My Quest for the Perfect Hamburger: A Personal Journey across Continents
Searching for the perfect hamburger is an odyssey that has taken me from bustling European cities to the iconic streets of Las Vegas and even into the synthetic wonders of a vegan development kitchen. Here, I share my experiences and thoughts on what makes a great burger, detailing my encounters with renowned establishments and industry innovations.
My Favorite Burgers from Renowned Restaurants
My hamburger pilgrimage started at a fair where I indulged in a huge, yet delicious one. Another favorite was at The Two Chairmen near Trafalgar Square in London, which sadly is no more, having transformed into living quarters. Their homemade burger was exceptional. I also had the pleasure of dining at Burger Bar in Las Vegas, which was operated by celebrated chef Hubert Keller, but the restaurant changed hands under new management. Lastly, In#39;n#39;Out in Las Vegas also made an impression with its unpretentious yet impressive offerings, despite being part of a chain with over 350 locations. However, I must admit, only the In#39;n#39;Out has truly endured through the years.
The Impeccable Vegan Burger
Although one place offered a handcrafted hamburger, the real revelation came from a development kitchen where they crafted vegan burgers that rivaled the finest beef burgers I had ever tasted. This culinary triumph was a testament to how far vegan burger creations have come in terms of flavor and texture. This experience was particularly impactful as it was in a location that is not in America, demonstrating that the pursuit of a perfect burger is not confined to any geographical boundary.
Ingredients and Preparation
For me, any hamburger worth its salt must be meticulously prepared with top-notch ingredients. I generally have my burgers with all the same components, but the most critical elements, in my view, are high-quality, well-smoked, medium-thickly sliced bacon and the burger itself. The Wygu beef burgers I once enjoyed were a step above the regular fare, and my homemade burgers, using tenderloin trimmings mixed with suet, were a culinary delight.
Notable Burger Encounters
At Kelsey's, the Big Daddy burger stood out as a unique culinary experience. This burger was a delightful fusion, part cheeseburger, part Sloppy Joe, part mac n' cheese, and it featured two types of bacon! It was a true testament to creativity and flavor, but sadly, it’s no longer served anymore.
The Myth of European Hamburgers
Despite having grown up in Europe, I often wondered why the hamburgers served in McDonald's and Burger King weren't as good as the ones in the United States. I believed that a real American hamburger had to be superior, or else why were Americans so obsessed with them? However, recent findings on Quora challenged my beliefs. It turned out that some European McDonald's burgers are actually better than their American counterparts! Additionally, my American nephew shared his observations that hot dogs in Poland were better than American ones, and that the Polish chain Bobby Burger served gourmet burgers in comparison to American ones. Personally, I find both American hot dogs and Bobby Burger hamburgers to be subpar.
These observations underscore the subjective nature of culinary preferences and the diverse culinary experiences across the globe. Whether it's the melting combination of flavors in a beef burger or the innovative approach of vegan burgers, the quest for the perfect hamburger remains a fascinating journey filled with surprises and delightful surprises.