Tuesday, April 12, 2011

California - Day 1: Big Burger & Little Towns

Pin It It had been nearly 11 hours of driving. We’d slowly watched as the telltale remnants of winter vanished as we crossed over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, letting spring take full throttle. The signs we’d seen indicating we were passing Donner’s Summit – and the rumbling in my stomach – reminded me that we’d not eaten in quite some time.

After a dozen or so songs from an iPod playlist, I reached over to my trusty TomTom, whom I’d earlier christened as ‘Vicky’, and typed in a desire for victuals along our route. As per usual, Vicky gave us a plethora of options, one of which that stood out was simply because of its name: Big Burger.

Janelle and I discussed the list of choices, but Big Burger was the one we both settled on. After a few miles we pulled off the Corcord exit as Vicky directed us, and were led toward the destination she had locked away in her memory chips. As we circled over the freeway and drove the slope of road down the hill, this particular urban development we ventured into was sketchy at best; a ramshackle remnant that time seemed to have missed when it was dropping elderly towns into the recycle bin.

Janelle and I both turned to each other, wondering if we’d be better suited to simply find a Big Mac or a Jumbo Jack someplace; however, we decided to at least see the restaurant since we were so close. After a few more blocks, Big Burger came into view, situated between several dilapidated businesses; we pulled into the parking lot and headed in.

The smell if old grease and a timespan from yesteryear saturated the air as we walked in. The place was one of those that never seem to be clean, and looks like it’s a restaurant that was around back in the days of Moses when he was guiding the Israelites to the Promised Land.

I loved it.


I walked up to one of the battered, old, and ripped barstools at the counter and plunked myself down. The waitress, Noreen, probably four foot nothing in heels wandered up and leaned over the counter, speaking with a faint southern accent.

“What can I get for ya, Sweetie?”

Upon looking around the establishment, I saw no menus in sight. Trusting that she’d know the foodstuffs of this place far better than I would, I responded with, “Tell me what I want, after all you’re the expert.”

Her eyes lit up as she leaned back, “What cha want,” she said, her accent all the more pronounced, “is the triple patty, bacon, cheese, an egg burger…an some fries wit that.”

“Sound great, I’ll take it.”

To make a long story short, I watched the cook, Miguel, prepare my burger – the entire thing – right there behind the counter. In the space of about five minutes it was slid over to me, a small mountain of heaping goodness – and I was given a fork to enjoy it because, “Hon, you ain’t gonna be able ta finish it without a fark.”

 


I lifted the humongous burger to my mouth and took the first mouthwatering bite.

It. was. fabulous.

Needless to say…well, I guess I shouldn’t say it because it’s needless to say; however, let me say this instead: Big Burger far exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in the area of Concord, California I highly recommend it. Kinda pricey, but absolutely delicious.


Feeling immensely stuffed, I pushed away what I couldn’t finish and we headed for the door. Both Noreen and Miguel wished us well, (well, Noreen anyhow, I’m pretty sure that Miguel couldn’t speak English) and we were again on our way to our final destination in Martinez.


As we backed out of the parking lot and pulled out into the street, we drove again through that small, old-fashioned town. Big Burger faded away in the rearview mirror and it wasn’t long before we were on the road once again, but now with a different perspective.


Thanks, Big Burger.

21 comments:

Oilfield Trash said...

That burger looks yummy!!!!

Laura said...

I was just going to make lunch, but I think I'm full all of a sudden. Holy heart attack on a plate, but it sure looks yummy! Safe travels!!

tammy said...

We have a place like that here. It's called Heart Attack Grill.

Love the way you told this.

Marnie said...

I am now hungry. That burger looked so good. Mmmmm!

Sand Castles and Snow Forts said...

This is a grand adventure! What fun!

Rachel said...

Those are my most favorite places. The little hole in the wall joints. They've never steered me wrong. The grease pits of food heaven.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

wow the bacon is wrapped around the patties... kinda like a Wendy's...omg.. how are your arteries?

Cheeseboy said...

I thought this post was going to end...

"And then my sister had to finish this post because I just died of a heart attack."

Justin said...

That place sounds awesome!

Also, I love that you're wearing your Joey T-shirt.

Richard & Natalie said...

Oh.My.BACON!!!! Can you bring one back for me? I think it would feed me for 3 days.

DB Stewart said...

I like how happy this made you. Moments like this are the best.

Spenc said...

I was going to say you should go to In-N'-Out while you're in CA, but I think your burger looked a little ... not so good, but then I'm vegan and I'm recommending a place that is not so what the heck. In-N'-Out's a chain but local to Ca. Try a burger animal style. (unless your arteries have had enough for one adventure)

mamahasspoken said...

I noticed that you were wearing the Joey shirt too.
That was one way too big too eat hamburger.
You should have taken the left-overs with you for a snack or dinner.

Teachinfourth said...

I think I'm now burgered out for a while...that one took a lot out of me.

Rachel said...

At least until lunchtime.... ;)

Jamie said...

Holy shamoly! That looks like one intense burger. Isn't it so rewarding when you find a small treasure hidden in the rubble of time? Good on ya!

Mindee@ourfrontdoor said...

Those dives are totally worth the risk and even in black and white that burger looks mouth wateringly delicious.

mCat said...

You are so much braver than I am. I woulda taken a look at the dive, ignored Vicky and found the Golden Arches. Good for you!

**and my wv is bartful - not sure what that means but that burger looks like a bartful

Heidi said...

Dude. That burger. Yikes!

I love how eloquently you wrote about a burger joint. Awesome.

Michelle said...

Burgers are a rare treat for me. that looks like one worth adventuring to enjoy!

Unknown said...

It looks delectable.
YUM!

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