Happy July 4th

AFA made McDonalds my favorite burger

Actually a double quarter pounder with cheese meal is my usual order (which is at most a monthly treat of not having to cook)....in for a penny, in for ten pounds.

As for hot dogs, I only buy beef franks, and i try not to think much about the contents...otherwise you'd never eat another one.

Hormel meat packing plant in Minneapolis, used to give children tours of their facility, my brother two years older than me went with Cub Scouts. Then they showed ALL of the throat cutting of the cows, now I guess they've hidden that section. Anyway, at the end of the tour, they gave the kids a cold hot dog...and kids barfed all over.

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

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by: peteyPornpig @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 11:37:48 AM CDT

And something very sweet for the fourth...

Jesse Helms from your home state, Pam, has passed onto the afterlife.

Yes, I'm evil.

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by: rptrcub @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 11:40:45 AM CDT

The best burger

that I know if is the Bacon Blues Burger at Geddy's Pub in Bar Harbor, Maine. It is nearly a half-pound of beef, formed into a patty by hand and cooked to order, even if you want it rare (like I do!). It has crumbled bacon bits and bleu cheese on top and I get it on a sourdough bun and ask for the bottle of A-1. They come served on old-fashioned round beer trays lined with paper. They usually have a pickle and potato chips, but for an extra buck you can upgrade to fries. I have to take off my rings before I pick up the burger (quite messy!) and once it's up, it's up, there's no dignified or delicate way to put it down without it going to pieces. I have yet to finish one completely. They are divine.

As for hot dogs, here in the northeast we have an affinity for red dye. There is nothing quite like a red hot dog, steamed, on a bun that has been brushed with butter and fried. Dear god in heaven, there is nothing that compares to the snap of that first bite!

The best vendor-type dog I ever ate was when I was driving a bus full of fans from Northfield Minnesota to the state high school soccer championships in Minneapolis. Bus drivers get into the stadium for free, and we get to wander around and look at the Minnesota Vikings memorabilia. It's pretty cool. At the HHH Metrodome, the hotdogs and brats are grilled on those little roller things, but the biggest thrill came at the condiment stand. There, to go atop that greasy nightmare tube in the bun was a variety of sauerkraut. Some with caraway, some without. I have no idea what it is about the little roller things on the cooker, but they render the brats perfectly cooked without scorching and lightly coated with a thin layer of very flavorful grease. No, they're not good for you - you want healthy, get a salad after the game. Far and away, those were the best brats I ever ate!

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by: Dawn in Maine @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 11:45:37 AM CDT

I'll agree with Jordan's Red Hot Dogs

but having grown up just down the road from the old "Miller's General Store", gotta put my vote in for having them (the dogs and buns) both steamed with onions, relish and mustard! Makes the buns a tad gooey, but it's still a fave... ;)

Buns like you describe are heaven on earth for lobster rolls, though.

Hamburgers... hmm. Love them, but have never found anything better than homemade fresh off the grill. With both cheddar and American cheeses. But damn, Dawn, Geddy's sound awfully good right now- never had one, and blue cheese? Tummy's growling at the thought!

Click HERE and sign up: Campaign For Military Partners

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by: Louise @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:10:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Chicago-style hot dog

Why waste the calories on anything less?!

For char-grilled, gotta say Byron's or Weiner's Circle (home of the "Soup Nazi" of Chicago hot dogs, where a side of verbal abuse is free with every order)!

But overall, best of the best has to be Portillo's.

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by: Naperville Mom @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 11:49:43 AM CDT

Yes! Vienna hot dog, (the ones with real casings)

and everything on!

It's truly a Zen experience. ("Make me one with everything.")

Remember what FDR said, "I agree with you, I want to do it, now make me do it." Have you written/called a congress-critter today? 8.25, 6.21

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by: Jacques @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:29:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Absolutely Chicago Doggy!

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by: juicyjuice @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 13:23:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Favorite burger joint?

Hands down, it's the Cozy Inn.

(www.cozyburger.com)

Little gems that predate the White Castle-type "sliders" by a few years (1922 to be exact), smothered in chopped and grilled onions, served up in an order of six, and packaged in a grease-stained paper sack.

You, your clothes, and your car will be annointed with the aroma for the remainder of the day. (Your car for the next week if you forget the empty sack on the floorboard...). Definately an culinary "don't miss" if you're in Salina, KS.

It's a tiny place; the pic on the site shows the entire width of the place...all six stools at the counter--that's it.

It's not hard to find downtown: search the skyline for the big Art Deco building, head in that general direction and then follow your nose.

The nose knows.    ;-)

Happy Fourth, Pam!

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by: Wobbly Red @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 11:56:59 AM CDT

Happy 4th, for real...

Jesse Helms' body died today, it was preceded in death by his soul which was stillborn.    

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by: Storm @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:00:41 PM CDT

Burgers and Dogs

Best Burger: In-N-Out in CA.
Best Dog: Johnny and Hanges in NJ.

Steve

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by: Stevious @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:05:49 PM CDT

I'll second the IN-N-OUT

I moved to Washington in 2001, and I still miss In-N-Out.

susanferman.wordpress.com

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by: Susan_F @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 04:43:16 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Happy Independence Day, Blenders!

I would like to wish everybody a happy 4th of July and know that the LGBT community in the US is still fighting for their existence as Americans.  They're still fighting against those who are denying their freedom to be who they are.

What is your favorite burger joint of all time?

In-N-Out, of course.  I normally get a Double-Double with some animal fries.

What is your favorite hot dog of all time?

A Chicago-style hot dog.  It's a Vienna Beef hot dog with mustard (no ketchup), chopped onions, dayglo relish, tomatoes, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt, all on an egg bun.  It is so good.  I could not find one here in San Diego (but I could find a Sabrett stand...weird).

I also like the Tijuana danger dogs.  There is a taco shop west of Hillcrest/Mission Hills area that has them.  It's a bacon-wrapped hot dog with sautéed peppers and onions, and you could top it off with salsa.  Oooh, that is delicious.

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by: Blood From Machines @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:08:51 PM CDT

Favorite burger joint

is Hamburger Habit. The best one is in Santa Barbara, but the one in Ventura isn't bad.

I have to go to the store and pick up Triple Sec. We ran out a few weeks ago and I'm bringing margaritas to the BBQ next door. I'm glad Amber finally popped that last one out, she was getting grumpy when everyone else around her could have a drink but she had to stick with soda.

Cause any fool knows, a dog needs a home; a shelter from pigs on the wing

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by: QueerInSoCal @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:39:05 PM CDT

California bid.

HAMBURGER HENRY's in ?Manhattan Beach? Probably not still open but they had over 150 kinds I think!

Dog...can only be relly good at a baseball game!  Well, not really good although the Giants aren't bad. But fun anyway. 

 ?Chicago folks..what were those awful square ones called? WHITE something? 

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

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by: Orion45 @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 13:01:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

WHITE CASLTE.

Right?

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

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by: Orion45 @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 13:02:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

2 ooops.. I will review, I will review, I will review.

WHITE CASTLE.

And yes Steve currently, in California,  IN and OUT! is way best..... and the burgers aren't bad either. lol

but Hamburger Henry's was an absolute ICON. Big outside patio right on main drag. 

It's the Hammer of JUSTICE,
It's the Bell of FREEDOM,
It's the Song about LOVE between,
my Brothers and my Sisters
...All over this Land.

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by: Orion45 @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 13:05:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

My neighbors got , me drunk

and I think they want to take advantage of me. Amber is on my right Lora is on my left. I just want to know where the hell Jay and Brian are. I'd so rather be taken advantage of by them.

Cause any fool knows, a dog needs a home; a shelter from pigs on the wing

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by: QueerInSoCal @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 23:29:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

caslte?

wrong! :)

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by: CathyG @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 13:07:47 PM CDT

best burgers

http://www.heartattackgrill.com/

http://www.dyssonance.com  Breaking all the rules...

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by: dyssonance @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 14:32:36 PM CDT

Best burgers?

Hodad's in San Diego.  Partially for the location.

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by: M @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 17:03:51 PM CDT

Ate there today

Burger:

Wagner's Drive In in St. Louis Park, MN...just a stone's throw from my house...50's style drive in...solid burgers...great onion rings...awesome shakes and malts...the carhops aren't on rollerskates, but who cares?

The best thing about it is that they went to being open all year so they could get a Zagat rating!

Dog:

OMG...who knew the Costco dog was that bad for you?...glad I don't do them...they may be all beef, but do they contain the fat of an entire cow?  geez!

Pam...let me know next time you are in MSP...a good cuppa joe at Vera's and a burger at Wagners...I'm gonna show you the town hon...

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by: bkmn @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 19:07:04 PM CDT

bkmn, do we get to tour

The Larry Craig memorial stall?

If only the Blend had the opportunity to blog the GOP national convention!

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 05:02:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

speaking of Minneapolis, Shirley's Dinner had great burgers

A short lived 50's style gay restaurant (they had 2 locations) had a burger on pumpernickle buns with sour cream and chopped onions....YUM

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

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by: peteyPornpig @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 20:40:06 PM CDT

Diner...oops

"race, taste. and History finally overcome....and you ain't there"
by Tony Kushner

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by: peteyPornpig @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 20:40:38 PM CDT

Best Burger Joint

Best burger joint is hands down "Cook Out", a chain that I think is limited to within the state of North Carolina.  

Their meat and veggies are freshly gotten everday with no two burgers that look alike.  Their sides include things like hush puppies and chicken nuggets.  The milkshakes are to die for -- anything you ever thought would make a good addition to a milkshake as a kid you can get here.  Their standard sweet tea is monster-huge.  Plus, they're cheaper than McD's and open till ridiculously early in the morning, which was great when I was in college.

Maybe you've heard of this chain, Pam?  I'm not sure if they're in your neck of the woods, but they're all over Winston-Salem and Charlotte.

Favorite hot dog of all time, is a tough one cause I don't really like hot dogs all that much.  But just about any hot dog that is topped off with baked beans earns my seal of approval.

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting." -E.E. Cummings

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by: popsiclestand @ Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 22:07:34 PM CDT

popsiclestand, on 'Cook Out'

One in Durham, two in Raleigh, one in Cary -- they are drive thru/walk up establishments. I've never eaten there; should give it a try.

http://tinyurl.com/6hbjzr

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 05:08:02 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yum!

What is your favorite burger joint of all time?

Fudd Ruckers, but I think that a lot of it has to do with their buns.  

What is your favorite hot dog of all time?

I really don't like hot dogs so I don't have one.  My mother and sister always loved Portillo's though, and they have good chicken sandwiches and fries.

My America includes LGBT families.

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by: Mena @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 00:55:14 AM CDT

Yum! (Canadian Version)

Although Saskatoon has a Fudd Ruckers, so I'm within driving distance of one of their restaurants at either house, Regina has a Burger Baron or two.  Very good, and apparently they are in Alberta (where they started) as well.  I'm not finding much information but it looks like they may have expanded to the east coast.
I don't eat hot dogs in Canada either.  Yes, feel free to insert straight chick not eating wieners jokes...

My America includes LGBT families.

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by: Mena @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 13:34:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Back home...In-N-Out Burgers and Pink's Hotdogs

In-N-Out, hands down. Used to work walking distance from the one in North Hollywood and got of the freeway right smack in front of the one in Woodland Hills on the way home. (Guess who ate a LOT of In-N-Out burgers?) Great fries, too.

Pink's Hot Dogs on La Brea, in Hollywood. The BEST. The hot dogs are Shofar, which you can buy in most grocery stores, but MAN, their chili dogs are the best, ever. If you are ever in LA, make a point of having one--it's worth the long lines. Really.

susanferman.wordpress.com

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by: Susan_F @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 04:54:07 AM CDT

Kate's picks

She likes Junior's for burgers, but she leans towards Red Robin's bacon cheeseburger as her top pick. Not sure about hot dogs on her end.

Oh, I think I had a hot dog at Sonic that was pretty good.

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by: Pam Spaulding @ Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 05:10:24 AM CDT