Pink Slime Used as a Filler in Most Ground Beef Puts Amonia in Our Food

 Pink Slime is a processed meat additive that can be found in most ground beef. Pink slime is made with the extra parts, or "trimmings," that is usually reserved for pet food. Some of these parts include:

• sinew
• fat
• connective tissue

 These parts are mechanically removed from the meat using a heating centrifuge and is then made into a paste. The recovered material is then processed and treated with ammonia to remove bacteria such as e-coli. It is then ground, compressed into blocks, and flash frozen to be used as a cheap filler for ground beef.  

In the United States, Pink Slime can constitute up to 15 percent of the beef without being labeled as containing the product.


Pink Slime has citizens questioning whether or not its safe. When samples of the product were tested, results came back showing that it is full of harmful bacteria.


 Pink Slime has been banned in many areas, including Canada and the United Kingdom, but is still legal in the us. While some grocery stores and restaurants have stated that they do not use the additive, a sure way to know whats in your burger is by grinding your beef at home.  

                                                         

Coral Spring's BurgerFi Uses Natural Angus Beef to Create a Premium Quality Burger

BurgerFi is new to Coral Springs, and is already standing out. They use natural Angus beef for their burgers, which means:

• Cows are raised humanly, given shelter, sufficient space, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors
• The cows are given no antibiotics or hormones - allowing the cow to grow at a natural pace, resulting in a more tender meat
• Cows are vegetarian fed

You can really notice the difference this makes when you try their burgers. With your first bite you can taste how tender and marbleized the meat is. BurgerFi's menu also offers a variety of toppings for your burger - some including:

• salt & vinegar potato chips
• onion rings
• egg sunny side up
• grilled mushrooms
• chili

The variety allows you to build a different burger for almost every visit. The atmosphere is also great - its contemporary and clean, providing a pleasant dining experience. The price is a little steep though - you're going to spend anywhere from $10-$15 on your visit. The burgers also aren't the biggest, but they are definitely filling. I would say this place is worth the visit.

Location: 2716 N University Dr.
               Coral Springs, FL 33065
Phone: 954-510-8300

Healthier Burger Choices From Home When You're Watching What You Eat

When you're watching your weight or just want to start eating healthier, eating burgers may not be your first choice - but it should.

This recipe for a Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Burger from eatingwell.com, provides a delicious unique burger that you can feel good about.

This turkey burger is served with mozzarella inside the patty and dressed in a marinara sauce. The preparation time isn't too bad but it does involve a lot of ingredients, some including:

• onions
• garlic
• tomatoes
• lemon zest
• oregano
• 1 pound of 93 percent lean turkey

But the nutritional value of this burger is pretty good when considering the amount of calories you should consume per day. This burger (per serving) has:

• 299 calories
• 15 grams of fat
• 28 grams of protein
• Vitamin C (35 percent daily value)
• Vitamin A (20 percent daily value)

This burger is a great way to enjoy your food and stay healthy, but check out other reviews of the burger and decide if its right for you.

Boca Raton's Smokey Bones Adds a Fried Egg To Create a Hearty Burger

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill offers a variety of different BBQ items, but their Morning Glory burger stands out from the rest.

The 1/2 pound fire grilled burger could be enough to fill you up, but there's more:

• American cheese
• 3 slices of peppered bacon
• chipotle ketchup
• fried egg

The fried egg soaks into the bun, giving you a consistent great flavor with every bite. And that 1/2 burger patty is cooked to perfection - pink and juicy in the middle but with a consistency that refuses to fall apart. The menu offers many different burgers if you're not a fan of the fried egg - including their biggest sandwich to date - the Smoke Stack - with 3 half pound patties, if your feeling really hungry. The atmosphere is inviting too - Smokey Bones is a great place to enjoy a burger and a beer.

The prices are reasonable as well - their Morning Glory is $11 and the other burgers range from $10 - $20.

See what others are saying.
Location: 21733 SR 7
               Boca Raton, FL 33428
Phone: 561-852-7870

The Cheesecake Factory in Downtown Fort Lauerdale Adds a Fried Macaroni and Cheese Ball to Their Burgers for a Delicious Twist

The Cheesecake Factory's  Macaroni and Cheeseburger uses fried macaroni and cheese balls in place of the standard slice of cheese to create a rich and creamy flavor.

The other toppings of this sandwich include:

• cheddar cheese sauce
• lettuce
• tomato
• pickles
• onion
• mayo

This chorus of toppings and condiments work together to create a great tasting sandwich. The burger is cooked to your liking and comes out thick and juicy. After trying this once its safe to say that I will never again have to look through their intimidating menu.

If you decide a fried ball of macaroni and cheese doesn't belong on your burger, no worries - The Cheesecake Factory offers a variety  of great tasting burgers. Its also located in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale - providing a nice dining experience.

The meals can be a bit pricey and can range from $15 - $20, but its pretty reasonable when considering the amount of food that comes on your plate. Others agree that the food and dining experience is well worth the visit.

Location: 600 E Las Olas Blvd
               Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-463-1999

 

Raw and Undercooked Ground Meat May Contain Harmful Bacteria

According to the USDA, raw or undercooked ground beef can contain bacteria that is harmful to the body.

It is recommended that you cook all burgers to a minimum of 160 degrees - a cooking thermometer  can easily determine the temperature of your burger.

The very young, the very old, and those who have a weakened immune system from illness should stay away from raw or undercooked meat.

The symptoms of foodborne illness are not pretty, and can include:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• abdominal cramping
• fever

To make sure that you don't get a foodborne illness from your ground beef its important to:

• handle your raw meat carefully - bacteria from the raw meat can contaminate equipment, hands, and cooking surfaces. Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils used after handling the raw meat
• don't reuse the packaging materials
• when buying the ground beef, choose a package that is intact and cold. Also if possible, place the raw meat in a plastic bag so none of the juices leak onto other foods
• store the meat in the freezer immediately after purchasing
• cook to at least 160 degrees

The Origins of Hamburgers - From Genghis Khan to the United States

People have been eating ground meat in the shape of patties since the ancient Egyptian times.

But the burger got its start with Genghis Khan and his Mongol army. Their long journeys made it difficult to stop and cook - so they kept the patties under their saddles, allowing the constant movement to tenderize the meat.

When Genghis Khan and his army invaded Russia, they brought their meat patties with them. Russia later adopts this into their cuisine, adding raw eggs and chopped onions.

Ground beef was popular in Europe, but was used mainly to make sausages. But in the seventeenth century ships from Hamburg Germany visited Russian ports, and brought the recipe back to their country.

Later, at the end of the eighteenth century, the largest sea ports in Europe were in Germany. Many sailors who frequented these areas brought the patties back home with them and named them the "Hamburg Steak." To attract German sailors,  food stands were built along the ports in New York selling the meal.

And there you have it - a brief history of the hamburger.

McDonald's Falls Short in Taste with their Big Mac

Oh the Big Mac, where to begin . .

McDonald's introduced their Big Mac in 1968 and  hasn't changed it since. Biting into the Big Mac you taste special sauce, bread, and not much else. With paper thin patties and bread that tastes like cardboard - this classic is in need of a change.

The disappointment begins with the initial unveiling. You are promised the same burger that is pictured on the box but are crushed when you see something entirely different.  

Although their burgers don't impress me, they must be doing something right - McDonald's has sold about 247 billion since its opening in 1961.  

Regardless of the burgers disappointing appearance, I cannot deny that walking into a McDonald's makes me feel nostalgic, and their inexpensive prices (I payed $7 for my meal) and  speedy delivery means its inevitable that I go back.

Location: Almost every street corner in America . . and this one:
                    630 N University Dr
                   Coral Springs, FL 33071

Phone number: 954-344-2622



Coral Spring's Elevation Burger Uses Organic Ground Beef for Great Taste

Elevation Burger prides itself on it's use of organic, free range, grass fed beef - and it is easy to see why.

The organic beef is ground daily to give the burger a distinct flavor that tastes fresh and juicy to the very last bite. Elevation Burger is also better for you. None of their menu items contain trans fat and they commit themselves to using environmentally sustainable equipment - so you can eat a great burger and feel like you've helped the environment too.

While their burgers are great, the menu is pretty limited. They offer a few burgers that range in size, veggie burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. The options of sides isn't much better - they have french fries and side salads to go with your meal. They do however have a variety of toppings, ranging from ketchup to hot pepper relish. The prices are pretty reasonable though - I spent $7 on an Elevation Burger.

Regardless of some downsides, I would recommend giving Elevation Burger a shot, but check out what others are saying.

Location: 2908 N. University Dr
                                                                                                    Coral Springs FL 33065
                                                                                    Phone Number: 954-769-1999

For a Burger Your Way, Grill Them at Home

Whether you like your burgers big and juicy or small and well done - nobody can make a burger exactly as you want it better than you.

Don't be intimidated by the process, if your don't get it right the first time just try again.

I call this burger to the right the felberBOMB (out of respect to my friend who created it).

Making the burger is simple - just follow a few easy steps. 

1. Go out and buy your ground beef. Remember the right amount of fat is key - for this burger we used lean ground beef with 15 percent fat.
2. Season the meat to your liking - we seasoned ours with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Shape the patties carefully. Make sure you don't squeeze them too hard to ensure great taste. Once you have them all set, place your thumb in the center and gently push down. This makes sure that the grilling bubble that forms in the center of the patty will not misshapen the burger. This will keep it cooked evenly.
4. Preheat your grill - make sure its hot before you begin cooking.
5. Start grilling. Cooking times will vary based on the grill but we grilled ours for about four minutes on each side - giving us a nice rare burger. Make sure to not push the burger down with the spatula and to only flip once. This will ensure a nice and juicy patty. A minute before the patties are done, put on your cheese. Also if you like a toasted bun now is a great time to toast them on the grill.
6. Prepare your favorite toppings and start eating.

Charm City Burger Company

When I first walked up to Charm City Burger Company in Deerfield Beach I was a little weary. From the outside it looks like a hole in the wall place, where your likely to regret your decision to walk in.

I was pretty surprised when I walked in to find a great, clean, and friendly place.

Their menu offered both a variety of steak burgers and alternative burgers such as:

- turkey
- Italian Sausage
- veggie
- tuna
- lamb

I had the Cowboy Style Burger, which has:

- beef
- bacon
- aged cheddar
- sauteed mushrooms 
- grilled onions

The patty was big and and slightly pink but very juicy. But for some reason the burger didn't stand out as being as good as all of the rest. It had plenty of toppings but the flavor just wasn't there for me.

I will go back though, but I think I'm going to give one of their alternative burgers a shot.

ROK:BRGR

ROK:BRGR. The picture says it all. Toasted buns, juicy beef, and a perfect balance of bacon, blue cheese, and grilled onions.

The presentation of this burger is amazing - what comes to your table is what you would expect to see in their advertisements.

And the taste keeps you coming back for more. ROK:BRGR is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, conveniently within walking distance of many businesses and college campuses. 

 Although surrounded by many other types of restaurants, once you have their burger you can never tire of it. 

Their menu offers 18 signature burgers, including the D Wade which has:

-10 oz certified Angus beef

      - 4 year aged Vermont chedda

- homemade chili

- grilled jalapenos

 - cilantro sour cream

All nicely put together between two sesame buns. My recommendation is to go with a friend, order two separate burgers, and split them. You can't go wrong - everything here is amazing. 

Ready for a Challenge?

Food challenges have been a source of entertainment for a while now, but are you ready to taste sweet, sweet victory? Test your eating skills at Miami's Burger and Beer Joint with the Mother Burger.

A burger so big that you must call in your order in advance. This 10 lb certified Angus beef burger puts other burger competitions to shame.

The $125 monstrosity comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a pickle - if you want to add cheese, two more toppings, and a sauce, the price is bumped up to $150. But don't worry - if you can manage to finish the burger by yourself within 2 hours, the restaurant picks up the tab.

If you're interested in other food competitions going on in South Florida, check this out.

Can You Handle the Grease Beast?

This monstrous burger is not for the feint of heart. You need some serious dedication to finish this one off. Grease Burger Bar in downtown West Palm Beach offers this sandwhich to those who are willing to take it on.

The Grease Beast includes:

-Grilled bacon and cheese sandwiches in place of the buns
-A beef patty ofcoarse
-French fries
-Onion rings
-Ranch
-Cheese sauce

Biting into this burger was a struggle, not to mention a mess, but it was well worth it. The flavors can kind of blend together because of all the different toppings, but it was still awesome. Don't feel embarrassed if you need some help from a friend to finish this one off - you'll feel the weight of this burger in your stomach for the rest of the day.

The patty (if you can find it) was big and juicy - adding to the quality of this sandwich. The
atmosphere of the restaurant was pretty cool too - it's in the middle of downtown West Palm Beach. This burger bar also has live music at night creating a great dining experience.

If you live close to the area I would check this place out. You can even make a night of it and check out the other bars within walking distance.

Alternative Burgers

If you don't find beef burgers delicious there are many alternatives.

Chili's offers a black bean burger that you can substitute for any of their burgers upon request.

Not into vegetarian burgers either? CG Burgers offers both bison and lamb burgers on their
menu. Their 6 oz bison burger offers a much leaner taste that differs from beef burgers. CG Burgers offers vegetarian burgers as well.

Charm City Burger Company also offers a variety of burger substitutes. Their menu includes

-Turkey Burgers
-Italian Sausage Burgers
-Veggie Burgers
-Ground Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna Burgers
-Lamb Burgers

The prices at Charm City are reasonable and the food tastes great. Check out any of these places for great burger substitutes or even ask your local restaurants if they offer any.

Jackson Hole

I went to New York over the summer and I was lucky enough to stumble upon a Jackson Hole. These 7 oz burgers are not only huge, but delicious. Established in 1972, this establishment has had plenty of time to perfect their burgers.

Their extensive menu offers 26 varieties of burgers and 27 turkey or veggie burgers. The burgers don't come with a side, but believe me the burger is enough. But if you're still hungry for more, no worries they have 25 sides to chose from.

The burger was super juicy but didn't fall apart, the buns were soft but never soggy, and it had the perfect amount of toppings so you were able to taste every flavor rather than just one oozing mess,

If you live near a Jackson Hole or just happen across it when you're in the area, I strongly recommend you give their burgers a try.

Kobe: A Deliciously Pampered Cow

Kobe beef is beef unlike any other. It comes from the Japanese Wagyu breed of cow, and has unique genetics that make the meat known for its rich and tender flavor. These genetics produce fat throughout the cow's muscle creating a marbling that gives it superior flavor.

The cows here are given the royal treatment. They are strictly grass fed and stress free. They are even given beer as a means of enhancing their appetites. Farmers also massage the cow - this ensures that the meat will remain tender and the cow stays relaxed.

Although there are different regions that raise Wagyu cattle, genuine Kobe beef comes from Kobe, Japan. Because of the cow's high maintenance lifestyle and strict exporting laws of the beef in Japan, Kobe beef has a high price tag - costing up to $100 per pound. 

Kobe burgers can be found in some restaurants across the country including Prime 112 and Kobe Club in Miami.  

Let's Meet Our Tastey Friend

What exactly are in our burgers? The answer is not simple. A combination of different meats is typically used in order to create the best consistency and taste. You will almost always find chuck in your burgers because of its fattyness - it keeps the burger juicy.

The other combinations are a matter of preference, and can even range from adding meat other than cow. Some combinations include:

-Chuck, Sirloin, Brisket
-Chuck, Sirloin, Boneless Beef Ribs
-Ribeye, Chuck, Sirloin
-Sirloin, Pork Shoulder

If you're interested in trying a new combination of meat for your burger, make friends with your local butcher or try out some combinations at home.  

Smashburger

Here is yet another unique burger. Smashburger gets straight to the point with its name - the burgers are made by literally smashing the burger on the grill with a metal plate. They roll their 100% certified Angus ground beef into a ball, put it on the grill, and place a heavy metal plate on top. This creates a pretty delicious burger. They use this method to "sear in the juices".

There is a downfall of using a heavy metal plate to smash the burger. For those of you who like to order your burger cooked a specific way, its pretty impossible here. Also, smashing the burger creates a thinner patty than when cooked normally.

However, their burgers come in three different sizes (small, smash, and big) and the menu offers many great topping choices - fried egg, guacamole, chili, haystack onions, and fried pickles, to name a few. They also offer many different styles of fries and other sides too like haystack unions and beefy chili.

The burgers are great, and the technique of smashing them keeps them really juicy. Although the patties are thinner, the burger is much wider than a normal patty and its pretty filling. The prices are pretty reasonable, but be careful because the menu is a la carte, so things could add up. They also serve beer for those of us who need one after a long day.

Although I would rate their burgers pretty high up, their fries aren't anything special so I would recommend choosing another one of their sides. 

Smashburger has plenty of locations including one they just opened in Coral Springs. I would definitely check it out.  

Juicy Lucy

Oh the Juicy Lucy. What a novice idea. The Juicy Lucy is a burger with the cheesy liquid gold inside  the burger, rather than on top. Its easy to see how the Juicy Lucy stands out from other burgers when looking at how its assembled. The burger is made by separating your patty into two, placing your cheese (mainly American, but you can put your favorite cheese inside) between the two, cook, and voila!   

Its hard to say where the burger originated, but two restaurants on the same street in South Minneapolis say it was them. The 5-8 Club and Matt's Bar both claim to have invented the burger, and battle over who did it.

 The Juicy Lucy and both restaurants debuted on the Travel Channel's Food Wars in March 2010, where they battled to see whose burger was better. Matt's Bar took the title.

There are other restaurants that create their own renditions of the burger, including the Groveland Tap in St. Paul with their Cajun Lucy, and The Blue Door Pub also in St. Paul with their Juicy Blucy. 

If you're like me and live nowhere near these areas, we have to settle for our own Juicy Lucy burger made at home.