I recently returned from a two-part vacation to Colorado and Cali. While I was out there, I had some of the best veggie burgers I’ve had in a long time. And it made me fall in love all over again. These weren’t pre-packaged patties (mostly). They were made fresh. By the chef. And they all knew what was in them.
Here’s the thing. I have an intolerance to peppers. Of the garden variety to be exact. And what’s the one thing most pre-packaged patties tend to have in them for flavor? You guessed it – PEPPERS! Nothing is more infuriating then going to a restaurant and asking if their veggie burgers have peppers in them, only to have the wait staff come back and tell me the kitchen doesn’t know. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE KITCHEN DOESN’T KNOW?! This has happened more times than I can count. “They threw away the box.” “They don’t come in a box.” … Ok. Ok. I get it. Some people are just trying to have a vegetarian option. But if someone has an allergy to something, that option is now completely useless. But I digress…
I also learned that the veggie burger (like most burgers) is all about the toppings. Toppings quickly turn an ok burger into an amazing burger. The bun, the crunchiness of the lettuce, the pickles (dear sweet god, tell me you have pickles!). All of it rounds the flavors and the textures out and completes your experience. And did I mention the fries…? I don’t eat them often – BUT I LOVE FRIES. Or any form of potato, if we’re just being honest. My nickname at the vegan cafe I used to run was “Potato.” And my boss knew if I was ever sad or just having a rough day – just make me potatoes. Worked every time.
So here I am back on the East Coast (a.k.a. “The Beast Coast”) and looking for veggie burgers to live up to our name. Hand-crafted burgers, portobellos, and boxed patties with toppings so good, it makes me forget they came from a box. I’m on a mission foodie friends. Let’s do this.
