Saturday, July 30, 2016

Keg Steak House, Irving TX

 I needed a place to grab a bite to eat. It was Sunday night, Irving TX and far away from the regular city life. Strip malls and office buildings with a couple of Extended Stay places sprinkled in.A little upscale for grabbing a bite but, not many other choices, I stopped at the Keg Steakhouse.
Why didn't I have a steak? Sure, steak at a steak place is a no-brainer. But, I like my burgers.
The Keg Classic. Keg's own fresh blend of chuck, brisket and sirloin. Crisp lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, Jalapeno maple aioli, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese.
Served with Keg fries.
The great thing about having a burger at a place that is all about meat, it's usually as good as the steak. Decent size, not too monstrous. Cooked near perfect for my taste. Could have used a bit more seasoning but, I think that's what the jalapeno sauce is for. I had it brought out on the side so it wouldn't interfere with the flavor. After a couple of bites I tried some of the sauce with the burger. I didn't think it did much for it. Maybe even took away from the taste a bit.
Rated:
4 of 5
Not that it wasn't excellent. A bit pricey. I would say it's on the way towards a 4.5

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Fast Food Challenge: P.Terry's Burger Stand

It's always difficult to not be a little affected by other people's listings for the "Best Burger" in Austin, TX. P.Terry's showed up on a couple lists. Their story is one that makes me want to assure they stay around. If they are that good maybe some day, they will be opening stores in the Midwest.
In the heart of downtown Austin, on street level, right next to a parking ramp you can find the P.Terry's Burger Stand.
I sort of wish I had gone to the original location. Although the shop was clean and clever, I didn't get the "burger stand" feeling. It was more like a food court location.
The burger was good, could have been a little warmer. Not sure if the air conditioning cooled it fast or maybe it sat for too long before I got it. The fries were obviously fresh cut. Just a small remnant of the peel, which I like. Matter of fact, while we sat and ate, a guy brought around a bunch of potatoes and began the process of cleaning, tumble and slice.
Everything on it was fresh. No complaints there. Decent size and price.
No flame but, that's okay. The patty was probably mechanically formed but, according to the story, same day. 
I had fries and a shake to finish off the challenge. Both were excellent.

Ratings:
4 of 5

Fast Food Challenge: WHATABURGER

I'm in Texas. Where everything is BIG. Whataburger didn't let me down on that. My choice was to go with a classic Whataburger with cheese. Fries and a drink to complement.
Well, it was tasty. I can't say it's the best I've ever had nor the worst. They didn't claim to grind it daily, hand pack the patties etc. It was a prepared patty. Cooked right. Fresh bun.
The fries were actually quite tasty also.
I would go to a Whataburger if I were on the road in the South.
Truth told, I'm a fan of flame broiled/cooked.
My only critique might be to lighten up on the mustard. That may have been the employee's choice to add over the top.
Price didn't seem too crazy.
I will be kind and say, for Fast Food, Whata does a good job.
Ratings:
3.5 of 5