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Convention Grill: Revisiting My Childhood Burger Joint

// May 16th, 2010 // View Comments // Restaurants, Reviews

A week ago, I flew home to the Twin Cities, my birthplace and home for 18 years. The purpose of the trip was to surprise the woman who spawned me for the day that celebrates her achievement, but that’s a whole separate blog post. This being a burger blog and all, I decided I’d share another experience from that trip (no, not a gas station burger), a visit to a classic burger joint in Edina, Minnesota – Convention Grill.

Convention Grill was always one of those places that we’d go to on a rather irregular basis, the sort of restaurant that everyone liked, but just never thought of when it came time to decide what to have for dinner. It’s a little out of the way if you live on the south side of town like we did, but not so far that we couldn’t bear the ten minute drive (hey, don’t laugh, Minnesotans live a very leisurely lifestyle). And while I haven’t been there many times, I most certainly have not been there in many many years. In fact, I’d venture to say it’s been almost 10 years since I was last there, maybe more (but hey, the place has been around since 1934).

Like many restaurants that have been around for a bazillion years, not much has changed: the food is still good, the atmosphere still like a neighborhood hangout, and the waitresses still wear those weird white uniforms that look more like a nurse’s uniform than anything else.

Let’s get down to brass tacks, so to speak: there is one word I would use to describe this burger, and it is “good.” It’s not mind-blowing, you won’t walk out of here with the sudden urge to sneak back in the door and order another for carry-out. But it really is a solid display of hamburger, juicy, cooked to order, and satisfying. I have to admit I’m always disappointed when a burger has better toppings than meat, and this is one of those burgers. But oddly enough, while the bacon and cheddar really blew me away, I really wasn’t that upset by the mediocre beef patty (hey, at least they cooked it how I like it!). In fact, my favorite part of the whole burger was the bun, a fresh and squishy unseeded white bun, ever-so-slightly toasted, and a perfect sponge to save all of that beefy flavor.

The real star at the Convention Grill is the fries. I know, I know, this is a blog about hamburgers. But I can’t even begin to describe the freshly fried, new-oil flavor of these well-done french fries. I don’t usually go for the ultra crispy variety, except for those last little bits at the bottom of the bowl (dessert anyone?). The fries here are good enough to eat alone, as a meal (but why would you do that?). They’re also served in gigantic portions; a full order can easily serve 3-4 people.

Aside: Convention Grill also introduced me to the idea of eating sour cream on french fries, something that I rarely do, except when I’m at this place.

Nostalgia aside, the Convention Grill is still a great spot to grab a burger in the Twin Cities. With all the new-school joints opening up in uptown, downtown, and St. Paul, there’s something really special about hitting a classic restaurant and enjoying the same delicious sandwich that I’ve been eating for years, especially when it’s been ten years since the last one.

The Peanut Butter And Bacon Burger: The meaning of the word “Deliciosity”

// April 27th, 2010 // View Comments // Quickies, Restaurants

You know, I’ve had a bacon burger (lots of ‘em).  I’ve had a peanut butter burger (Bukowski’s in Boston).  But I’ve never had a peanut butter bacon burger.  Thanks to the Shake Shack, now I can.

OK, actually I’m probably just going to make one myself, but you should at least have a little feast for your eyes.

The Peanut Butter And Bacon Burger: Putting A Heart Attack On A Plate Into Your Hand – The Awl.

Today’s Lunch – Centinela Cafe

// February 9th, 2010 // View Comments // Restaurants

Lunch adventure to Centinela Cafe:

{photo from iphone}

My review: This is the best a Whopper can taste. Charbroiled and very similar to the Whopper, and I mean that in the best way.

The view from outside:

{photo from yelp – it was not sunny today}

@pomerantz, @alias_amanda, @hooverd what do you rate Centinela Cafe?

Pie N Burger: The other LA burger

// November 22nd, 2009 // View Comments // Restaurants

It’s been a long while since I’ve posted here. I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but I’ve been eating fewer burgers lately. Never fear, I have not strayed. It’s just that I’ve been cooking some more, and spending much more time at work than I’d like. I digress.

A while back I hit up Pie N Burger, the Pasadena landmark that can’t help but draw comparison to another LA favorite, the Apple Pan. It’s impossible to not see the similarities: the old school counter, the decor that hasn’t been updated since 1930-something, the burger + pie combination, and the tuna sandwiches (which I haven’t yet tried). Suffice it to say, it’s a good burger – the place has been here for a while, and it’s a testament to the quality and comfort of the restaurant.

I have to do it, I’m calling favorites. I prefer the Apple Pan for the food (something about that relish). But for plain old comfort and accessibility, Pie N Burger is a winner. It just feels like home, somehow.

Many thanks to Tom (who paid, even though I lost the bet fair and square), and Mikael for joining me.

Burger Porn: Burger Jones in Minneapolis

// September 20th, 2009 // View Comments // Restaurants

My coworker, Bich Ngoc Cao, just sent me this little piece of heaven, straight from my hometown of Minneapolis. This comes from Burger Jones, a sightly posh kind of new restaurant that I’m now dying to try. Love it.