Column: Beefing up on burgers

I love burgers probably more than I should. What’s not to like?

So much food is related in some degree to the hamburger. It’s essentially become an American phenomenon. After all, what’s more American than the hamburger?

It’s funny that we associate the hamburger as the quintessential American food, since it technically was created in Germany. But does it really matter?

We are the ones who created the popularity of the burger. Heck, look at McDonald’s. It became one of the largest franchises in the world and all because hamburgers are a delicious food that everyone seems to like to eat.

You can make them quickly or take your time. Create the smallest, thinnest patty like White Castle or create a ridiculously oversized patty like Burger King.  

But really, why is this food so popular?

If you think about it, the hamburger has changed the way of American life. If the hamburger had not been introduced, who could tell how food franchises would have developed and grown during the decades? The hamburger has become a way of life for many people.

We seek out places like McDonald’s and Burger King when we’re in a hurry or stressed, creating this food sanctuary. We go there because we know what to expect and exactly what we’ll receive.

When we go on vacation, we search for diners for an old-time feel because we associate nostalgia and the 1950s with drive-ins and diners with classic shakes, fries and burgers. We want to relive the past or at least try to feel like we live in a different
time.

When we go out to eat in fancy restaurants, burgers are still there. Granted, there are so many variations of the burger that it will make your head spin. But we order these burgers to feel fancy and important while still fixing a craving.

Or perhaps it’s to appear laid back while looking fancy while eating a truffle-infused Kobe beef burger.

Even further, vegetarians and vegans have influenced the burger franchise. Veggie burgers have found their place in the modern world, helping everyone get their cravings, even if it’s not real meat. I still love my Boca Burgers, but I’ll be honest — for me, nothing beats the taste of a perfectly done burger.

Regardless, I still feel a twinge of guilt whenever I eat one.

I think cows are absolutely adorable, even if they are just dumb farm animals. I mean, look at those big brown eyes. How could you ever contemplate killing one for food?
This is coming from the girl who has sworn by a medium-rare steak her whole life.

Not to mention there’s that whole tearing down the rainforest to make room for cows to graze for McDonalds. I don’t know the actual numbers on that, but it’s still sad that we should have to tear down any area to harvest bovines for ground, fried beef patties.

Will this ever stop me from eating hamburgers? Ha. Not a chance.

I’m sorry, but I really think that all of the bad anyone can attach to the idea of the hamburger is just nonsense. The same things would be said of another franchised fast food if hamburgers had not been there first. And like I said, they’re just so delicious.

On that bittersweet note, I think I’ve gotten hungry for burgers again.  

Anyone care to join me for Five Guys?