| I'm not anti-American in any way -- except American | | | | Perfection on a plate and the perfect antidote to |
| Cheese.;-) | | | | regular cheeseburgers. |
| Why is it that weak American Cheese has become | | | | Visit Prairie Grass Cafe at 601 Skokie Blvd. in |
| the norm for cheeseburgers? | | | | Northbrook and expect to part with $15 for the Top |
| It's not good. It's way too weak to stand up to a juicy | | | | Sirloin Burger. Cheap. |
| piece of beef, much less any condiment you choose | | | | The Hamburger at Hotchocolate |
| to add. It adds very little -- sometimes nothing -- to the | | | | Don't be mislead by this being called "hamburger" on |
| flavor of a burger. | | | | the menu. |
| Why do we use it? Sure, I know why the fast food | | | | The just-right-sized seven ounce pattie (ground fresh |
| dumps use it -- it's cheap and non-threatening. | | | | in-house daily) is topped with Carr Valley aged |
| But at home we can do better. And we can use good | | | | Cheddar cheese that is sharp and beautifully tangy. A |
| American-made Cheeses to do it. Just not American | | | | couple of slices of salty bacon round out this perfect |
| cheese. Why not try a quality cheese that is jam | | | | package. |
| packed with flavor the next time you grill | | | | Stop into Hotchocolate for the Hamburger at 1747 N. |
| cheeseburgers? How about an sharp aged Wisconsin | | | | Damen Ave. and you'll spend a totally-worth-it $13. |
| Cheddar? Or a nice smokey bleu? Or a creamy | | | | The Signature Cheeseburger at The Capital Grille |
| Swiss. | | | | Okay, I know this is a "chain," which I usually avoid like |
| Until you can fire up the grill the next time, here are 3 | | | | the plague. But I can forgive any sin when the burgers |
| Chicago restaurants you can use for inspiration. Or just | | | | are this good. |
| a delicious night out. | | | | The daily-ground sirloin is mixed with |
| The Top Sirloin Burger at Prairie Grass Cafe | | | | applewood-smoked bacon and caramelized onion |
| The top quality ground beef is grilled simply (no need to | | | | before being cooked on the charbroiler. Then the |
| mess with perfection) and then topped with a mild | | | | smokey delicious pattie is topped with a generous slice |
| Amish blue cheese (with a quick trip under the broiler | | | | of Havarti and served on a toasted onion brioche. If |
| to meld the two together) and served with grilled | | | | only all the hamburger "chains" were this good. |
| tomatoes and onions. | | | | If only... |