This burger from
Claim Jumper Restaurant in La Mesa, CA is what inspired me to create this blog. I took this trip solo as my first stop along the burger haven to CJ's House O' Epic Meal Portions before I coerced Dominic into going on this trail of tears with me.
This burger is called the Widow Maker, and holy Jesus, that's exactly what it is...
This slice of Angus heaven, covered with a healthy layer of cheddary goodness, topped with slices of Applewood smoked meat candy (aka bacon) as well as 4 slices of avocado. I can only imagine that avocado is what God intended when he said forbidden fruit. No idea where Eve pulled out the horse manure idea of apples being the forbidden fruit; cite your sources Eve. Then it's piled on with crisp lettuce, savory onion, perfectly ripe tomato slices, and crispy onion rings (I chose without), all sandwiched between two giant, buttery Ciabatta rolls covered in a healthy layer of Mayo, Red Relish, and Thousand Island (optional) makes for one devilish combo.
Let me tell you... that first bite is completely indescribable. The combination of the sauces dripping into the perfectly cooked patty mixed with the Trio of Thunder (Avocado, Cheddar, and Bacon) just sends your 'buds into overdrive. If I could have sex with any burger, this just might be the one. But I wouldn't take advantage of this burger. It wouldn't be some drunken mistake where we sleep together, then awkwardly high five the next morning as I stumble out of its apartment. No. I would treat this burger with respect! I would take it out to a nice dinner (obviously not out for burgers because that's just cannibalism), to a movie, and then I would call a few days later. And we would be so happy together until one night... when I get a late night hunger attack, and make myself a widower.
Thus... the meaning that lies behind the legend that is the Widow Maker.
Justin's Rating
Meat Quality: 4, Creativity/Accessories: 4, Bun: 3, Size: 5, Price: 3,
Overall: 19 out of 25
The quality of this meat was cooked to almost absolute perfection with a thorough pink center; the meat juices spread throughout the entire burger, unfortunately it got to the point where it started making the bread soggy. The accessories and creativity were your classic bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese. Now if it were just those accessories, I'd consider a lower score. But the bacon was thick, the avocado fresh, and they offered it with onion rings and thousand island dressing which bumped it up on the scoring scale. The bun was nothing too special, but it was large enough to contain the mountain of meat piled high with condiments, so it got a good score. The size got a perfect score because afterward I was full. But it was the good kind of full; almost to the point where I couldn't move, but not quite. And the price was a little on the pricey side, coming in at just under $10 for a burger and fries. But I'm not complaining too much. I was happy when I left. I was 3 pounds heavier, but I was happy nonetheless.
Widowmaker is a nice burger, but I think you should have a separate scale for fast-food vs. restaurant quality burgers. The Hat, In-n-Out, and other “fast-food” are limited in what they can provide and the time they can spend on crafting a tasty burger. Meanwhile, places like Claim Jumper can order exotic choices, and have the economic mobility to attack the palate with a wider array. Just an idea from an avid omnivore.
ReplyDeleteKeep eating you carnivorous poets.
This is still new... but that's a fantastic idea. Obviously the type of restaurant plays a factor in the creativity and quality of the burger because the company needs to turn a profit.
ReplyDeleteThe key here though is... how? How do we keep the ratings separated? I looked into designing the layout differently, but to keep it a free blog I don't have that option. Let me hear your thoughts.