7vyjADb77ecwG234eeA5VsMOntWpV75QZuzgMnQ_dt2AEsL4u81RlqoY/s1600/BurgerBookCover_email.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGHcRTpsQw-DOlXjPqTdIsVh5sXBHUBmXvvrKQ9i8XT2adtEv-XJy4QCGofg-jImsyaES8jdD7Hz2Nv_IUgt7vyjADb77ecwG234eeA5VsMOntWpV75QZuzgMnQ_dt2AEsL4u81RlqoY/s320/BurgerBookCover_email.jpg" width="258" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-88808076508879503972014-07-15T22:03:00.001-04:002014-07-15T22:03:59.004-04:00Watch Me on Inside Edition Tomorrow<a href="http://www.insideedition.com/">Inside Edition</a> came to my house to film me smashing a few burgers. The segment should air tomorrow (7/16) nationally. Times vary all over America, but in NYC the show airs on FOX5 at 2:30pm..set those DVRs and watch as I smash burgers with host <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0940120/bio">April Woodard</a>..<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-37556270583272983062014-06-24T08:46:00.000-04:002014-06-24T08:46:30.797-04:00Great Piece in Times!Sam Sifton interviewed me and others on making a burger at home. Looks like all the experts agree - cook it on a flattop or skillet. It's the best way to go: [<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/25/dining/how-to-make-a-great-burger.html">click</a>]<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo: Ben Norman</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-9888222918784125472013-04-28T21:42:00.002-04:002013-04-28T21:42:26.975-04:00Burger Land Moves To New TimeAfter 2 weeks at 10pm (EST) Burger Land on<a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/"> Travel Channel</a> is moving to a new time slot, taking over <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/bizarre-foods/articles/bizarre-foods">Bizzare Foods America</a>'s 9pm Monday slot. Burger Land will stay at 9pm thru the season, which runs for 11 new episodes to the end of June. The show is ALSO re-airing at midnight as well.<br />
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This week, we are in <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/burger-land/episodes/new-orleans-po-boy-burgers">New Orleans</a>! Such a great city and we managed to hit Mardi Gras just right...featured on this week's episode are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teds-Frostop/223715071040062?rf=136901039705849">Ted's Frostop</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia_Grill">Camillia Grill</a>, <a href="http://www.bozosrestaurant.com/Bozos/Welcome.html">Bozo's</a> and <a href="http://portofcallnola.com/">Port of Call</a>. 4 great burger destinations.<br />
I'll be live tweeting the new episode, which is followed by a repeat of the <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/video/keeping-tradition-alive">Los Angeles episode</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-65814027227388222102013-01-08T16:19:00.000-05:002013-01-08T16:19:11.451-05:00Season One Filming Begins!I've been a bad blogger recently (like the past year). I have been a pretty good <a href="https://twitter.com/MotzBurger">Tweeter</a> though! And as Season One filming begins I'll be Tweeting TONS from the road. Follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/MotzBurger/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MotzBurger">Twitter</a> using @MotzBurger. There will be many burgers consumed over the next few months.<br />
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Season One will produce 11 episodes of Burger Land for <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/food-and-drink/photos/burger-land">Travel Channel</a> covering mostly warmer regions. Ohio, Oklahoma, and other frigid states will have to wait to see if a second season happens. First stop this weekend will be <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPA4K4WtDj6mo1YHKxhNyF-GnqIW-NA8zGgkMpGSI1U4lMhOMjOuYEpqtx06OYVylwrsoMq9zS6FEE0b4e3qDDktNnS9MBM65zC6DgnoU-9WlRWOwBWyG8TIp0j37hl0_IJpbS-VBuTgc/s1600/applepan.jpg">sunny Los Angeles</a>. Stay tuned for more..Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-53148997073490014292012-12-05T15:21:00.001-05:002012-12-05T15:23:14.543-05:00Top Notch With The GangHad to post this pic since it now lives on the wall at <a href="http://chicago.menupages.com/restaurants/top-notch-beefburger/">Top Notch Beefburger</a>. I was in Chicago for the 3rd Annual <a href="http://chicagofoodfilmfestival.com/">Chicago Food Film Festival</a> a few weeks ago and stopped into Top Notch for a King Size with cheese and onions with a few good friends. With me was editor Mike Fox, long-time Food Film Fest volunteer Fletcher Chen, Food Film Fest Beer Sommalier <a href="http://burgerconquest.com/">The Rev</a>, and my son Mac. With the exception of Mac and myself, the other 3 had never been before. Glad I got them down there!<br />
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The burgers at Top Notch are unquestionably some of the most consistently great burgers in America. It always amazes and delights me to know that burgers like this exist out there, burgers that will always be there for you. Not the same can be said of the original owner Diran J. Soulian who <a href="http://chicago.grubstreet.com/2012/11/in_memoriam_diran_j_soulian_ow.html">Grub Street Chicago reported</a> unfortunately passed away last month after running Top Notch for over 60 years. It seems like the place is in good hands however, and if it's any indication, the King Size I ate tasted the same as the first one I consumed way back in 2005.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-46808060449903554392012-08-02T16:46:00.000-04:002012-08-02T16:48:15.761-04:00Finally, I Have A TV Show!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's right! After years of planning, testing, shooting, negotiating, more shooting, and waiting the TV show of my dreams has actually become a reality. The <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/">Travel Channel</a> will be airing a one-hour special of "Burger Land", a show based on <a href="http://hamburgeramerica.com/ha_book.html">my book</a>. The 2 half-hour episodes air as part of "<a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/articles/destination-summer-1">Destination Summer</a>" over Labor Day weekend on Sunday, Sept. 2nd at 7pm and 7:30pm ET/PT.<br />
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Burger Land is a regional show. One episode explores what I like to call the Wisconsin Burger Belt, or the latitudinal route between Milwaukee and Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. In the show I get to revisit my hamburger heroes at Wedl's, Pete's, and of course <a href="http://www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/Milwaukee/SollysGrille/default.aspx?accid=16455">Solly's</a> in Glendale. The episode ends with a visit to a place in the region that I have not been to before, in this case it's Village Bar in Madison. A second episode visits New Jersey with stops at White Manna, Rossi's and one of my personal favorites <a href="http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Overview/5274/white-rose-system">White Rose System</a> in Linden. The show ends with a visit to a new joint in Newark called Hamburgao that serves a crazy Brazilian take on the burger.<br />
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Please tune in on Sept 2nd and see what we've been working on. I'm very proud of this show and hope you like it too. It has truly been a labor of love for all involved and I think is shows.<br />
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DP Guy Jackson gets up close with 2 beauties at White Rose System</div>
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I watch the glorious butter drip off my butter burger at Solly's</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-15645595678993927942012-05-09T20:42:00.000-04:002012-05-10T10:18:40.881-04:00National Burger Month in LA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent the first 3 days of this holiest of burger months gorging myself on 4 old favorites in Los Angeles last week. Right off the airplane, I headed straight to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Apple_Pan,_Pico_Blvd.JPG">Apple Pan</a>, took my customary stool (the one by the pie window), and inhaled a <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/cms/uploads/1/apple-pans-hickory-burger.jpg">Hickory Burger</a>. It was still the same damn burger I ate there 20 years ago, one of the crazy constants in this world.<br />
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The following day I took a bunch of locals to a place that (amazingly) none had been to before - the one-and-only <a href="http://www.irvsburgersla.com/">Irv's Burgers</a> in West Hollywood. Sonia greeted us with open arms and would not let us pay. When I tried to sneak a 20 into the tip box Mama came running out of the kitchen and pinched me HARD in the side to scare me off. I love this burger, the place, and of course Sonia's family. What was even more rewarding this time however was watching the look that came over the newbie's faces upon first bite. I had clearly created a few new disciples.<br />
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On day three I headed over to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/cassells-hamburgers-los-angeles">Cassell's</a> in Koreatown and just made it before they closed (at 4pm). Not a soul in the place and a stellar burger as usual. The grinder in the window once again reminds all that this is freshly ground for sure. And a bonus to getting this burger is the free dollop of Cassell's signature horseradish potato salad, easily one of the greatest things I've ever eaten. Unfortunately for most Los Angelinos a detour to Koreatown (though not really far from anything) is like a New Yorker hitting up a burger joint in, say, Battery Park City. Most just won't do it.<br />
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After Cassell's I had to head back to the airport to catch a redeye but couldn't resist the gravitational pull of <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In-N-Out</a> on the way there. I used my handy <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/burger-gps/id437178689?mt=8&ls=1">Burger GPS</a> and easily located one near the runway. No fries for me this time, just a Neapolitan shake and a dbl dbl Animal Style. With all that glorious beef and cheese I was set for an all-night flight..<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-64474780095677557552012-04-30T23:55:00.000-04:002012-04-30T23:55:19.294-04:00National Burger Month Starts TomorrowI'm starting National Burger Month tomorrow by having a burger at the joint that started it all for me - the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apple_Pan">Apple Pan</a> in LA. It was over 20 years ago that I first slipped into a spot at the worn Formica horseshoe counter to indulge in the burger that would slightly alter the course of my life. That <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/cms/uploads/1/apple-pans-hickory-burger.jpg">Hickory Burger</a>, and the place (and most of the people who work at the Pan) have remained unchanged and the burger I will eat tomorrow will be no different than my first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquZALGpv30-ZMLul4YAgjLjs5JfRkv_kcLT1rNeUo91oqL00fN8hwRLTYRv3lw93YF1OiZNmBNPfm15PHgddUWRWipedwz9rQTx8hzjMXeJFuv89Z4i1H_rS6UhLvusygwWki9whC-jI/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquZALGpv30-ZMLul4YAgjLjs5JfRkv_kcLT1rNeUo91oqL00fN8hwRLTYRv3lw93YF1OiZNmBNPfm15PHgddUWRWipedwz9rQTx8hzjMXeJFuv89Z4i1H_rS6UhLvusygwWki9whC-jI/s320/IMG_0437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you have a great National Burger Month. A great way to kick start the month would be to drop into <a href="http://www.billsbarandburger.com/">Bill's Bar & Burger</a> for Chef Brett's latest concoction - the Meatloaf Burger. Now, I know you are thinking, wait, George doesn't eat meatloaf burgers. WTF? That's true, but in this case I'll make an exception. That's because this is not a silly burger stuffed with eggs and spices, it's actually a slice of tasty meatloaf on a bun topped with caramelized onions! And not just any meatloaf, Chef Brett's meatloaf. Why is it so good? Because Brett told me this afternoon, "I LOVE, Meatloaf..." and he trailed off. Ok, it's not really a burger, it's a meatloaf sandwich and it's only available for the month so enjoy. EBT Kris B. sure did - he polished his off in just a few minutes. And this thing is huge.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-88714701232026677672012-03-29T23:18:00.011-04:002012-03-31T20:38:48.470-04:00Chris Madrid Has Passed AwayI guess I'm a little behind on the news but I just found out that one of my hamburger heroes, Chris Madrid, <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?n=chris-madrid&pid=156457607">passed away March 11th</a>. He was the king of burgers in San Antonio and made the refried bean-topped burger world famous. Chris didn't invent the thing, he but he most definitely expanded its fan base and made one of the best 'Beanburgers' around.<br /><br />I met Chris for the first time in May 2010 while I was compiling burger data for the revised edition of my book. When I pulled up in front of the restaurant he was already outside, hand extended, welcoming me to his 35-year old burger institution, <a href="http://www.chrismadrids.com/">Chris Madrid's</a>. The man talked a mile-a-minute and in no time I had a <a href="http://www.shinerbock.com/">Shiner Bock</a> in my hand and an order in the kitchen. He was a true host, always smiling and clearly loved everything about the world he had created from the people who worked for him down to the burger he made famous.<div><br /><div><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"The Macho Tostada Burger is a sight to behold. As you contemplate how to eat this enormous pile of heavenly goo, take a moment to appreciate what is in front of you. The bun, toasted on the grill, can barely contain the brown-and-yellow hues of its contents. The burger patty itself, a thin-pressed wonder made from fresh 75/25 beef, is hidden beneath layer of refried beans and cascading cheddar.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#330000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The burger is impossible to pick up. I found that cutting it in half made things slightly easier. My first bite of this legend sent me soaring. As I easily made my way through the macho I wondered why this burger was not replicated in every corner of America. The beans and chips worked so well with the beef and the cheddar tied it all together. Chris said it best when he told me; “It’s like a hamburger and an enchilada plate in one.” What an amazing invention. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;">-Hamburger America 2011</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p></blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>Chris Madrid made a serious impact on the fabric of the American hamburger and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Chris, and may your Macho Tostada live on.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXFmCIpvPEnV-IagqVFoS3LzAe7aDUPvyO_ljnt84R-LKtO8xwXRqs5ffQ5MMklREpuBkntthtbJFj01WhUVmliJUvV7pkQ1wyyPQv-2uReZ5r12FkhH5nimqtVPn6C4UsO_LhzsvDHM/s1600/CHRIS_MADRIDS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXFmCIpvPEnV-IagqVFoS3LzAe7aDUPvyO_ljnt84R-LKtO8xwXRqs5ffQ5MMklREpuBkntthtbJFj01WhUVmliJUvV7pkQ1wyyPQv-2uReZ5r12FkhH5nimqtVPn6C4UsO_LhzsvDHM/s400/CHRIS_MADRIDS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725885344994241954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">The Macho Tostada - a sight to behold</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ORibt4sgaAFXlxFU4Z02Toko7GZ31iVMCdbXmMZYyGNdpZ4B2Iwx84bIBLvb-pV4K_480rX9vF1WF-L2BBtYW8rlrkXs8DG66JMFxju3Ib1E2niKUdiN67Dxlv0K-_OCxLICAvbXNOU/s1600/CHRIS_M.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ORibt4sgaAFXlxFU4Z02Toko7GZ31iVMCdbXmMZYyGNdpZ4B2Iwx84bIBLvb-pV4K_480rX9vF1WF-L2BBtYW8rlrkXs8DG66JMFxju3Ib1E2niKUdiN67Dxlv0K-_OCxLICAvbXNOU/s400/CHRIS_M.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725885342310570786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Chris Madrid as he accidentally walked into a shot I was taking at the end of a long day at his San Antonio burger institution, May 2010</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-39164023710819054162012-03-13T14:42:00.003-04:002012-03-13T14:56:00.529-04:00New Burger Bites Episode Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmecwUjR7ZbS8l5F-xu-njfTyP2krOij3guW4ddIQFE3ksMppA7xzz_Kn99UceclBE9KfAU0WcD3RMe6vZAfJygh-_nP4fdvGA1HffarjtussSf-d9OeNlLs7Dh8CDzcgj6cR2TYFbrk/s1600/Picture+4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmecwUjR7ZbS8l5F-xu-njfTyP2krOij3guW4ddIQFE3ksMppA7xzz_Kn99UceclBE9KfAU0WcD3RMe6vZAfJygh-_nP4fdvGA1HffarjtussSf-d9OeNlLs7Dh8CDzcgj6cR2TYFbrk/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719457150777699634" /></a><br />It's been a while but I've just uploaded the next episode. Chicagoland Burger Triptych, episode #5, was shot way back in November 2011 and includes 3 of my faves - <a href="http://edzos.com/">Edzo's</a> in Evanston, the new <a href="http://www.mburgerchicago.com/">Mburger</a> in the Water Tower, and the classic <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/top-notch-beef-burgers-chicago">Top Notch Beefburgers</a> way down on 95th St. in Beverly. The entire journey took almost 4 hours to complete but <a href="http://chicago.seriouseats.com/">Serious Eats Chicago'</a>s Nick Kindelsperger came along for the trip to keep me company. It was a long yet rewarding lunch.<div><br /></div><div>To see episode #5, click <a href="http://hamburgeramerica.com/ha_burgerbites.html">here</a> to visit the new Burger Bites page on the Hamburger America website. All 5 episodes are now neatly arranged in one place.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-44882506529769003742012-01-25T19:13:00.000-05:002012-01-26T13:17:44.900-05:00Amazing Gift From Glenn at Solly'sWe are in production on a hamburger television show (details coming soon, and <a href="http://eater.com/archives/2011/11/21/george-motz-gets-a-hamburger-show-on-the-travel-channel.php">Eater broke the story back</a> in November). Without giving away the show, one of our 'subjects' was an old friend of mine, Glenn Fieber from <a href="http://www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/Milwaukee/SollysGrille/default.aspx?accid=16455">Solly's</a> in Milwaukee. He was happy to be included in the first episode and created for me this one-of-a-kind chef's jacket.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhtdn6ngTQQIdagknsKwNQPZlMI6u4BFfNlVSJAWvKWYN0QoOKfrMvAkZpvWGSahi2T9wmgVE46Nspx-NWets1TxU0QP5Vm_qEJ3rSDxxPmejA-eKi5IHRmw6vEQmcS9gCMlIdWffPI8/s1600/IMG_3794.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhtdn6ngTQQIdagknsKwNQPZlMI6u4BFfNlVSJAWvKWYN0QoOKfrMvAkZpvWGSahi2T9wmgVE46Nspx-NWets1TxU0QP5Vm_qEJ3rSDxxPmejA-eKi5IHRmw6vEQmcS9gCMlIdWffPI8/s400/IMG_3794.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702005041019013442" /></a><br /><div>Thanks Glenn! Love the American flag touch. I'll wear it with pride.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-6927459563723543632012-01-21T19:43:00.006-05:002012-01-22T18:30:36.922-05:00Another Classic Burger Joint Is GoneI hate having to report this but one of the burger joints in my book has closed, possibly for good. I've recently learned that Pak-A-Sak, the nearly 60-year-old Oklahoma burger institution, shut off its flattop over a year ago. I received the unfortunate news from an Enid, OK native and confirmed the story Friday with a call to Enid City Hall. <div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG2NgguIqGTUlWzBD3StiFxShcmuQCaENnePCt2aU8PJKt_lKz0onLCGj2m-03Z-Wj4V728QiwCA7Lw9QG6xxP0ICQv6TeR3iszwtrynCU6v86ehCU_0-VH1EbJwFu0UmdHKOQYRV7is/s1600/IMG_2870.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG2NgguIqGTUlWzBD3StiFxShcmuQCaENnePCt2aU8PJKt_lKz0onLCGj2m-03Z-Wj4V728QiwCA7Lw9QG6xxP0ICQv6TeR3iszwtrynCU6v86ehCU_0-VH1EbJwFu0UmdHKOQYRV7is/s400/IMG_2870.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700601692607888706" /></a><br /><div>It was hard to beat the Bible passages, romance novels, and sliders at Pak-A-Sak. And the cheese tots (one of America's greatest gifts to the world). Simplicity and tradition was the name of the game at this Northern Oklahoma burger joint. The burger to get was the regular with cheese and onions, a small smashed patty burger that shares DNA with the original American hamburger. It was an oniony cheese-and-beef bomb that melted in your mouth. I can taste it now and will miss it dearly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure of the details of its demise but this is exactly the type of American institution that needs to be saved. The importance of the American burger joint is rarely contemplated and I hope it is not too late for places with similar predicaments. Once again, the idiom, "You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone" rings true.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few photos of Pak-A-Sak, as I saw it the last time I was there, July 22nd, 2010:</div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO50YfgSKsASN12A5eDyTww1nTsHkwzZQQzs0xg5LnsQH3q78pCoTmBRrspe5544iSjFUuBsRUYqDQlxUQAxxg0kO74glJCJLXAzwLzAVc9gSNeLHF6Kd8vBwuGAkdFKroom-zgwFiuc/s1600/IMG_2871.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO50YfgSKsASN12A5eDyTww1nTsHkwzZQQzs0xg5LnsQH3q78pCoTmBRrspe5544iSjFUuBsRUYqDQlxUQAxxg0kO74glJCJLXAzwLzAVc9gSNeLHF6Kd8vBwuGAkdFKroom-zgwFiuc/s400/IMG_2871.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700601698041435234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ4NRdzD58WXcNebAXj2zTrQr2xMTo7hXAq_rPBEqvR0OIKZKYNbCtvewmWImu1gk6XtVR52IYYyjRbV72-b64onbsPnwcTVpBTBxjuDDMSQBTKT5PfjSHYeQCDbMl8ZlM5uefUbEyN4/s1600/IMG_2866.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ4NRdzD58WXcNebAXj2zTrQr2xMTo7hXAq_rPBEqvR0OIKZKYNbCtvewmWImu1gk6XtVR52IYYyjRbV72-b64onbsPnwcTVpBTBxjuDDMSQBTKT5PfjSHYeQCDbMl8ZlM5uefUbEyN4/s400/IMG_2866.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700601683417332578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEsc2CFlZxeTqTlXeNRsBjT5ZQnTtYYn-ihAkrHtH8zZsIHSsHg3javEC3H64anEm2ZQoqU6aCP72Tkt-7URNy2R3kWGu0l6d3FlPr0wmSXpT7vGccvFKKNyzuOwEJpt2RERjzvVAEjQ/s1600/IMG_2840.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEsc2CFlZxeTqTlXeNRsBjT5ZQnTtYYn-ihAkrHtH8zZsIHSsHg3javEC3H64anEm2ZQoqU6aCP72Tkt-7URNy2R3kWGu0l6d3FlPr0wmSXpT7vGccvFKKNyzuOwEJpt2RERjzvVAEjQ/s400/IMG_2840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700601680026500258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqAx0IIi7YrNLYiy3S7U1wxllqRCkMfUfSJYl7hVWlisIBU-0jnInhMnBGyHaIBtvWJOAvGPJYSa02P_vmatODBd4LE7L-c9bOaIQMUCv6Xa3MllHWGhIPKoeGLWGz0o1RbYIM-h2TIg/s1600/IMG_2837.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqAx0IIi7YrNLYiy3S7U1wxllqRCkMfUfSJYl7hVWlisIBU-0jnInhMnBGyHaIBtvWJOAvGPJYSa02P_vmatODBd4LE7L-c9bOaIQMUCv6Xa3MllHWGhIPKoeGLWGz0o1RbYIM-h2TIg/s400/IMG_2837.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700601682539990034" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-79948647103406670342012-01-11T21:56:00.005-05:002012-01-11T22:54:42.975-05:00Steak 'N Shake is in NYCAs if the burgerscape in NYC couldn't get any better one of the best all-fresh-beef burger chains in America decided to open a tiny outpost in the big city. I've always been a huge fan of <a href="http://www.steaknshake.com/">Steak 'N Shake</a> but had to find myself in the Midwest or Florida to enjoy their smashed doubles with cheese. Now, all I need to do is hop on the subway.<div><br /></div><div>But the <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/09/steak-n-shake-comes-to-new-york/">new Steak 'N Shake</a> is more than just an urban version of their successful 78-year old burger concept. The new Steak 'N Shake 'Signature' introduces two important menu items that will not be found at any other location: Fresh-cut fries and the Signature Organic Burger. That's right, fresh ground organic beef in a thick-ish 6-ounce patty that is a bit of a departure from the classic thin, smashed patties that I love so much. Regardless, it was a great burger. I was skeptical of the origins of the organic beef (so much comes from overseas). I asked and found out that the powers-that-be spent a lot of time and energy sourcing organic beef in the US. We should all be thankful that a burger chain in the US chose to stick to American beef.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47RLR9G6zDn867u7IdgqgUWoyGXgfJQMt2LAu8iZI7JZpT13atIsFuUA3onXYy7DKkUOJaX_6zGdqN0X8y8jwpuJ2umlsX2ambazH-1aN05MbaYlj5-qxjZC4a0_IEq0_7poaNArWAa8/s1600/IMG-20120110-00634.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47RLR9G6zDn867u7IdgqgUWoyGXgfJQMt2LAu8iZI7JZpT13atIsFuUA3onXYy7DKkUOJaX_6zGdqN0X8y8jwpuJ2umlsX2ambazH-1aN05MbaYlj5-qxjZC4a0_IEq0_7poaNArWAa8/s400/IMG-20120110-00634.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696588924901918050" /></a><br /></div><div>You can still get the classic double cheeseburger with patties smashed gloriously thin and they taste EXACTLY like the ones I've eaten in Ohio, Florida, Indiana, Michigan and Georgia. You can also indulge in their amazing shakes at this location. Hand-dipped shakes, not the kind squeezed out of a soft-serve machine. And true to NYC form, booze will be available. Look for <a href="http://brooklynbrewery.com/verify">Brooklyn Lager</a> and an impressive wine dispenser filled with bottles of 2007 Ridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>The location for the new Steak 'N Shake is fitting. Not just because it's positioned to take full advantage of the Times Square onslaught, but because the Indianapolis-based burger company is next door to NYC's most famous displaced Son-of-Indy - <a href="http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/">David Letterman</a>. My guess is it won't be long before Dave is talking about the taste of home that is just a few steps from his front door.</div><div><br /></div><div>Steak 'N Shake Signature opens tomorrow at 10am. I'll be there to cut the ribbon (seriously!).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-37216509790199947152011-12-17T06:35:00.000-05:002011-12-17T06:35:00.692-05:00Roadfood Cover Looks Eerily FamiliarA few months back friends and EBTs started sending me cell phone shots of the Stern's latest edition of their classic food tome '<a href="http://www.roadfood.com/">Roadfood</a>'. Turns out, their new cover bears a striking similarity to the cover of my new version of Hamburger America. Coincidence? Has to be. I helped to design our cover way back in 2010 before the book was even written. Even stranger is that the pub dates are identical.. I guess it's the cover to have, or there was some weird synchronicity going on.<div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3xKDQPAIMGs3_lZlpK1HGNFOzcUwfS-0uVoUtiDDMuJa2Rc4sS94SHMEbbkZcth3IpGoqhjdj3f7av94mxDQstLSJTonV7cvnTHyLxpYfE8DkyI1KmUHboDNmYSTeDSvejAZ4uzWv2Y/s1600/IMG-20111208-00478_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3xKDQPAIMGs3_lZlpK1HGNFOzcUwfS-0uVoUtiDDMuJa2Rc4sS94SHMEbbkZcth3IpGoqhjdj3f7av94mxDQstLSJTonV7cvnTHyLxpYfE8DkyI1KmUHboDNmYSTeDSvejAZ4uzWv2Y/s400/IMG-20111208-00478_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684653808055214402" /></a><br /><div>The pic above was one that I took just the other day at a Midtown Manhattan <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hamburger-america-george-motz/1100260051?ean=9780762440702&itm=1&usri=hamburger+america">Barnes & Noble</a>. Seems like this strange similarity was not lost on the people stocking the shelves.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-22730404752869783282011-12-13T06:10:00.000-05:002011-12-13T06:10:00.479-05:00Hamburger Holiday Gift Ideas 2011Looking for a few last minute gifts for the burger nut on your gift list? I present to you my annual list of burger-centric goodies:<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">In-N-Out Post-It Pad</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheld5Hm1lGQd4qPjuMZeanssoqO94WZknEINGQS7D9PqpyjenrcuIUns2n8ZxgkNDoNmeTdPSBrpvrV8brTSogeH_G2ssWDSytdK676oI_YB0J2MIZnQs8kbKTYULye6-DLUY77DHIlgk/s1600/POST_IT.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheld5Hm1lGQd4qPjuMZeanssoqO94WZknEINGQS7D9PqpyjenrcuIUns2n8ZxgkNDoNmeTdPSBrpvrV8brTSogeH_G2ssWDSytdK676oI_YB0J2MIZnQs8kbKTYULye6-DLUY77DHIlgk/s320/POST_IT.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684884913356835426" /></a><br /><div>Need I say more? I have them all over my house and office. At the <a href="http://shop.in-n-out.com/Accessories/3004/dept">In-N-Out Store</a>.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Smashburger Tee Shirt</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvkMSIHPY6kEvIGC4vFmu0anZQT1XiO0VRhpYNiCOQpj_jwZ6KodjIHtDD9fc6KEpYB2uzNgAYfVdGyZc4ekkXRm47SDtjPj2ZPJsb-DS8uKnn0nZlMH0BjBxyyQ64-Vk0uh52vKGkwU/s1600/SMASH.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvkMSIHPY6kEvIGC4vFmu0anZQT1XiO0VRhpYNiCOQpj_jwZ6KodjIHtDD9fc6KEpYB2uzNgAYfVdGyZc4ekkXRm47SDtjPj2ZPJsb-DS8uKnn0nZlMH0BjBxyyQ64-Vk0uh52vKGkwU/s320/SMASH.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684884910902318530" /></a><br /><div>Love the double entendre. In black and/or white at the <a href="http://www.promoplace.com/logosyourway/stores/smashburger/Apparel.htm">Smash Gear Store</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2GB Hamburger Flash Drive</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINPdYIjoZo_NPwocJaiMfzXS2hVaw-H-cfvnEv53s_E6xulS8NLDZ_-wo0WPDq0p53qwCh8rExce5p6oUVu_qYeKcgQm6JT8f9w5Lgy627OHAYdORqVehrMDnHvL976MXKUqO-uW34XY/s1600/burger_flash.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINPdYIjoZo_NPwocJaiMfzXS2hVaw-H-cfvnEv53s_E6xulS8NLDZ_-wo0WPDq0p53qwCh8rExce5p6oUVu_qYeKcgQm6JT8f9w5Lgy627OHAYdORqVehrMDnHvL976MXKUqO-uW34XY/s320/burger_flash.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684884919310233314" /></a><br /><div>I know this was on the list last year, but come on, this is a great one! I wonder if they'll make a larger one with more patties - 2GB is almost too small these days. At <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2GB-Hamburger-USB-Flash-Drive/dp/B0017UQO20/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291606587&sr=8-2">Amazon</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Burger GPS App</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcvUo5IUE5rIBJ7pG_fmIkR3bUbnWoNWFVoQVtGbbs3oJUEPRPnYTLt2f5YF4soSPwMT_u7DcoMa9OmyR6ssgyf1OJ259vAaawktF1IezkVd9Y80ycDQ7hDOJBezskzxNMi5eQQi2qkU/s1600/app_pic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcvUo5IUE5rIBJ7pG_fmIkR3bUbnWoNWFVoQVtGbbs3oJUEPRPnYTLt2f5YF4soSPwMT_u7DcoMa9OmyR6ssgyf1OJ259vAaawktF1IezkVd9Y80ycDQ7hDOJBezskzxNMi5eQQi2qkU/s320/app_pic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684884903491002626" /></a><br /><div>How does one give a free app you may ask? Easy. Anytime you see someone who owns an iPhone or iPad ask to borrow it and download the app for them (or do it when they are not looking assuming you know their password). It's the (free) gift that keeps on giving, all year long. The link to the app is <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/burger-gps/id437178689?mt=8&ls=1">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Hamburger America, Revised and Updated!</span></b></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggBbarQARZCoWNOIff8rgMdUueC7n58K4FmL5QntTqQxH10w4uUeJ-L6IZxFD2fV10wenyUalmKn7LWMbzL7Eslw9NWVyBiKv_zXNGdKc_IUNq6u_12cjzWBWI1h4uFBxuO7AmtnEKS4/s1600/HACOVER.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggBbarQARZCoWNOIff8rgMdUueC7n58K4FmL5QntTqQxH10w4uUeJ-L6IZxFD2fV10wenyUalmKn7LWMbzL7Eslw9NWVyBiKv_zXNGdKc_IUNq6u_12cjzWBWI1h4uFBxuO7AmtnEKS4/s320/HACOVER.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684884923092993026" /></a><br /><div>The newest version of my book is available now and includes an additional 52 burger joints with updates on the burgers from the first edition. Published by Running Press, May 2011 and available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hamburger-America-Completely-State-State/dp/0762440708/ref=pd_cp_mov_1">Amazon</a> and (and just about any place where awesome books are sold).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-74625334545519576772011-12-10T17:45:00.003-05:002011-12-10T18:32:47.343-05:00Chili Peppers Drummer Is One Smart Dude<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOJAzD-Vus1n9I16_gZG9Zt5a5YUZAME7DHkAggtxRqTjmMjQ33eSvJ4YRqyv-aErDJK6tgxJxtP3hXmt78JyxEr5f_QNczom1BrgKTkpXlb5Q3EeONLzLnQO7dGUOeCacaB7WwZAZi4/s1600/HUNTER_DBL.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOJAzD-Vus1n9I16_gZG9Zt5a5YUZAME7DHkAggtxRqTjmMjQ33eSvJ4YRqyv-aErDJK6tgxJxtP3hXmt78JyxEr5f_QNczom1BrgKTkpXlb5Q3EeONLzLnQO7dGUOeCacaB7WwZAZi4/s400/HUNTER_DBL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684644348335104050" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A Double with onions at Hunter House</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Smith">Chad Smith</a> loves burgers, but not just any burgers. I've heard it before that his hometown favorite is <a href="http://www.hunterhousehamburgers.com/">Hunter House Hamburgers</a> just north of Detroit, one of my faves and one of the 150 featured in my book. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving he was home visiting family and stopped in for a few. He posed for this picture (below) with one of my hamburger heroes, owner Susan Cobb (on the left). The <a href="http://bit.ly/vlg7m5">Observer and Eccentric reported</a> that he brought in family members for burgers, signed autographs, and even took a spin on the griddle. Chad hits those drums pretty hard, hope he took it easy smashing those burgers..<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpaJfOhBhxWj9C18mRv9fU4CwIGJrVcFKJCI7BaAD6_aljh5pirtmNh8Fdg0JVjcO0R8R-2JyjuKfOA-YMX3v7HzofMzz5UP6rSnYRfsftV5TCBrTBX6K0wtl3PS7UwaBNE65wGSu4Ng/s1600/CHAD_SUSAN.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpaJfOhBhxWj9C18mRv9fU4CwIGJrVcFKJCI7BaAD6_aljh5pirtmNh8Fdg0JVjcO0R8R-2JyjuKfOA-YMX3v7HzofMzz5UP6rSnYRfsftV5TCBrTBX6K0wtl3PS7UwaBNE65wGSu4Ng/s400/CHAD_SUSAN.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684644345514335890" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">photo: The Eccentric</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-57151492820940447372011-11-01T18:06:00.002-04:002011-11-01T18:15:28.768-04:00No Buns at the Apple Pan!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_GWYvgwmzcWJ6RHnS5i5nKkgVmeXtakcpXceOYq4zizBU_UO344_k3kGYXwMvAbuMwnPFLYKZAb0rucQkF1hl_nCo15kSqJefHjAItRJBX9npXGiRU_iBEuHnpuRVwCkWYyZPaDXuC0/s1600/IMG956533.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_GWYvgwmzcWJ6RHnS5i5nKkgVmeXtakcpXceOYq4zizBU_UO344_k3kGYXwMvAbuMwnPFLYKZAb0rucQkF1hl_nCo15kSqJefHjAItRJBX9npXGiRU_iBEuHnpuRVwCkWYyZPaDXuC0/s400/IMG956533.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670154405610965586" /></a><br />That's right, Los Angeles EBT Dan just happened to walk into the <a href="http://www.applepan.com/">Apple Pan</a> today during the SEVEN MINUTES that the iconic burger stand was out of buns. Turns out, the baker was running late and a number of patrons were served their burgers on toast. Dan reported, "The crunch of the toast definitely fought the crunch of the iceberg lettuce but it's still an Apple Pan burger, still phenomenal!" Order was restored but Dan managed to snap this rare shot of his <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg24TuukLO-7DdYF5XXkFexs8ereCeS1kWyru7y9a6DJo8BoYcDAQTOG70VoUYp2Gumg5C1QghAjQZx_MD91XpFJdqK20vEuzE_UejFQZtlKDAYRH90I9NDEl6nuY9Ickfp7sUssaBREI/s320/DSC_0386.jpg">Steakburger</a> on toast.<div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-25791143736701110232011-09-28T21:57:00.002-04:002011-09-28T22:07:26.492-04:00Nice Piece in Washington Post Express<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8qQ77JAgdZkp31HYIesDSHZIpdAmn5GS8erDTKvcmZwTOAUxu2dLoV_Dx93HVMT5SGP6Jkd_tiR75emUBdC1srUpE3UmPpyHHCPFbBwdDa-mtr5UYgP1f4YXh76Sw8a7K6yRG2Rngsk/s1600/Picture+4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8qQ77JAgdZkp31HYIesDSHZIpdAmn5GS8erDTKvcmZwTOAUxu2dLoV_Dx93HVMT5SGP6Jkd_tiR75emUBdC1srUpE3UmPpyHHCPFbBwdDa-mtr5UYgP1f4YXh76Sw8a7K6yRG2Rngsk/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657597329250122098" /></a><br />The Washington Post Express ran a <a href="http://www.expressnightout.com/2011/09/forks-in-the-road/">good piece</a> today on me and the new show I'm hosting, <i><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Made_In_America">Made In America</a></i>. The photo is from our visit to a Krispy Kreme store in North Carolina and yes, they made me tuck my shirt in, probably the first time in 2 decades..<div><br /></div><div>The piece focuses on food, but in the show we visit 39 factories, everything from Silly Putty to jet engines. </div><div><br /><div>To read the article, click <a href="http://www.expressnightout.com/2011/09/forks-in-the-road/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-72145570624651317582011-09-12T21:55:00.003-04:002011-09-12T22:18:36.933-04:00Hamburger America at National Archives<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxlNpkJ0f4jiKfTGkN6U5ePvmDco5YFT4o5HI8YogjyFrc33TUuEg-krw2dFGZ-_inyFIpWrx-U2OvJQL9I2AeWJxYt11033LRRUmOoopPbh4sibMbELZaC5Z-UZohSkwV9U300VwWxY/s1600/archive.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxlNpkJ0f4jiKfTGkN6U5ePvmDco5YFT4o5HI8YogjyFrc33TUuEg-krw2dFGZ-_inyFIpWrx-U2OvJQL9I2AeWJxYt11033LRRUmOoopPbh4sibMbELZaC5Z-UZohSkwV9U300VwWxY/s400/archive.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651662651552611762" /></a><br />You read that right, the film <a href="http://hamburgeramerica.com/ha_film.html">Hamburger America </a>will be screened at the <a href="http://www.archives.gov/">National Archives in Washington DC</a>. It's the same building that houses the <a href="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/">Big 3 American Charters of Freedom</a> (the Declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for those that failed political science). Needless to say, I'm extremely honored and very much looking forward to the screening. I'll be there for a quick introduction to the film and a Q&A after, followed by a book signing. And then I'll be knighted (oh, wrong country).<div><br /></div><div>If you happen to be in the area, the screening will take place in the William G. McGowan theater at the Archives next Wednesday, Sept 21st at noon and admission is free, open to the public. Click <a href="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/whats-cooking/events/index.html">here</a> for info. Sadly, no burgers will be served but I'm sure I'll be at the <a href="http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx">Five Guys</a> a few blocks away after the screening...</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-59243617667424811092011-07-30T07:58:00.003-04:002011-07-30T08:41:41.565-04:00Tookie's Is Reopening!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u63eBPXIGUNv0aIh39N0D8slqVorjgqfzXI0zFcgucyg2gFaeiwkZevRQM_a1R-MVcfhNRMdIAse2idbs1b2Apao0wSKJ95OjAlnqiUkZXgc8zz40lKvd5U7mj2IIilYOxyiKpfaB2M/s1600/DSC_1196.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u63eBPXIGUNv0aIh39N0D8slqVorjgqfzXI0zFcgucyg2gFaeiwkZevRQM_a1R-MVcfhNRMdIAse2idbs1b2Apao0wSKJ95OjAlnqiUkZXgc8zz40lKvd5U7mj2IIilYOxyiKpfaB2M/s400/DSC_1196.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635124426605170914" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.tookiesburgers.com/">Tookie's Hamburgers & More</a>, the home of the Squealer, is reopening after years of being shuttered following 2008's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Ike">Hurricane Ike</a>. The iconic burger joint and Texas roadhouse south of Houston sustained <a href="http://hamburgeramerica.blogspot.com/2009/01/bad-news-tookies-in-seabrook-is-closed.html">substantial flood damage</a> and owner Jim Spears struggled to reopen. Recently however, a guy named Barry Terrell bought Tookie's (which was pretty much gutted following the storm and damage from looters) and has brought back the original menu. Spears had woes beyond the damaged structure, like the future widening of the road where Tookies sits, being subject to new building codes and piles of insurance paperwork from the storm. Not sure how Terrell pulled it off but he did apparently.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiJzO9Voh5ajV7B6n8d4WN2uqS2RQMFMaNTQGy0aKblqhU7rcnVH-qiZK_zxNVAkVzxvQZ4H0uvVWCbEf7KJIaRSMdLv2piiCnEKNu1CYoscHEFUnxWRV9SAvzLu9bOqZdNa1shrku-Y/s1600/DSC_1191.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiJzO9Voh5ajV7B6n8d4WN2uqS2RQMFMaNTQGy0aKblqhU7rcnVH-qiZK_zxNVAkVzxvQZ4H0uvVWCbEf7KJIaRSMdLv2piiCnEKNu1CYoscHEFUnxWRV9SAvzLu9bOqZdNa1shrku-Y/s400/DSC_1191.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635124418791044498" /></a><br /><div>Tookie's was in the first version of Hamburger America but I pulled them out of the completely revised edition since there was no word of its reopening at press time last December. Looks like any day now you'll be able to enjoy the one-and-only Squealer, the burger Tookie's made famous by grinding bacon into their patties. The process is so secretive that competing restaurants have sent busboys to apply for jobs at Tookie's in an attempt to steal the recipe. I've tried myself and failed. The only way to truly enjoy a Squealer is to get one at Tookie's.</div><div><br /></div><div>I applaud Terrell for being crazy enough to reopen this iconic burger joint. Chalk up another win for nostalgia!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-8354388922586603722011-07-12T09:24:00.003-04:002011-07-12T09:34:03.528-04:00Hamburger America at Urban Outfitters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xJCBp-s0YI2IFb7w7ACwY2up4L17R7Z2K3beVKpmY3ep6uH7fWhnQsxg-X-j-VLvDkha9xslnZndnphtG0OoxGZ1xvnywcc2L9_MWXGVskugFOzafxQlj4JarIQw6GaFCTsyeNxcU1U/s1600/IMG-20110711-00146.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xJCBp-s0YI2IFb7w7ACwY2up4L17R7Z2K3beVKpmY3ep6uH7fWhnQsxg-X-j-VLvDkha9xslnZndnphtG0OoxGZ1xvnywcc2L9_MWXGVskugFOzafxQlj4JarIQw6GaFCTsyeNxcU1U/s400/IMG-20110711-00146.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628458422078237042" /></a><br />Check this out! <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=80&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=22604334&parentid=A_ENT_BOOKS_POP&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=25&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=A_ENT_BOOKS_POP&popId=A_ENT_BOOKS&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=">Urban Outfitters</a> recently purchased a bunch of copies of the revised edition to sell in that cool little book section of their stores. I'm totally honored. Also, take a look at the selection of authors I'm sharing table space with (Jay-Z, Tina Fey, and Banksy).<div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-38578197160725343672011-06-29T13:59:00.002-04:002011-06-29T14:13:12.949-04:00My Burger Roundup for Edible Queens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcDY8qrkEiP5JabRSUa-xYOrPOdZmgZAOBKNQ8dSxeRjO8ZEOs1TlVhIst1-nw2at0W79G9sFZSc6sL9GL0NqIAAH9i3QZel1t8uUl1rW8E7JYtevvmNJgQbbPNgFATjX4tM8u2_voJQ/s1600/eq08_cv1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcDY8qrkEiP5JabRSUa-xYOrPOdZmgZAOBKNQ8dSxeRjO8ZEOs1TlVhIst1-nw2at0W79G9sFZSc6sL9GL0NqIAAH9i3QZel1t8uUl1rW8E7JYtevvmNJgQbbPNgFATjX4tM8u2_voJQ/s320/eq08_cv1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623706232148776322" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ediblecommunities.com/queens/">Edible Queens</a> asked me to write about my 5 favorite go-to burgers in Queens and the piece is in their Summer issue, on streets now. The standouts, for the most part, were pretty easy to spot and not surprisingly 3 of the 5 had only been open for under a year. The list? <a href="http://theburgergarage.com/">Burger Garage</a>, <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/donovans-pub/">Donovan's Pub</a>, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/custom-burgers-by-pat-la-frieda-east-elmhurst">Custom Burger</a>, <a href="http://www.astor-bakeshop.com/">Astor Bake Shop</a>, and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/hollis-famous-burgers-new-york">Hollis Famous Burgers</a>. Pick up a copy of the mag at <a href="http://www.ediblecommunities.com/queens/subscribe/find-a-free-copy.htm">these places</a> in Queens.<div><br /></div><div>Joe DiStefano published <a href="http://www.ediblecommunities.com/queens/674-seven-questions-for-george-motz.htm">this companion piece</a> yesterday, a pretty straightforward interview with me..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-65261072434423452962011-06-26T09:31:00.006-04:002011-06-27T19:54:54.208-04:00Grease Fire Closes Tune Inn in DCI've just learned that the Tune Inn in Washington DC suffered a fire last Wednesday and closed. The <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/fire-damages-tune-inn-bar-on-hill/2011/06/22/AGkLRVgH_story.html">Washington Post reported</a> that the fire started in the kitchen and that the bar area in front, the part loaded with years of dusty taxidermy, survived. Third generation owner Lisa Nardelli told the paper that the bar could be open within a week to serve drinks but it sounds like their famous burgers won't be back for a while.<div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWBrZPioox5u9uBrY4XajKtoQRlnLnzkXs7amPlFtGYhYfP5FMPWLY4L6rUvcAUzQOEpnIY6Fvr214TyhwE8vGPlHLFg4ey849_UkBEQ2sheqWiwTn6HuvLjN7pzmBW3XGU0eOQzKQuU/s1600/carmen+1_1308787020.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWBrZPioox5u9uBrY4XajKtoQRlnLnzkXs7amPlFtGYhYfP5FMPWLY4L6rUvcAUzQOEpnIY6Fvr214TyhwE8vGPlHLFg4ey849_UkBEQ2sheqWiwTn6HuvLjN7pzmBW3XGU0eOQzKQuU/s320/carmen+1_1308787020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622525353485002898" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">photo: Tim Carman/WASH POST</span><br /><br /><div>For years, the Tune Inn has made a basic, beautiful, uncomplicated bar burger served on a white squishy bun that I put in my <a href="http://hamburgeramerica.com/ha_book.html">book</a>. But in the past few years, a burger that the chef created as a special that involved deep-frying became the subject of an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Aeu5i8f9w">episode of Diners, Drive-Ins</a>. Its popularity surged, the burger became a permanent menu item, and it sounds like there was a lot of deep-frying going on back there...</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm looking forward to the Tune Inn's return, especially since I'll be down there soon.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6489902087482390685.post-32003735231445657822011-06-10T21:12:00.004-04:002011-06-10T21:25:12.996-04:00French Cheeseburger Chips<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28vmc_1_VTNQGsy3LEmxE70XZV4Yss7L39QrMHn6PIenyZdSH-i40etxGqqalvipvxSZ4bKdb6H7CBtSmKJIvQ61LOslyMJNKBw4wpoMwHP8BOpDnKKYWizqDr1rDopLvh3BNKZ1mIBo/s1600/IMG-20110610-00023.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28vmc_1_VTNQGsy3LEmxE70XZV4Yss7L39QrMHn6PIenyZdSH-i40etxGqqalvipvxSZ4bKdb6H7CBtSmKJIvQ61LOslyMJNKBw4wpoMwHP8BOpDnKKYWizqDr1rDopLvh3BNKZ1mIBo/s320/IMG-20110610-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616766807911237826" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div>My good friend Seth brought this bag of chips all the way back from France just for me today. <a href="http://www.pepsico.fr/html/marques/produit.php?wid=68194B6FE94556997&widcat=85849B6BF20641C2&type=aperitifs">'Max Craquantes'</a> translates basically as 'super crispy' and they are. I opened the bag and it farted out a cloud of pickle/ketchup flavoring that almost turned me off. I soldiered on though and ate a few. They do taste like 'cheeseburger', just not necessarily one that I would eat. And they are loaded with M.S.G. so I think I'll avoid eating the rest of the bag. Those French are crazy.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com