High above sea level in the cradling arms of the wasatch mountains is Park City. Famous for being one of the greatest ski areas in the world and the home of the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival. Park City is something of a microcosm of rustic-feeling worldly pleasure in a state largely ruled by the Latter-Day Saints. When Greg Schirf first came to Utah in 1986 from Milwaukee I can imagine his shock and awe to find there were no brewpubs in the state. So, he took it upon himself to create Utah's first brewpub, Wasatch Brewing Company. Wasatch Brewing Company started in Park City, and it's headquarters remain there to this day. When the wife and I were in the 'homeland' on a visit we ventured to Park City to partake of the glory known as the Acoustic All Stars and in particular to see one of my very, very best friends, Greg Downs, play in the festival. Needless to say, I wanted a burger and we found ourselves sitting in the Wasatch Brewing Company drinking Polygamy Porter and my wife checking out the 'hot' waiter.
When I tell you that I ate the Niman Ranch All Natural Burger, you know about as much as I do regarding food lineage/pedigree. The menu gives no information as to what is Niman Ranch, or why they call it All Natural.
Overcooked and dry, the burger left a bit to be desired. Having had extensive experience with both corn-fed and natural (grass fed) beef, I have to say that natural burgers have the edge on taste. This burger, though, did not. It didn't really taste like anything besides cooked protein. It wasn't even very savory or salty, owing to it's 'natural' origins. The cheese was good. Real cheddar, but you can't overcome a blah burger with average cheese. The bun was also good, but again you cannot overcome the defect that was the burger. I don't really even have more to say about it. I hope that it was an off night at Wasatch, because the atmosphere was cool and the rest of our service was great. Better luck next time, Wasatch.Niman Ranch All Natural Burger - 3/10 ***
Other perks of Wasatch Brewing Company:
The Polygamy Porter was GREAT (Very complex flavor with a definite essence of earthy coffee-ness at the end. Super Good.), the John Daly was also GREAT (Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade. Arnold Palmer for the serious drinker! YEAH!). The appetizer, Coconut Shrimp was out of this world, the service was great, and the atmosphere was really cool.
