Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Oscar's Pub & Grill. Steady taste.

11.20.2017
It was another night of "Burgers with Brothers", a new tradition that my brothers and I have decided is an important thing to do. There are going to be burgers but honestly, it's all about the three of us getting together with each other to catch up, hang out and share some time as brothers. So far, no spouses or children are invited.
The most recent outing was at Oscar's Pub & Grill, West Pierce St, Milwaukee.
The eldest of the three chose it.
For me it would be the third time. The past two times, very satisfied. Let's see what happened this time.
The place was hoppin' when we met up at 6PM on a Monday. There were a couple of drink specials listed on the white board. No burger specials. No problem, prices are decent anyway.

The burger choices went like this:
Younger-The Hongo (8 oz. Premium Black Angus Burger, Swiss Cheese, Sautéed Mushrooms) & Fries
Middle (me)-The White Gringo (8 oz. Premium Black Angus Burger, WI White Cheddar & American Cheese, Thick Hickory Smoked Bacon) & Onion Rings
Eldest-The Big "O"(8 oz. Premium Black Angus Burger, Chipotle Jack, Smoked Gouda, Hickory Bacon, Chorizo, Fried Onions, Jalapeños, Side of House Guacamole) & Sweet Potato Fries

All of us agreed that the burgers were cooked near perfect, fresh roll and all the sides were above par.

When we arrived the music was just background noise. A song by Pearl Jam came on and all of the sudden the volume went up! We mentioned to the waitress that it was a bit loud to talk over. A short time later, the basketball game sound was coming out of the sound system. Screeching shoes on a basketball court, right in our ears!

We wrapped up our conversation outside. Just some advice when choosing a table, avoid the speaker hanging in the corner of the bar area.

During nice weather, there is an outside deck that's a great place for larger groups.

Rate it:
4 of 5
Price is right on. Service better than ok. Great food. Fresh & relatively fast.
Noise level in the bar area is not suitable for conversation. (at least this night)
Although I said 4 of 5, it's a 4+. This may be my new "go to" burger. Very consistent.

Deschutes Public House (Portland, OR)

11.11.2017
When in Portland...
If you find yourself in the Northwestern part of the U.S. you better take some time to check out the beer being produced in the region.
A great place to start is the Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House in downtown Portland, OR.
She was thinking beer and I was thinking burgers.
We were familiar with the Black Butte Porter but wanted to check out some other brews that were on tap. We grabbed a flight while we waited for our burgers to arrive. Each of the beers in the flight were tasty but, that would be a different blog.
We split the Pub Burger with an order of Garlic Fries.
The burger arrived cooked perfect. Just a little pink and juicy. The roll, fresh and shined up with a little butter. I've been so used to bland burgers. The cook had no fear of seasoning it just right. As I mentioned, we split the burger. I got my fill. This was a decent size burger.
I need to make special mention of the Garlic Fries (Hand-cut Kennebec potatoes, rosemary-orange aioli, manchego cheese).
The ketchup was also special. Organic and local. We brought home a bottle, it's that good. Very similar to a sauce for a Margherita pizza. Yummy!
Located in the heart of one of the busiest parts of downtown Portland the Public House is a place worth checking out. The interior is full of carved wood rafters and there's a view in to the area behind the scenes if you like that kind of stuff.
Pub Burger, Garlic Fries, Beer flight


Rate it:
4.5 of 5
Yum. Yum. Oh, great staff, delicious everything. A bit pricey for my Midwest budgeted mind. Plan to wait if you go on the weekend.

Hello Fatburger! (Issaquah, WA)

11.07.2017
En route from Seatac Airport to Kennewick Washington.
When we left Seatac Airport, we still had a couple of hours of driving ahead of us. The plan was to get on the road for a distance and then stop for some food before heading into the mountain passes.
We kept an eye on the exit signs for something we might like. Hopefully something lighter. The usual food listings for McDonald's, Denny's etc.
Then, a sign listing Fatburger! What? I wasn't even sure that Fatburger was still in business. The one and only time I had Fatburger was in New Orleans, maybe a decade ago. The store was down near the famous Cafe' Du Monde. The staff was interesting and the names for the burgers even more interesting. Baby Burger, Mama Burger and Papa Burger. The burger was decent for "fast food".
The names have been changed but Fatburger is still putting out a decent burger.
The location we went to was part of a cluster of businesses. The store itself was set up to feel like an old time diner or drive-in. Juke box, booths and all.
Burger names are Small, Original(1/3lb), Large(1/2lb), XXL(1lb) and XXXL(1-1/2lb). I'm not sure if back in the day they offer it but now you can have a lettuce wrap instead of bun. Cleaver.
So, you place your order. Because the burgers are cooked for your order and not sitting waiting for you, the cashier gives you a number stand and you pick a booth.
The burger arrives. I start my scrutinizing. Nice bun, fairly thick burger. Decent amount of fries.
First bite. Very good. Fries the same. Very fresh.
It's not gourmet but, I would say in the category where I would include places like Five Guys I might rather go to Fatburger. One problem, they are only out West.
Also, I bought a new shirt to replace the one I got so many years ago. It's not as neat. The original one had the Fatburger logo. This one just has Fatburger with the date. Still cool. Representing the burger!

Rank it already:
4 of 5
It was tasty, fresh and priced right. The fries were very good. Overall, a good value.