The Past Three Days

For the past three days, I've had some variation of a cheeseburger for dinner. What does that mean? I'd say it means about three things.

1. I am disgusting
2. I like cheeseburgers
3. I am traditionalist in my food choices

Regarding the first statement, I have the hard body plan to save me from self destructive eating habits, so check that sucker off.

The second point is entirely valid. In fact, there have been times when I've gone so far as to declare the noble cheeseburger as my favorite food. However, it comes with certain caveats. Maybe requirements is the better term. For one thing, a sharp distinction must be made between three different classes of burgers.

First class- independently owned shop, signature burger
Second class- national chain restaurant burger
Third class- fast food burger

Two out of the three days, I dined at a first class establishment. Alas, last night featured a quick stop at a third class restaurant. Had to have some nourishment on the long, hard, winding road back to Decorah. However, no burger created by the hands of man has yet compared to the glory that is contained in this humble building.



I don't want to ruin the surprise or the ecstasy, but Matt's Bar in Minneapolis has the world's greatest burgers. No question

The third point, yes, I am typically traditionalist in my food choices. It's a bit of a crutch. I have been trying to branch out. Yesterday, my mom took me to lunch at Jimmy John's and I actually ate all the vegetables that came on my sandwich. That's a big step for me.

However, there is more to the burger family than the simple cheeseburger, to which I can heartily attest. There is a lamb/avocado burger (thanks Carol). A peanut butter burger. The popular bacon cheeseburger. The southwest burger. The mushroom swiss burger (this sounds disgusting). The bleu cheese burger (highly recommended). The Wild West burger. The bison burger (recommended). The California burger. In terms of size, the burger comes in a plethora of options, including single, double, triple, and beyond. Fuddruckers features a 1 lb. burger, which I challenge each and everyone of you to do battle with. I did once, and failed in my quest. The jucy lucy (probably my all time favorite, see photo immediately above).

In England, a hamburger is referred to as a "beef burger."

So, I will not repent for the past three days. Instead, I will glorify the burger, which remains that most distinctly American of consumables. The perfect summertime food. Hell, the perfect anytime food.

The real sad thing is, I think I know what's for dinner tonight...