The Roaring Fork-The Big Ass Burger

Ok, i've heard some good things about this burger.  Supposed to be one of the best in town, and you know, it could very well be.  The burger had a definite classic taste...something comparable to Braum's Burgers, one of my all time favorites.  I realize Braum's didnt make the list, but i believe the reason is due to it being a company out of Oklahoma.  Check them out here: http://www.braums.com/

Back to the big ass burger.  Meat was definitely not a frozen bubba burger-this thing was juicy and the longhorn cheddar went well with this piece of cow.  The downfall was the service.  You see...i ordered and appetizer, a burger split in half and a soda.  I dont think the wait-staff saw me as prime clientele...thats too bad---i'm a pretty good tipper.  The burger lost some flavor with the uptight setting---i know texas has a better burger to offer---and i'm out to find it.  So for the 3 burgers i tried my first weekend---the blue ribbon goes to Burger-Tex!  Who would have thought?

Burger Tex 2--Bulgogi Burger (Spicy)

I have been to the Burger-Tex (2) before this. Its located right on the drag, next to the Buffalo Exchange.

At that time, i didn't see anything special.  It was more of a Fuddrucker's Knock-off that served some good chuck and a homemade bun with a condiment bar in the dining area.  I do remember seeing the right side of the menu and noticing the Bulgogi---It did spark some curiosity, but not enough to make the investment with only a 30 minute lunch break. Well thank goodness for this challenge, i finally get to indulge in what i found out to be a great culinary marvel.  When i saw this listed in the top 50, i thought it was there due to its originality and not because it was a great "burger".  I looked up some reviews of this bulgogi thing before i went in and found out more complaints about service than the actual sandwich.  So i went in expecting this.  When i walked in i saw the disclaimer on the spicyness of the bulgogi-now

they have my full attention.  The girl running the register was very kind and attentive.  When i ordered the burger she politely asked if i was sure i wanted it spicy because it was very, very hot. Now i was excited--i love spicy food.  I eagerly told her to make it as hot as they could.  I have to admit this burger left me smiling.  It was very flavorful and for 8 bucks, it was worth every penny.  It actually reminded me of Lake Mills, Iowa eating a maid-rite ( http://www.maidrite.com/ ) with my grandfather--exept this was no sloppy joe, this is the big boy version of a childhood memory.  I like! Ok, so its not going to win points on presentation, but it will make them up with taste.  Trust me, you need to try this!  See you at lunch grandpa.    

Max's Wine Dive--Yama Kobe Burger

I decided to start out this burger mission at Max's Wine Dive. It's a pretty swanky place--some have said its a little too loud for fine dining.  It didnt bother me much...i was there to indulge in some good food, and if its present, i can tune out anything or anyone.  I didnt realize they had a "reverse happy-hour" that starts at midnight that includes 1/2 price appetizers...this would be a good time to sample some of their offerings.  But i wasnt there for appetizers.  I was there for the Yama Kobe burger.  With the price tag of $18 i was expecting some burger bliss with maybe a commemorative bib or something.  Unfortunately, this burger failed to meet my expectations.  I ordered it medium-rare, i figured with a nice piece of quality meat, i shouldnt have to worry about pork/lamb contaminated beef.  So the burger was juicy...i'll give it that.  But there was some sort of backend taste.  I hate to even think it, but almost like the cheese was bad.  I've eaten cotija many times, and never has it had that type of lingering flavor. 

One other critque that i have is the habanero salsa and jalapenos...way too sweet for my taste.  I enjoy a good burn, but this one didnt offer a flicker.  I hate to start out with such a negative vibe, but i didn't raise the bar that high--they did when they sold me a burger for 18 bucks---by the way, i want my bib!

Texas Monthly Throws the Hammer Down

The top 50 burgers according to Texas Monthly have been published (www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/eatmywords) and now the challenge is to eat each one of these over the next 4 months.  I have some work cut out for me, but i'm up for the challenge.  I'll give my own critique based on ambience, originality and of course taste. The first three contenders this weekend will be Max's Wine Dive, Burger-Tex #2 and The Roaring Fork---all hailing from Austin,TX.  Since this is a head-to-head matchup, i'll reveal my winner in the next post.  I'm still deciding if i should use the BCS calculator or a play-off system to reveal the final winner.

Can't wait to hunt for burgers on big blue!

cant wait for this saturday----the burger hunters will be on the prowl, riding big blue, hitting 3 top burger spots----question is: should we get jalapenos on our burgers? of course we should--- =)