The Behemoth Burger

So, for my birthday this year, we decided to take the Metrolink to Union Station. The 2nd Annual Beer Fest was being held there but that was not the main reason we went. The Grill Em All Gourmet Food Truck was going to be there and we were dying to try one of their burgers.

To get to the Grill Em All Truck, you had to pay $40 per person to get in the Union Station Courtyard. Once inside, you could sample unlimited 4 oz. beer servings from over 30 restaurants and breweries. Since we brought our two grandkids, we could not all go in. So, my son and son-in-law "took one for the team" and paid to get in and stand in line. 45 minutes later (and several beer samples), our burgers and fries arrived. They did not disappoint. We ordered a Waste Em All Burger (a cheeseburger topped with a delicious green chile) along with a regular cheeseburger and both were really good. But, The Behemoth was the star of the show. It's a juicy 1/3# patty topped with beer-soaked onions and pickles and served with grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun! Not sure that I would go out of my way to find the Grill Em All boys but if they are anywhere in the area, I will be sure to make a return visit.

Meat, Meat, Meat

After my future son-in law ate his first meals at our house, he summed up his eating experience as follows (using hand motions as if shoveling the food in his mouth!): "Meat, meat, meat, bread, bread, bread!" I could not have said it better myself. Some families camp, others ski, some have a vacation home. Our family eats. We eat meat. And, yes, we like good bread with our meat!

Our obsession with meat really only started a few years ago. In 2002, we took a business trip to Louisville. We actually flew into Nashville to spend some time with friends before heading off to Memphis and an overnight stay at the Peabody Hotel (yes - we saw the ducks......) before heading to Louisville. We got into Memphis late and the first restaurant we saw was a churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse with lots and lots of meat! We were very happy with our dining experience until we found out after we got home that we were one block from Beale Street and all that BBQ. Missing out on that experience lit a fire inside that has not even begun to be fully ignited. We began BBQ'ing everything in sight and even tore out the spa in our backyard to build a 10' BBQ island and create a home for our brand new XL Big Green Egg. And, we have begun planning vacations with our restaurant/dining choices as one of if not our top priority.

Burgers, Steaks, and Shakes is my working title, not necessarily what will be included in future posts (I just really liked the way it sounded). I do love a good burger and a great steak. And, I just got a new Blendtec commercial blender and am working to make the perfect shake. But, I love almost anything BBQ'd - beef & pork ribs, pork shoulder, tri-tip, hot links, etc., etc. etc. I will be sharing my culinary experiences with you and will look forward to hearing about your's!

In the meantime, enjoy your meat, meat, meat!