Posted 1:37 am Sunday, June 03, 2012
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Let’s Welcome Back Summertime
How did you start your summer? If Memorial Day is the beginning of summer, some things just seem right about how we go about getting started right. For me, the only thing missing was being at a lake or in a swimming pool.
Principally, after diligently observing a diet during the month of May, I made my way to FRESH and got some ground chuck patties, tomatoes and butterleaf lettuce and, of course, sesame seed buns. I ran into Phyllis who I finally inspired recently with my piece about hand-washing.
She and her hubby were doing the same thing I was. Now she is reputedly a good cook, but there is little evidence of it by looking at her husband. I pondered this and was reminded of the scene in "It's a Wonderful Life" when the cranky old man stated, "Youth is wasted on the wrong people," when George Bailey took too long to kiss his future wife Mary.
I would add that high metabolism is wasted on the wrong people when I think of my skinny friends and acquaintances with access to good food and their bird-like eating habits.
This burger paradise I had conceived would be sublime.
Jamie had the grill ready when I arrived at the house, and I already had decided to use Greek seasoning on my burger, having recently used it on a tenderloin with excellent results. He preferred the traditional Worcestershire with Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. The boy is a purist.
All vegetables were sliced, and I even decided to go completely overboard and use some onions. A major gamble for me.
The butcher had confirmed the only meat to use would be ground chuck, and he was nice enough to make some patties up for me saving me from handling the meat.
With buns toasted and burgers ready, the only thing left to do was add some Duke's mayonnaise, which I had pondered trying since the opening of FRESH more than a year ago. We use Muenster cheese for everything at our house.
The whole thing was a smashing success. It took at least three large paper towels to deal with this paradise.
With the lingering taste of onion and everything else right about those burgers, there was really only one way to top of the evening. Our palates must be cleansed with something else appropriate to start the summer: a Coke float. Back to the store and in a flash, we sat at the kitchen table eating and drinking our floats.
Jamie and I finished off the evening with a game of one-on-one in the driveway. I thought I saw a June-bug.
Welcome back summer.
What makes a perfect burger in your eyes? Do you mix the ice cream together with your Coke or let it happen on its own? Send your thoughts on the right things about food and summer to Cheeseburger in Paradise, 410 W. Erwin, Tyler, Texas 75702, or to isitjustme@tylerpaper.com or by fax to 903-596-6344.
