It’s official. In-n-Out Burgers is a cult. I suspected it all along. Consumer Reports magazine did an unofficial on-line poll of 28,000 subscribers to determine the best and worst fast-food burgers. There was a tie for first: In-n-Out Burgers and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Now, how could In-n-Out Burgers, which only operates out west in California, Nevada and Arizona, tie with a national chain? Don’t answer. I know.
I have friends in California, and I’ve been to food-industry events in California. In-n-Out is a sacred topic. If I was told once, I was told 20 times, I needed to just go visit one. So I did. It was about 2:30 p.m., and there was a line out the door. I was told that would be the case. Finally, it was my turn to order. It wasn’t too difficult. In fact, I’ve memorized the entire menu: hamburger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, fries, milkshake. The greasy burger came out wrapped in the traditional burger paper, and the fries were sufficiently hot and greasy. When I was done, I asked myself, “What was the big deal with that?” The answer? I don’t know. You just have to be from there. And apparently everyone who is from there voted in that poll. I don’t comprehend what’s so good about their burgers, but I think the mystical In-n-Out California Dreamin’ surrounding the chain is intriguing and cute. So I’ll let it be.
Well, actually I do know why burger connoisseurs like it. Everything is made fresh. There aren’t any microwaves or freezers. And the potatoes are hand cut at each location. But frankly, I didn’t taste any difference.
But then, I’m a little crazy. I don’t mind a Quarter Pounder with Cheese now and then. By the way, McDonald’s ranked dead last in the poll. That doesn’t surprise me. As I’ve said before, people love to hate McDonald’s. The thing is, burgers and fries are our national food, and wherever it’s from, we’ll eat it if we're hungry.
What’s your favorite burger?
Jody Shee
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