Stallions Savor the Sizzle at BGR

By Matt Masakayan Managing Editor/Food Enthusiast Since before the beginning of time the hamburger has earned its rank as a defining characteristic of American culture. Whether grilled, fried, broiled, or George Foremaned, the forever beloved greasy meat patty has managed to earn a distinguished spot on the list of Americas favorite foods. That being said, the burger itself has come a long way from its humble vendor beginnings. Today, meat enthusiasts around the world spend years in culinary school to refine and revolutionize the burger industry, giving birth to the gourmet burger restaurant. This is not a reference to your local Applebees or Glory Days. The true burger havens around the country are privately owned, each crafting their own individualized perspective on what they believe to be the best burger. From the bold southern rodeo burger all the way to the classic northern wellington, a regions personality is reflected in their burgers. The Northern Virginia/DC area is of no exception. With several tourist and local burger hotspots such as Rays Hell-Burger in Arlington, without a doubt the standard of meat in the area is high. Raising the standard to a new level of OMG deliciousness has become increasingly difficult. However some places come pretty close to doing just that. Literally called The Burger Joint or BGR, one trendy burger shop offers a mouthwatering burger in a refreshing and trendy package. Rated as One of the greatest burgers in the world that you must have before you die, by GQ Magazine, this place deserves the hype. Originating in Arlington, this mini chain has managed to open five stores, three of which are in the DC area. The newest store was opened in Springfield at 8420 Old Keene Mill Road. Upon entering, the trendy vibe of the restaurant is made evident right away. From the sound of laughter drowning out the Skins game, to the disco ball reflecting on the one of a kind mosaic tables, to The Whos Baba ORiley playing in the background, visitors become submerged in The Burger Joint experience. Especially on weekends the place is packed, as the BGR name has already gained a high reputation. BGR has a lot of popularity with teens, because the place features the whole package in terms of being a chill

October 14, 2011

Feature

Did They Really Say That?

Its a theory that is out there, it has some gaps in it. -Rick Perry on evolution

hangout. BGR has become popular at SCSS too. Ive known about this place for a few years now, so its not that that big of a deal anymore And yeah its awesome, said senior Jack Proctor. Looking at the menu, one can initially feel overwhelmed. There are more than a handful of options (including grilled onions and their special Mojo sauce) for each burger, each delivering a different culinary experience. With 11 signature choices, Photo by Matt Masakayan one can only marvel at the creativity. Among these is Matt Masakayan orders a tasty The Burger with fries and a Coke at The Burger Joint. The Greek, a lamb burg- The Burger is just one among the many delicious burgers served at The Burger Joint. er that really must be tried before judging. The burger was actually featured on Food tions given are generous, and make up for the slightly high Networks Throwndown with Bobby Flay and beat Flays price of the burger and sides (sold separately). The service is fantastic, and genuinely caring. They defiin a taste test. Last on the menu sits The 9 Pounder chalnitely want to make a positive name for themselves in the lenge. This burger has a size that matches its $80 price. If food business. The cashiers actually cared enough to give a you can manage to finish it in one sitting the meal is free. My favorite is the Southwestern because its got a nice brief history of BGR to every single new customer they enkick to it, said English teacher Leana Jensen, The choco- countered. Based on their customer count they are doing a great job at doing so. late shakes are amazing. Along with their trendy downtown-like feel, their bevThe burger itself lives up to the hype. A slightly crusted erage machine truly stands out. Thanks to the awesomeouter shell combined with a tender pink juicy center transforms your taste buds to a new level of meat appreciation. ness of Coca-Cola, The Burger Joint features a touchscreen Fresh toppings accompanied by their zesty Mojo sauce drink dispenser that allows the customer to access any Cosmother together with applewood smoked bacon between ca-Cola product ever made, and alter it with flavor accents two lightly toasted buns leads into a soggy (in a good way) to please their every beverage desire. Overall The Burger Joint is a definite yes when looking delight. The burger is obviously treated and prepared like for a downtown burger experience close to home. Is it the a quality meat or steak; instead of a slapped together patty. The ability to fully appreciate the burger without the addi- best burger in the area however? No. But it does come tion of condiments means BGR has hit the jackpot. Every close. The chain is still young, and they still have some work to do. bite is appreciated until its gone. Do you know of any food joints in the area that the As for sides, they offer three varieties of fries (including world just has to know about? Share it with us on Twitter asparagus fries) and fresh Vidalia onion rings. The por@SCCourier.

Cooperarations are people too, my friend. -Mitt Romney on rasing taxes for wealthy cooperations ...They see the rise of China, the rise of India, the rise of the Soviet Union... -Michele Bachmann apparently unaware that the Soviet Union collapsed over two decades ago

I have six times as many twitter followers as all the other candidates combined. -Newt Gingrich, however it was later discovered that more than 90% of his followers were fake A poet once said, life can be a challenge, life can seem impossible, but its never easy when theres so much on the line -Herman Cain quoting the lyrics to the Pokemon: The Movie 2000 theme song
Photos Courtesy of Google: Left row descending: Mitt Romeny, Newt Gingrich, and Herman Cain. Right row descending: Rick Perry and Michelle Bachman. Quotes compiled by About.com