It wasn't my intention to have three different burgers in one weekend but, let me tell you how it happened.
Junior's Custard Milwaukee, WI
Hunger and nostalgia drove the first burger. Now called Junior's Custard, the food stand that's been at the intersection of 60th & Appleton Avenue in Milwaukee has been a custard stand serving Jumbo Burgers since 1950 when Elsa & Karl Kopp opened their first stand. Will Junior's deliver the same quality Jumbo burger? I had to find out. The lot was empty when I arrived. I thought maybe they weren't open yet. The menu is quite different than the days when it was Kopp's or Robert's. Chicken, Fish, Gyros, Rubens etc. I went straight for the classic, Jumbo cheeseburger. When it arrived, I so ready to eat it. I sat in my car and had the first bite. Pretty decent. I wasn't having the nostalgic taste bud reaction that I thought I would. It was different. Was it because of all the anticipation? I decided to wait until I got to a place where I could sit and just enjoy it. Not much of a difference. The burger was okay. The bun, a bit dry. The seasoning was alright but didn't really do much for over all flavor.
2.5 of 5
Price was fair. Restaurant was clean and staff was pleasant. Not amazed with burger. Actually not as Jumbo as I recalled.
Trocadero Milwaukee, WI
The next experience was truly unexpected. Dinner and the theater. We decided that Trocadero, Milwaukee would be a nice place to dine at. Their menu offered choices for all of us. Little did I know, they had a burger on the menu. Was I silly to order a burger at a place that serves Sordfish or Marengo Chicken & Lobster sandwiches? Not at all. Everybody knows that I've passed up some delicious menu items to test the burger. No regrets. The cook/chef wasn't afraid to season the patty or to cook it to near perfect for my likings. My choice, Au Poivre Burger.
4+ of 5
Pricy, Excellent flavor, Not embarrassing to eat a burger while others have the fancy stuff.
Within 24 hours, I was sitting for the third and final burger experience of the weekend.
Red Dot Wauwatosa, WI
I went straight for the Classic with cheese. I've been to Red Dot for a burger before. It was quite good. (will I have to look at my own blog?) This was per-meditated. I came seeking a burger. A burger I got. Simple and tasty.
4 of 5
Price is appropriate, scene is swell, staff took good care of us.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Factory Food (04.04.2015)
I've always wondered what happens inside of the Cheesecake Factory. A stand alone structure, usually near a mall of some kind. You might think that upon entering, you would find yourself in a Willy Wonka like environment of cheesecakes. It wasn't.
The decor is sort of like a set from Raiders of the Lost Arc. We were seated immediately in a booth in a really neat little room off the main floor. (did they know who I was? I doubt it.)
It's hard to believe how many different dishes they serve at any given time. The cocktail and wine list was even more vast. Fresh bread and refreshments to get started.
I got the Factory Burger. The description seemed closest to a regular burger. My only concern was the bread/bun. The sample piece at the table was tasty so, what the heck.
Medium rare, as usual. The burger arrived. Hold it, it wasn't a round patty? Trust them. First bite, these folks aren't afraid to season their food. Black pepper and grill flavors mixed with sauteed onions and a fresh tomato. The bread was interesting, a little crunchy. The salty edge of the bread sort of tied everything together. So, I'm not complaining.
Cooked the way I like. My only thing was the shape of the "burger". To my taste buds, this was something slightly different than a burger. I can't put my finger on it. Was it the shape or bread?
The rating:
3.5 of 5
I would almost like to call this sandwich something different than a burger just for the fact that it is elongated. Overall, I liked it. I'm not sure if I would go back specifically to have a burger. The fries were tasty and just enough quantity. Price was the same as it is all over these days. (old guy talking)
The decor is sort of like a set from Raiders of the Lost Arc. We were seated immediately in a booth in a really neat little room off the main floor. (did they know who I was? I doubt it.)
It's hard to believe how many different dishes they serve at any given time. The cocktail and wine list was even more vast. Fresh bread and refreshments to get started.
I got the Factory Burger. The description seemed closest to a regular burger. My only concern was the bread/bun. The sample piece at the table was tasty so, what the heck.
Medium rare, as usual. The burger arrived. Hold it, it wasn't a round patty? Trust them. First bite, these folks aren't afraid to season their food. Black pepper and grill flavors mixed with sauteed onions and a fresh tomato. The bread was interesting, a little crunchy. The salty edge of the bread sort of tied everything together. So, I'm not complaining.
Cooked the way I like. My only thing was the shape of the "burger". To my taste buds, this was something slightly different than a burger. I can't put my finger on it. Was it the shape or bread?
The rating:
3.5 of 5
I would almost like to call this sandwich something different than a burger just for the fact that it is elongated. Overall, I liked it. I'm not sure if I would go back specifically to have a burger. The fries were tasty and just enough quantity. Price was the same as it is all over these days. (old guy talking)
Rumpus Room - 3rd Time is a Charm? (03.27.2015)
I think it's always an added challenge to return to one of the places that I gave a glowing review. It has been some time since I was at Bartolotta's Rumpus Room. My last review on the Rumpus was a bit whiny. Must have been a bad day.
It was a Friday evening, sort of cool outside. The plan, Firefly in Wauwatosa for appetizers and a celebration for Jim Gehrke, Rumpus Room for dinner and Slim Jim Phantom's Rockabilly Circus at Potowatomi Casino Northern Light theater.
All went smooth. Keeping our schedule, we arrived at the Rumpus Room and were able to grab a spot at the bar. I ordered my burger. Medium rare and all the extra stuff on the side. I prefer to add my own amount of condiments. (talk later about that choice) We ordered drinks and only moments later, our food arrived.
I did my usual and decided to snag the burger with their name on it. Rumpus Burger. $12.50. I'm pretty sure that price had not changed since the last time. If so, maybe a $1 difference. Everything was as I remembered. Yummy. The only thing that may have boosted the flavor, just a little more cooked. Pretty red. Still, tasty.
Considering every place I go these days, including some "fast food" places charge me $10 or more dollars for a 1/3 - 1/2lb burger this is still a great value. The venue is always wonderful. The inside of the restaurant is really something else. Being downtown is always a different energy. Not something you get from a food court or stand alone chain.
The rating:
Still rocks! I would just order medium well maybe.
4 of 5
Price, venue and consistent quality and service.
It was a Friday evening, sort of cool outside. The plan, Firefly in Wauwatosa for appetizers and a celebration for Jim Gehrke, Rumpus Room for dinner and Slim Jim Phantom's Rockabilly Circus at Potowatomi Casino Northern Light theater.
All went smooth. Keeping our schedule, we arrived at the Rumpus Room and were able to grab a spot at the bar. I ordered my burger. Medium rare and all the extra stuff on the side. I prefer to add my own amount of condiments. (talk later about that choice) We ordered drinks and only moments later, our food arrived.
I did my usual and decided to snag the burger with their name on it. Rumpus Burger. $12.50. I'm pretty sure that price had not changed since the last time. If so, maybe a $1 difference. Everything was as I remembered. Yummy. The only thing that may have boosted the flavor, just a little more cooked. Pretty red. Still, tasty.
Considering every place I go these days, including some "fast food" places charge me $10 or more dollars for a 1/3 - 1/2lb burger this is still a great value. The venue is always wonderful. The inside of the restaurant is really something else. Being downtown is always a different energy. Not something you get from a food court or stand alone chain.
The rating:
Still rocks! I would just order medium well maybe.
4 of 5
Price, venue and consistent quality and service.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Winter oasis with fries on the side at the Huntley Dairy Mart
It was a cold Sunday morning in February. Wind chills were to be in the sub-zeros. My friend Curt and I were headed to St Charles IL for a auto parts swap meet. The journey would take nearly two hours each way. One of the great things about driving down the road with Curt, he's always looking for an adventure. Interesting buildings, stuff for sale along the way and food. We knew that we would be heading home in the early afternoon so, we made note of the different restaurants along the roadside. There was the usual places, Burger King, McDonald's, Culver's, a Hot Dog place and one place that grabbed our attention, Huntley Dairy Mart. The Dairy Mart looked like it might be closed for the season. They opened their doors in 1955, a day when little drive-ins could make it without having to worry about the McDonald's directly across the street.
It was our lucky day! They were open for business, on a cold winter day! A small heater warms the metal building that's attached to the main building. The menu is incredible. What don't they make? I went classic, Double Cheeseburger and fries. Curt got a Tuna Melt and some Cream of Broccoli soup. It took a couple of minutes to cook up but, came out fresh and hot. To my surprise, the burger is hand-packed. I was guessing they used a frozen patty. I won't say the flavor was off the chart but, it tasted like a burger made fresh and cooked on a griddle. (I'm more of a flame broiled fan) Fries were plentiful and tasty. Curt's Tuna Melt got high ratings also.
I can't remember exact prices but, I didn't feel like it was expensive and once I started eating money didn't matter.
Did I mention that people were stopping in for ice cream? 11 degrees outside, people still have to have their Huntley Dairy Mart ice cream.
I wiped the grease off my face and hit the road back home. By the way, just down the road is another favorite place of mine in Richmond, IL the Dog N Suds.
Here is my take:
I'd go back, if I'm in the area.
Price for what you get, perfect. The scene, especially on a cold winter day, cool place.
3.5-4 stars
It was our lucky day! They were open for business, on a cold winter day! A small heater warms the metal building that's attached to the main building. The menu is incredible. What don't they make? I went classic, Double Cheeseburger and fries. Curt got a Tuna Melt and some Cream of Broccoli soup. It took a couple of minutes to cook up but, came out fresh and hot. To my surprise, the burger is hand-packed. I was guessing they used a frozen patty. I won't say the flavor was off the chart but, it tasted like a burger made fresh and cooked on a griddle. (I'm more of a flame broiled fan) Fries were plentiful and tasty. Curt's Tuna Melt got high ratings also.
I can't remember exact prices but, I didn't feel like it was expensive and once I started eating money didn't matter.
Did I mention that people were stopping in for ice cream? 11 degrees outside, people still have to have their Huntley Dairy Mart ice cream.
I wiped the grease off my face and hit the road back home. By the way, just down the road is another favorite place of mine in Richmond, IL the Dog N Suds.
Here is my take:
I'd go back, if I'm in the area.
Price for what you get, perfect. The scene, especially on a cold winter day, cool place.
3.5-4 stars
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Duke's in Malibu (Not so legendary) 11.2014
It's the second full day of my visit to California. Heading up to Malibu from Anaheim. Through L.A. and up the CPH1!
I'm meeting my niece, who now lives in California, for lunch a Duke's. Duke's has come a long way from back in the days when the surfing crowd were the only inhabitants of the waterfront.
Valet only parking. I think that's because the parking along the highway is premium, limited.
The building is beautiful. There are three sections. Outdoor casual, indoor casual and indoor upscale. Upscale is the dinner level of visit. We opted for outdoor casual. The view of the homes along the shore and the ocean itself, beautiful.
She a selected Pulled Pork sandwich and I got the Charbroiled Cheeseburger.
When the food finally arrived it looked really great. Although her Pulled Pork looked more like a piece of Tuna.
Turns out, the Pulled Pork was tasty.
My burger was tasty enough. My buds were really on high alert. Duke's is supposed to have great meat and fish.
Rated:
3.5 of 5
Staff messed up order and didn't really seem to feel bad about it. Burger was tasty but, not flavorful. Maybe order some fish stuff. The view is awesome. If I lived near by or was staying down the road, I would hang out in the Barefoot Bar and enjoy a couple of drinks. The indoor lounge area has a spectacular view also.
I'm meeting my niece, who now lives in California, for lunch a Duke's. Duke's has come a long way from back in the days when the surfing crowd were the only inhabitants of the waterfront.
Valet only parking. I think that's because the parking along the highway is premium, limited.
The building is beautiful. There are three sections. Outdoor casual, indoor casual and indoor upscale. Upscale is the dinner level of visit. We opted for outdoor casual. The view of the homes along the shore and the ocean itself, beautiful.
She a selected Pulled Pork sandwich and I got the Charbroiled Cheeseburger.
When the food finally arrived it looked really great. Although her Pulled Pork looked more like a piece of Tuna.
Turns out, the Pulled Pork was tasty.
My burger was tasty enough. My buds were really on high alert. Duke's is supposed to have great meat and fish.
Rated:
3.5 of 5
Staff messed up order and didn't really seem to feel bad about it. Burger was tasty but, not flavorful. Maybe order some fish stuff. The view is awesome. If I lived near by or was staying down the road, I would hang out in the Barefoot Bar and enjoy a couple of drinks. The indoor lounge area has a spectacular view also.
Slater's 50/50 Burger 11.2014
They say the third time is a charm. This was the fourth.
My fourth burger during my four day visit in California was at Slater's 50/50 Restaurant.
Burgers by design.
Up front, not a fan of "build your own". Does that mean, if you don't like it too bad, your idea? The group I was with convinced me it will be fine. Also, you can get just the standard sandwich. The check list is crazy! My favorite name, "Peanut Butter and Jellousy". I chose the Oldtimey off the basic burger listing. Others got the 50/50 with their personal modifications. It was fun to hear what was going to be on their burgers.
My burger came cooked just right. Flavor, it was there. Finally! Is this because all the other burgers I've had while on this visit just didn't make it? The company I keep?
Nope, a good burger.
I did try a nibble of the 50/50 versions. 50% bacon, 50% beef. Tasty also.
Price was in the normal range for this kind of place. The scene was definitely happening. Decor is upscale sports bar, lounge restaurant. 1/3 lb for me. 2/3 lb for the others.
Rated:
3.5 of 5
Not a mind blower. Very good. Quick service. Accurate. Staff was fun.
My fourth burger during my four day visit in California was at Slater's 50/50 Restaurant.
Burgers by design.
Up front, not a fan of "build your own". Does that mean, if you don't like it too bad, your idea? The group I was with convinced me it will be fine. Also, you can get just the standard sandwich. The check list is crazy! My favorite name, "Peanut Butter and Jellousy". I chose the Oldtimey off the basic burger listing. Others got the 50/50 with their personal modifications. It was fun to hear what was going to be on their burgers.
My burger came cooked just right. Flavor, it was there. Finally! Is this because all the other burgers I've had while on this visit just didn't make it? The company I keep?
Nope, a good burger.
I did try a nibble of the 50/50 versions. 50% bacon, 50% beef. Tasty also.
Price was in the normal range for this kind of place. The scene was definitely happening. Decor is upscale sports bar, lounge restaurant. 1/3 lb for me. 2/3 lb for the others.
Rated:
3.5 of 5
Not a mind blower. Very good. Quick service. Accurate. Staff was fun.
Mad at Mad Madeline's (Temecula, CA) 11.2014
It was a return visit to one of the best burgers since I started this whole writing about burgers thing. Five years ago as I drove in to Temecula, CA a sign on the side of a building boasted Best Burger. It was Mad Madeline's. We saw Madeline's on Triple D. Cool. Looking back in my Burger Manual (hand written entry), it was April 2009. I didn't write much more than, the burger was big enough for two. All present recall it being tasty.
Fast forward to November 19th, 2014.
On a quest to score some of the best Asiago infused Olive Oil I headed back to Temecula, know full well that Madeline's was still there. Olive Oil shopping complete, we headed over for the burger. Still sporting the signage and newer smaller statements of grand burgers. (2014 Inland Empire Best of)
Just a cheeseburger and fries for me.
Wow, this is not what I remembered. Great story, my dad was along and had the bacon cheese burger. I didn't have the heart to say it but, dad did... he told the waitress that the burger was not even good. No flavor, dry and the bun was sort of dry. The waitress suggested that maybe it was the person cooking that day. No excuse! I wish I had that out when I need it.
Maybe it was an off day. Maybe our memory of that wonderful day back in 2009 was messing with our ability to truly judge this round.
Trust me when I say that each time I enter in to one of these taste n tell situations, I clear my mind and just try to let it happen.
California visit: 2 of 2 burgers not able to rate.
Fast forward to November 19th, 2014.
On a quest to score some of the best Asiago infused Olive Oil I headed back to Temecula, know full well that Madeline's was still there. Olive Oil shopping complete, we headed over for the burger. Still sporting the signage and newer smaller statements of grand burgers. (2014 Inland Empire Best of)
Just a cheeseburger and fries for me.
Wow, this is not what I remembered. Great story, my dad was along and had the bacon cheese burger. I didn't have the heart to say it but, dad did... he told the waitress that the burger was not even good. No flavor, dry and the bun was sort of dry. The waitress suggested that maybe it was the person cooking that day. No excuse! I wish I had that out when I need it.
Maybe it was an off day. Maybe our memory of that wonderful day back in 2009 was messing with our ability to truly judge this round.
Trust me when I say that each time I enter in to one of these taste n tell situations, I clear my mind and just try to let it happen.
California visit: 2 of 2 burgers not able to rate.
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