My first memories of this favorite food of mine was going to the 'burger joint' my mom managed. This was the old fashioned kind of place that offered burgers, shakes, fries or chips and thats it. If you remember the SNL skit from the 70's, "cheese burger-cheese burger, Pepsi no coke" that was my moms place. There was no mushrooms, bacon or swiss in those days just good burgers. hot and juicy. there was nothing to get in the way of this perfection on a bun.
Any way, as I walked into 'Giant burgers', my moms place, the smell would almost knock me over and in this stupor I would be wafted to my seat at the counter. Uh, in those days no self respecting burger place had booths just a long counter! I watched as the women working there were pleasant and efficient. As they produced their wares their joking and service were the only appetizer.
As each one was completed the burger itself was placed into a paper, yellow for cheese and white for no cheese, and neatly wrapped like a newborn in a snug blanket. Then placed on top of hot fries in a basket and put in front of you with an incredibly thick shake...mmmmm.
Man, the anticipation of unwrapping and sinking my teeth into it got me every time and it was all I could do to sit still. As this juicy goodness ran down my arms in the first bite, my mouth exploded into a frenzy of steamy pleasure . If thats not love then I don't know what is!
That was then this is now. To say I'm still in love with this ideal goes with out saying. But until I went to "5 Guys burgers and fries" I had missed this simple yet very organic to my being pleasure. As I opened the doors to this place for the first time I was greeted by that same familiar smell of grilled burgers and fresh fries, it was if an old friend was welcoming me home.
Then there is the taste test, the truth of weather it was just me wanting it to be right or did they have the goods; the true proof of every memory, ideal and dream that goes into making up my burger fantasy. Well it did and I have made the pilgrimage to many enjoyable meals at this shrine to the of juicy meat in a bun.
I am sure that there are thousands of great places for burgers across our nation and that each devotee of this sandwich has there favorite joint to which they get there best memory. Yet for me it started all those years ago in humble beginning and for now it's 5 Guys that fulfills this unction.
If I pass you on the road stop at 5 guys, because your buying and I've already had my Peets.
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