SPECIAL ENTRY - Spare Ribs - Bubba's BBQ, Jackson, WY

As you may know, this is a burger blog. What are these ribs doing here, then? Well, as I enjoy my culinary adventure I am looking for signature items. Signature burgers are at the top of the list, however signature ribs will do just fine. Bubba's just so happens to be a place that has signature ribs, but not a burger. Therefore, I endulged.

Bubba's BBQ is located in majestic downtown Jackson, WY (most of you may know it as Jackson Hole, WY). Unassuming and definitely not the kind of place that has a professionally printed menu or website, Bubba's naturally draws you in. It appears to have been therefore ever, and it's food tells you that is not a bad thing. Stainless steel tables, cheap chairs and benches, and a surly attitude make Bubba's feel like home....until you try the food. I don't make ribs like this!

BBQ'd spare ribs, pork and beans, and garlic Texas Toast! If I can't have a burger, give me this. The ribs were incredibly meaty, which is not always the case and not always good. But in this case it was great! The meat was a bit overcooked as the meat did not simply fall off into your mouth. However, the BBQ sauce made a daring attempt at making up for the meat. Savory, smokey, just a little heat, a bit greasy, and smooth like velvet - this sauce was good. The sauce was also in harmony with a very mild tasting rub that is obviously made to camoflouge itself in charred meat and the brownish-red sauce. Finish it off with real pork and bean and the toast to satisfy a real mans hunger. Bubba's is a definite must to anyone visiting the land of Buffalo's and tourists!


Bubba's Spare Ribs - ******* 7/10

Other perks of Bubba's: Pork ribs which were actually better (my nephew let me try them), cool atmosphere, room for an 11 person party, and it is in Jackson Hole!

Bonnie Burger - Bonnie's Place, Lansing, MI

I have to admit something. I had to eat this burger twice because I just wasn't sure. Bonnie's Place, circa 1988, is an approximately 20 x 80 brick building on the corner of Saginaw and Cedar streets in Lansing. The building itself is very unassuming, which definitely matches the interior. The inside feels as small as the outside looks with MSU paraphernalia lining the walls and at least a thin veil of cigarette smoke. It has the feel and look of a place that regulars guard with unfettered loyality.

The burger. Oh, the burger. As stated earlier, I had to try this one twice to wrap my head around it and to make sure I was getting the real deal at Bonnie's. The Bonnie Burger is definitely made to satisfy a real man's hunger. As usual I asked for a medium-rare patty. Both times I received a very medium cooked burger. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I can not say that I have ever had a juicier, more tender burger that has obviously been cooked pretty hard. The meat was succulently savory and seemed to sort of melt in your mouth. This is only to be complimented by the slices of ham included on the Bonnie Burger. Top it with some lettuce and tomato (which could have been fresher) and then tie it all together with a thick helping of REAL cheddar cheese. This sort of concoction could go terribly wrong, but not in the hands of the staff at Bonnie's. They have balanced everything as if in a majestic buffet where you can taste everything, but it all comes together into a synergistic melt of savory. You will notice that I have not talked about the bun. This is where the Bonnie Burger takes a downward turn. When it comes out it gives not indication as to what is in store. The bun looks very normal and appropriate in size. However, about half way through the burger you will suddenly notice that you are eating a diabetic version of the burger -- VIOLA, NO BUN! The bun has completely disintegrated and you are left to fend for yourself with the meat. While I can not say that the bun is the most important component of a burger, it is a necessary part. All in all, the Bonnie Burger definitely impresses, but don't forget your napkin. As such it has earned itself a spot on the Top Ten. Welcome Bonnie!

Bonnie Burger - ********* 9/10

Other Perks of Bonnie's Place: Beer, a "unique" atmosphere, and a 1/2 all burgers on monday nights.

NPR's "Perfect Burger" Recipe

Courtesy of one of my favorite people ever --> The Poet.

A NPR correspondent was shown the secret to what chef Adam Perry Lang consider's a perfect burger. It is faily involved, but if you have the time I think it would definitely satisfy. But I am not sure I say this is the perfect burger.

'Perfect Burger' Recipe

-Doc

New Feature: For Your Browsing Pleasure

I have linked the name of the burger (where is it scored at the bottom) to the website of the establishment, if available. Just in case you want more info.

-Doc

Champp's Cheeseburger - Champp's, East Lansing, MI

THE CHAMPP REIGNS SUPREME!!!

Before I ever thought of starting a burger blog I never imagined that a national chain would claim the top spot in a burger blog. Somehow it just seems inherently wrong. Nevertheless, my I manage to avert my bias and judge the burgers for what they are. And when you are at Champp's, you get what you are looking for.

Standing just outside the Eastwood Towncenter in East Lansing, MI, Champp's is a beacon of Americana. Beer, burgers, and sports. That pretty much sums up Champp's. Love or hate it, it is what it is.

Where do I start about Champp's Cheeseburger? Start with "USDA Choice Angus Beef" that boasts a wopping 60 grams of protein per patty. Cook that delicious slab a meat perfectly! Seared quickly to lock in the flavor, but leaving a warm red center so that you don't kill the taste. If there was nothing else, this burger would be creeping into the Top Ten. But they didn't stop there. Put that beautiful slab of meat on a sesame seed bun that is crispy enough to keep everything in and not disintegrate, but sweetly supple to handle the meats beauty. Lettuce, tomato, and REAL cheese. To reiterate - REAL cheese (your choice of cheddar, provolone, or pepper-jack). If you want bacon, you will get 'thick, peppered bacon from heaven'. Combine this with brew that is just a little bit slushy because it is so cold, an always friendly (and usually easy on the eyes) wait staff, and a cool atmosphere (including several big screens with your favorite sports). That is a recipe for Nirvana-like delight. The only downside of the Champp's Cheeseburger is that when you are done you won't have room for another!

Champp's Cheeseburger - ********** 10/10

Other perks of Champp's: Cheap drinks, instead of fries you can get those crisscross things (awesome!) or sweet steak fries, you can watch all the PPV events on their big screens, and the prices aren't bad!

Double Cheezborger - Billy Goat Tavern, Chicago, IL

Below the street along the Magnificent Mile lies the Billy Goat Tavern. An icon of Chicago, it is a symbol of the cities love for sports, and the curses that go along with them. Stemming from an incident in 1946 involving the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern and an actual Billy Goat, the Cubs have not won a World Series since. Perhaps the curse is real, but the burgers definitely are.

To be perfectly fair to the Billy Goat Tavern, they never claim to have the best burgers in the world. The atmosphere and staff personalities are everything. When you walk in you will be wildly greeted with the statement "You want a Double Cheezborger! Double is the best!" Don't even try to order anything else, because you won't get it. In addition you will be served some chips and a drink --> "No Pepsi, Coke!" As you wait for your burger you can look around at the walls and see the faces of fame. Everybody who is anybody has been to the Billy Goat Tavern, and if you are cool enough you get your picture on the wall.

ON TO THE BURGER! If you have been to any home town diner, you have had a Double Cheezborger. The patties add up to maybe 1/3 lbs and they are cook only one way - well done. Now this is not to say they are overly terrible. The bun is crispy and fresh. The 'cheeze' is artificial, but satisying. The burger, while thin, is juicy and tasty. As and overall experience, I would go again. You will get full. You will enjoy your time. But you are not going to be going there everyday for the mythical Double Cheezeborger.

Double Cheezborger - **** 4/10
The Billy Goat Tavern - ******** 8/10

Other perks of the Billy Goat Tavern: Cool atmosphere, lots of history, and on the Magnificent Mile

A future burger lover is born!!

I am pleased to announce the birth a future burger-lover. My son, Asher. Born 5/23 at 6:30 am. The adventure is just beginning.