Tag: burger

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The Whistle Stop’s Triple Smoke Burger in Oxford

The Whistle Stop's Triple Smoke Burger on Main Street in Oxford, MA

Crediting a mutual friend for the burger recommendation, my quest for great burgers brought me to Oxford, MA… to another hole-in-the-wall local favorite called The Whistle Stop. Located on Main Street, this is an establishment that you could easily drive right by, if it weren’t for the large railroad crossing signs decorating the road side. Upon entering, you are met with the décor similar to your grandmother’s country house, who can’t seem to throw anything out. There are many antique signs and knick-knacks that bring back a sense of nostalgia to when times were simpler, and when our country was thriving. In a sense, it is comforting and vaguely familiar as a first timer, you do feel right at home.

As I sat down and ordered my favorite Leinenkugel, I took some time to peruse the menu and immediately felt slightly overwhelmed. The menu for such a small place was quite large. They had so many items on the menu, from pub favorite appetizers, to pasta and seafood, to prime rib, fish tacos and a slew of sandwiches. For a menu with so many items on it, I was surprised to see that they only offered 5 burgers, but had a build-your-own section filled with different toppings, and sauces to customize your own meal in the event that you’re not feeling their house specialty burgers. I decided on the Triple Smoke Burger ($12). This was advertised as seasoned with chipotle pepper & smoked paprika with habanero pepper cheese, chipotle aioli, sliced avocado, sliced red onion & fresh cilantro. Anyone who is familiar with my blog will know I love a spicy burger. The thought of chipotle peppers and habanero cheese excited my taste buds and made me flush with anticipation.

When my burger was served, I was presented with a decent sized burger, with neat avocado slices on top, adorned with small red onions on top, and a big dollop of the chipotle aioli on the top of the bun. From initial inspection, I was missing the fresh cilantro. That freshness, brightness and frangrance that cilantro brings would have been a wonderful condiment. As I started consuming my meal, I was happy that they chose a hearty, buttery bun that can hold up to a good sized burger and all its toppings. It was soft on the inside, while being slightly crispy from being toasted. The burger meat itself was cooked to a nice medium, and was quite juicy. However, I found myself once again searching for the seasoning within the burger patty. The chipotle pepper and paprika were nowhere to be found within the patty, and it was really needed as I wanted a smoky flavor and some heat with each bite. The avocado is always a great addition by lending a creamy texture. The red onion also added a crunch and an assertive spice to each bite. Unfortunately, I was once again let down by the lack of spice from the cheese. Being habanero, I wanted more of a kick… something that warms your pallet as you continue to eat, and accentuates the flavors around it. I just found myself wanting more out of the burger. The fries might have been one of the best parts of the meal. They were large, thick cut steak fries that were fried perfectly golden brown and seasoned nicely. A healthy dose of ketchup was just what the doctor ordered to clean the plate of this side kick.

Enjoying some company with a close friend and my significant other, it was clear that this restaurant certainly was unique. With many menu options, including some lighter faire, trivia on Thursday nights, and something for everyone, I could see how this restaurant was busy, even on a normally slow Tuesday night. Overall, I was pleased with my burger, but it did not wow me. The end product was a delightfully satisfying  meal, but just lacked some finesse and attention to small details that really would’ve been able to take the burger up a notch. If you’re even passing through Oxford on Main Street, I would recommend stopping in for a comforting meal. Where will my burger quest take me next? Natick? Leominster? Tweet me your suggestions @EDioufUC5 and your pick just might make the short list. Until next time…

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British Beer Company’s Turkey Burger

The Turkey Burger from British Beer Company on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

For those of you familiar with Shrewsbury Street, you will know that there’s a relatively new kid on the block taking over where the old Coral Seafood and the Urban Kitchen used to reside. That restaurant would be the British Beer Company (or BBC for short). Those of you who might remember both spots would recall that both were kind of bland in the decor category and somewhere in between average seafood eatery and wannabe-sophisticated overpriced dining. The new BBC is neither of these things. As soon as you walk in, you can’t even believe it is the same space! The stained glass windows, the uniquely British colors and decor around the restaurant and bar, and a second floor that wouldn’t have even been imaginable in the previous restaurant spaces are all captivating from the time you enter until the time you leave.

Wanting some privacy, we were escorted to a booth which was very comfortable and adorned with soft leather seats. The area did a great job of keeping outside noise out so you could enjoy a nice conversation at a decent decibel level. Thoroughly famished from a long day at work that saw me ingest two cups of coffee and a small bowl of soup, I was ready for my burger!!! Trying to steer clear of the usual suspects on the burger menu (a lot of flavor combinations I have had before), I decided to branch out ever so slightly…I ordered my first turkey burger. *collective gasps, women fainting, the whole nine yards* But hysterics aside, this burger was a house made turkey patty which was grilled, and topped with caramelized onion, smoky bacon, bourbon sauce and fresh avocado on a grilled brioche bun ($11.99).

Now turkey can tend to be very dry and can easily be overcooked if not kept an eye on. In this case, the turkey burger held up surprisingly well. The meat was sufficiently cooked, and the grill was a nice touch; lending some smokey, charred notes to the meat. There was evident sweetness coming from a combination of the caramelized onion and bourbon sauce. The sauce was more like a glaze, and I wish I had more of it. The bacon did what bacon does and rocked out. Nicely crispy and rich, the bacon helped add flavor to the turkey, because if there’s one thing The Hangover Pub has taught Worcester, it’s that everything is better with bacon.

The avocado was the surprise of the dish though. It’s creaminess helped cut through a lot of the rich flavors that this burger packed. Plus it made me feel better about myself, eating something that is relatively “healthy.” You were really looking for the smooth texture against the sauce and the crunch of the bacon and the burger meat. Then again, saying that is kind of like getting fast food and ordering a Diet Coke to help ease the pain. The fries were delicious and crispy, as all fries should be. They were hearty and cut larger than most fries that you would get at other restaurants. Fried golden brown, they were a nice break from the delicious burger.

Finishing my Sierra Nevada Summerfest and watching the All Star Game on one of the many TVs around the establishment, gave me time to reflect on where I’ve been and the many delicious burgers I’ve eaten. Taking in all the British beer signs and looking at the enlarged photo of Buckingham Palace hanging from one side of the room to the other, made me happy that I lived so close to a city that is beginning to take pride in itself. Taking pride in the products that they offer, from farm to table establishments, small breweries and pastry shops, local favorites, and countless watering holes, Worcester certainly has come a long way in the last few years.

Knowing that my next burger is not too far off, I leave BBC full and satisfied. With many different offerings from across the pond, it gives diners on Shrewsbury Street a different dynamic that transports them to Great Britain. Where will my burger quest take me next? Have suggestions for my next burger, tweet me @EDioufUC5 and your suggestion just might make the list. Until next time…