- In-N-Out Burger: Planting an In-N-Out steps from LAX is genius. This pretty much assures you a good burger when you land or one right before you depart, or both. Every time we hit an In-N-Out we are devastated that they do not exist in New York. I know they talk about the quality and how its hard to maintain, yet they figured out a way to bring it to Texas. They could figure out New York. Just saying...
In-N-Out strives on its simplicity. Burger, fries and shakes. Add cheese, add sauce.
Simple and perfect. The boys and I chose plain burgers, JB had the works with sauce. Some fries and vanilla shake make this the ideal off the plane lunch.
In-N-Out is also a great social equalizer, families, people in business suits, workmen - everyone goes there for same thing - one (or two, or three) great burger(s). And fries. And shakes.
For locations visit in-n-out.com
- Grill-A-Burger: No, not all of our favorite burger places have hyphens in their name, just two out of three. If you stepped inside Grill-A-Burger, you'd quickly agree. It is the exact opposite of In-N-Out with 30 burgers to choose from, plus mini burgers, salads, sides and sandwiches. Just reading their menu could take all night.
Tucked in a strip mall in Palm Desert, a few blocks from the main drag, is this unassuming place with, dare I say, tacky palm tree wallpaper and very friendly service. We were lucky to have a table ready within minutes and started down the path of ordering.
Some research showed that this place is consistently rated the best burger in the greater Palm Springs area and I agree. There is something for everyone.
JB had spent the day playing golf and rewarded himself with a Big Mock - their take on the McDonald's original complete with double decker patties, American cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles and special sauce on a sesame bun.
My Oooh LaLa! Parisan Bistro Burger was oozing with boursin cheese, caramelized onions, bacon and garlic aoli. Huge and delicious, while I didn't feel that I was in a Parisian Bistro, I definitely felt like it had the Oooh LaLa effect. And I would order it again.
But our favorite item of the night was a simple starter of California Avocado Fries. Just like it sounds these bad boys come rolled in panko and fried in beer batter with your choice of dipping sauces. The sauce we choose tasted just like key lime pie and I wanted to lick the dish clean. I almost did. I've already asked JB to try to replicate these - but to date, he still has not tried.
73091 Country Club Drive at Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA
760.346.8170
grill-a-burger.com
- Umami Burger: We started our California adventure with a burger and I was determined to finish it the same way. Umami Burger, a small chain founded in California that recently expanded to New York, was our destination. We were lucky to go to the Anaheim locale which is much less crowded then some of the others in LA (like the one at Fred Segal in Santa Monica which was packed the day I did some damage).
Umami is defined as that fifth taste and I think I know what it is: YUM. Since this was our last meal, we went a little overboard.
JB determined to keep up the double burger trend had the B.U.B. which is two patties, bacon, beer cheddar, onions, pickles and mustard, plus that ever important middle bun. Because why have two pieces of bread when you can have three. He was a huge fan.
I opted for the Truffle Burger which had not only truffle cheese but a truffle glaze on top of the delicious burger with a garlic aioli. This was the best burger of the trip. You really can't go wrong with truffles. Ever.
The thin fries were shoestring style and pretty amazing, too. The boys devoured their completely plain burger, as usual.
I can't wait to go back. And luckily, we won't have to go too far. In addition to their Greenwich Village location, they are about to open another in the Financial District.
Find your closest location at umami.com/umami-burger
Until our next Berger,
KLB
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