Local Three, Atlanta, GA (March, 2012)

We had visited Local Three, for the first time back in February of 2011.   We had been back a couple of times since for their (formerly fabulous) Sunday brunch, and had also been back for both lunch and dinner.   One evening, my daughter and I were looking for dinner, as we headed across the top-end, and I called for a reservation.  They offered a 6:45, I countered that I could be there by 6:49, she said "deal" and we moved into the left lane and pulled in on two wheels, with 30 seconds to spare <g>.  We had a great server.  That's one of the best features of Local Three, other than the food.  The staff at this place is top notch (as they are at also-owned Muss & Turners) - well informed and very helpful.  

As we looked through the menu, she told us that she had an appetizer that would "change our lives".   I asked what that could be and was told crispy brussel sprouts.  Brussel sprouts?  Was she serious?  She was.  I hate brussel sprouts.  That may sound harsh, but I distinctly remember the last time that I had eaten brussel sprouts.  I was eight years old.  My mother had made them for dinner.  I wasn't interested.  She told me that I would try them before I left the table.  Ultimately, I did.  Then I threw up all over the table.  

The server said they were really good, so for $5 we gave them a try.  And I didn't throw up.  They weren't awful, but they weren't that good.   Live and learn.

We also had decided to split a salad - spinach, fresh pears, feta cheese and bacon.   It was very good - Local Three was back on track. 

On to the burger.  I had eaten it for lunch one day, late last summer.  They call it the McDougal (two all beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion),  

served with fries and sambal sauce.   I ordered it again, and it arrived a gooey mess.  This was a truly good burger.  I will likely have it again, but when you have to choose between the McDougal,  their killer chicken pot pie and daily specials, choices can be tough.

The Counter - Roswell, GA (April 6, 2012)

Before we headed over to Good Friday Atlanta, this seemed like a good chance to sample the Counter.  I had heard the Counter mentioned several times in the last year, but we rarely get to Roswell to eat.  Tonight, as our destination was about five minutes away was the perfect opportunity. 

I didn't realize until I visited their web page that the Counter is actually a California-based chain that started in 2003.  The format is simple - build your own burger.  They even give you a checklist from which to work - burger (beef - turkey - chicken - veggie - "market") / cheese / toppings / sauces / bun and multiple options for each (according to the menu, 312,120 options, to be exact.)

Before the burgers, we started with fried pickles, served with an apricot sauce.  I'm not a pickle guy, but the girls at the table finished off the plate, so they must have been okay <g>.

Then came the fries.  This was a single order - it was plenty for the table.  The fries were good - skinny like Steak 'N Shake, served hot.

And then came the burgers.  Jo had a turkey burger.  We should have realized when the waitress explained that it was a 60/40 mix of white and dark meat, that it wasn't going to be a Yeah burger.  It was edible, but that's about the extent of it.

Madison had a chicken "burger".  It really wasn't a burger, per se, but she said it was a pretty good grilled chicken sandwich, with buffalo sauce on the side.

I went for 2/3 pound (post-cooking weight), 100% Black Angus burger, on Texas toast with gruyere cheese, smoked ham and tomatoes.

I asked for it medium and they cooked it just as I requested.  It was a really good burger. My only complaint?  It was really pricey. My burger, alone, topped out above $11.50, and that's steep, at least in the Atlanta market.

The highlight of the meal was the milkshake. Apple Crumb Caramel. Imagine a really good apple crumb cake. Then throw it in a blender with wonderful, glorious, vanilla ice cream. Put it in a glass and cover it with whipped cream. Then serve it to me in that glass with the largest straw I've ever seen.  This sucker (pun intended) was the diameter of those giant Pixie Stix they had when I was a kid.  (Do they still have those?  Easter Bunny, are you listening?  Hint. Hint.)

This shake gives the Krispy Kreme shake at Flip a run for the money as my favorite in town.  It was awesome.

Watt's Burgers, Odessa, TX (March 26, 2012)

As I was leaving Odessa on Monday, I passed by the Permian Basin Hamburger Company (on Main Street since 1978) and whipped the car around to try it out. Sadly, they closed at 3:00 and it was close to 4:00.  Dejected, I headed back toward I-20 and the Midland International Airport.  It was then that I saw Watt's Burgers (Serving Coca-Cola and Odessa since 1952) and pulled into the parking lot.

This place looks like it hasn't changed since the 50s, except for the occasional paint job.  A big awning to shield you from that hot Texan sun (just a sweatin' and a pantin', 'cause his work is never done), advertising their offerings and under which you can park and eat, a small parking lot out back and a drive thru that passes under the awning in both directions.  It reminded me, in concept, of Keller's, in Dallas, without the car service, massive awnings and beer sales. 

Walking up to the window, the choices weren't broad - 1/2 pound burger, 1/2 pound cheeseburger, foot longs and sundry fried things (potatoes, onion rings, chicken tenders) and I couldn't see anyone inside.  Being the enterprising not-so-young man that I am, I walked into the drive-thru lane and jumped up and down on the plastic hose that rang the bell.  "Ding".  And a sweet little lady who looked like she had worked there since 1952 came and took my order.

I went with a simple cheeseburger, fries and a drink and waited to hear her yell "47".  While I waited, I moved my car under the awning.  It was then that I noticed the chicken place next door - Pollos Asados Rio Grande. There was one guy, in his truck eating at Watt's when I arrived.  I was there 15-20 minutes.  One car went thru the drive-thru.  That's 3 sales in 20 minutes.  Granted, it was an odd time of day 3:30-4:00, but this was not a flourishing business.  In the time I was at Watt's there was a steady stream of cars in Rio Grande's drive-thru and people inside.  At least 20 folks.  I likely made the wrong choice (so I ended up having chicken, too.)


After about ten minutes, my number was called and I took my bag to the car.  There was a copious amount of fries, but I'm pretty sure they were frozen Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles.   Then I opened the burger.  The first thing I thought was, "that thing is huge".  So I took this photo for perspective. 

 

When I took the first bite, I realized the best thing about it was the size.  It really wasn't that good.  So I put 3/4of the burgers and fries in the bag, walked around to the trash can and headed next door.