Embarking on a culinary quest, particularly in search of the perfect hamburger, is not merely a gastronomic endeavor but a personal journey fueled by passion, curiosity, and a desire for culinary exploration. 

There’s also the irresistible aroma of a hamburger grilling, soon to be followed by grabbing it with both hands and biting into an explosion of texture and taste.

Today I’m beginning a periodic series on the quest for the ultimate hamburger, reflecting on personal experiences, and expressing it through the following three lenses:

Literary – the writing, study, or content of literature about the hamburger

Culinary – of or for cooking hamburgers, both by restaurants and in my home

Arbitrary – based on random choice or my personal whims

It’s the official launch of #BurgerQuest!

Hamburgers are a mouthwatering delight, captivating the hearts and taste buds of Americans for generations. These simple yet irresistible sandwiches have achieved an unparalleled status in American cuisine, representing a delectable blend of flavors, convenience, and cultural significance. 

Beyond their culinary appeal, hamburgers have woven themselves into the fabric of American society, symbolizing shared experiences, nostalgia, and the American dream. 

Why burgers, and why now?

My earliest memories of hamburgers are at the Dairy Queen in Mt. Juliet, just a couple of doors down from my aunt and uncle’s house on Highway 70. Run by the Shaver’s, it was always a treat to walk across the Church of Christ parking lot, order burgers and fries, and take them back to my aunt and uncle’s backyard to eat them.

Visiting downtown Nashville to eat at Krystal’s was memorable for more than just the experience of those little square hamburgers that even a child could eat in just a couple of bites. On one such trip, running ahead of my parents at a crosswalk, I ran into the back of a car that had run the red light. I was not injured, and the car kept going. We still got the hamburgers.

In Madison, a suburb of Nashville, I can remember going to my first McDonald’s – no inside seating, but there were picnic tables under the golden arches that were more advertising than architecture.

Upon acquiring my driver’s license, and working at my dad’s gas station after school and on Saturday’s, one of my favorite work assignments outside the station was to drive the three miles to the local diner in MJ, and get my dad’s favorite order: “one of those burgers with everything on it, and an order of onion rings, too.” That order was ingrained in my mind, and both items are still among my favorite meals (but I’m a lot more choosy about my onion rings!).

Also with a driver’s license and a car (1956 Candy Red Oldsmobile) and a group of friends who stuck together since childhood was the drive in the other direction, away from MJ toward Nashville, to Hermitage Hills and the “new” McDonald’s – a regular trip almost every Sunday night after church in high school.

There are many more, but you get the point:

Nostalgia and childhood memories triggered at least one reason for the #BurgerQuest.

How many recollections of family outings, backyard barbecues, or special occasions are centered around hamburgers in your memories?

It may be one of the stronger reasons driving the quest for the perfect burger: the desire to recreate those cherished moments and flavors.

But it’s not the only one…

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Launching the quest for the perfect hamburger is a deeply personal and multi-faceted journey. It is driven by a myriad of motivations, from nostalgia and personal experiences to culinary curiosity, inspiration, and a desire for creative expression. 

As I begin this quest with my own unique perspectives, tastes, and influences, I hope you enjoy this path of culinary discovery with me. Through this journey of passion and dedication, I looking forward to the joy of exploring the vast and delicious world of hamburgers AND also connecting with others who share their love for this iconic dish. 

Leave your memories and stories in the comments!