The McGangbang - Neighborhood McDonald's, USA

On any street in our lovely country one is likely to see a symbol of America itself. Two rising arches gleaming in the air. Boasting their golden hue for all the world to see. One can even imagine nestling in the bossom of their ever adorning image. McDonald's..... what more needs to be said. Billions, yes BILLIONS, served.

Sometimes the best things are better left unsaid. And sometimes other things are left off of the menu. The McGangbang (for a more systematic definition please refer to the Urban Dictionary) is a part beauty, part beast. Created by sweetly inserting a McChicken in between the juicy patties of a McDouble, the McGangbang screams atherosclerosis. I know that it seems something of a farce, but this actually happened. In the heat of the moment I reverted to my 'roots' and screamed "THAT JUST HAPPENED!"
One might think that since there are 2 hamburger patties to one chicken patty that it would overpower the poultry. However, quite the contrary. That chicken is a force to be reckoned with. My taste buds were overwhelmed by the McChicken's power with only subtle and momentary glimpses of McDouble. Now, come the part when I lose all credibility. It really wasn't that bad. It was a new taste, it was cheap, and I was full. Some days that is all you can ask for, and fortunately (or unfortunately) that days was one of those days.

The McGangbang - ***** 5/10

Perks of McDonalds: I will reserve some of my dignity and not elaborate.

Smokehouse Burger - Smokey Bones, East Lansing, MI

Sitting in the corner of lovely Eastwood Towne Centre in East Lansing is a wonderful place called Smokey Bones. In writing this blog I found out that Smokey Bones is actually a chain restaurant, but from my end I couldn't tell (maybe I should get out more!). The very name gives you everything you need to know about the food at Smokey Bones. They smoke stuff that used to have, or still contains in some instances, bones. Ribs, pulled pork, and burger. All the good things in life, eh?

The delight at hand from Smokey Bones is dubbed the Smokehouse Burger. This hearty mound of meat comes with a host of tasty goodness. Start with a thick, yet supple, bun. Add on top a thick burger, perfectly cooked to medium-rare, that is juicy enough (but could be better). A subtle, yet oh so important, addition are red onions cooked and smothered in the Smokey Bones signature savory BBQ sauce. On top of all this cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and more red onions. You may say to yourself "that is a lot of onions!", which ends up being true. When beginning this burger you can taste onions in addition to the ever subtle, but smokey, flavor of the BBQ sauce. It is truly heavenly.
But admittedly by the end of the burger the power of the red onions can not be denied. Even with the pitfall of the onion parade, the Smokehouse Burger is a site to behold. This is a burger I would recommend to anybody due to both it's heartiness (I was stuffed) as well as the balance of flavor (forgetting the onions).

Smokehouse Burger - ******** 8/10

Other Perks of Smokey Bones: Lots of TV's with your own listening station, lots of Happy Hours, AWESOME Pulled Pork and Ribs, cool atmosphere.