Any born and bred American knows A&W. It is an iconic symbol of a time long gone full of poodle skirts, root beer without high fructose corn syrup, and diner guys with paper hats. Founded in 1919 with a special root beer sold for a nickel, A&W is integrally woven into the fabric of American cuisine.
In the shadow of the Wasatch mountains there lies Cache Valley. Cache Valley is known for cheese (yes, it is that good), Mormons, and Utah State University. Founded as a land grant institution in the 1800's, USU loves its cows and its grass. Fittingly their mascot is a large blue bull aptly named Big Blue. It is from this grand monicker that the Big Blue derives it's name. A specialty you will only find at one A&W in the whole world. The Big Blue has it's roots in the classic A&W burger, but made for the hunger of a large blue ungulate. First you begin with the classic sesame bun known so well. Next add not one, but TWO 1/4 100% USDA beef burgers. Top with two slices of cheese and you have the Big Blue. Now, the next part is optional (a personal recommendation). Another unique item you will only find at the A&W in downtown Logan, UT is their fry sauce. I don't know what is in it (a secret for the ages), but it is pink with pickle chunks and insanely delicious. Pour a generous helping on your Big Blue and you are in for a treat. This a treat from my childhood, and probably a significant factor to my being rather... well chunky as a youth.
Now for the honesty. I am a fan of the Big Blue, let that be known. However, when indulging in said meal recently I realize that not all things remain the same. Big and filling, but ultimately just a large helping of the fast food version of A&W. It is definitely something that satisfies the munchies, but the slightly dry and ho-hum tasting burger will not win any awards. The bun is the typical fare for A&W and the cheese is fast food American. Nothing to be triffled with, yet nothing to write home about. The Big Blue remains a memory of indulgence in the memory of the little fat boy.
BIg Blue - ***** 5/10
Other perks of the Big Blue: The Big Blue is actuall a special - The Big Blue Special. With the Big Blue comes an equally weight mound of french fries (typical A&W fare). Put down some fry sauce with those fries, load up on some A&W Root Beer, and you have yourself a date with destiny. Or the toilet. Both are acceptable.
