I had almost fulfilled the mission. I had hit 4 “gourmet” burgers in 4 days, working to find the Best in the OC. I couldn’t quite hit the last couple possibilities, though. I split on south county before having time to try the one in Capistrano Beach, then I just felt disinclined to deal with the other one in Anaheim after I found out it was really just a sports bar.
The Habit
I had been told about this place called The Habit, though. Sort of fast food and definitely a big chain. Big enough that they have well over 100 locations, all over California and seemingly other places, as well. I had time before meeting with some of the guys at Maxamar on Saturday, so I figured…time for one last burger.
Apparently Consumer Reports ranks this place at the top, too, but who knows what that’s worth. Instead of going with a “standard burger” this time around, I decided to do what I would normally like: BBQ Bacon cheeseburger.
Good burger, charbroiled and fresh-tasting. The toppings were equally tasty and seemed of high quality. Would I rank this as a “Best Burger” choice among all comers? No…just…no. Would I rank it higher than In-N-Out for “Best Fast Food Burger”? That’s the fairer comparison, but again, I would say it fails…but not by much. I’d put The Habit at about the same level as Five Guys…a strong contender for Fast Food Burger Best, but not quite unseating In-N-Out.
So…on to the rest of my final day in SoCal. I had selected some high-quality cigars for my afternoon at Maxamar and the evening at the Coleman House…
Smoky Afternoon and Evening
I burned an Aging Room Bin No. 1 Lancero first at Maxamar. As much as I enjoy this blend, the Lancero really is something special. Wish we sold enough of the vitola at Burns to justify bringing them in.
As the afternoon carried on and we watched Tennessee taking on Texas A&M in another attempt to pull a miracle win out, when they should have just played harder from the start. I burned a small ring gauge Hamlet Parades from Rocky Patel, finding it much, much better than the sample I had earlier this year.
Since it was the day before my birthday, I have referred to the gathering at the Coleman house as the Birthday Herf…although there were as many people there I didn’t know as I did.
Vern and Ray were there, of course. Keith’s hunting trip fell through so he made it for a while, as did Dale, Paul and Julie. Most of the rest were friends of Vern and Ray, a couple of whom I had met briefly before. I was surprised by my old friend, Thomas, who had just flown in from Taiwan that day. Great to see everyone again and get some time to talk with folks I almost always converse with online these days. I elected that evening to burn a very nice Davidoff Royal…the first time I’ve ever had that blend, and truly a great “celebratory” stick.
Wrapping it Up…To Go!
So now it’s Monday morning…I’m back home and have today and tomorrow off to recover from traveling and get everything cleaned up and caught up before heading back to the “regular grind” on Wednesday.
I’m currently sitting on the front porch in a beautiful autumn late morning. The air temperature is just about perfect in the high 60s/low 70s, there is a nice breeze and the leaves are actually starting to change. I can see plenty of greens still, but some golds, browns and reds are coming through.
I’m smoking a Davidoff Gold Band Award cigar that I got at Maxamar and it seems like a very nice morning smoke. Reports say it’s a Dominican puro, using their proprietary Yamasa wrapper. Here’s my own “award” listing from my Quest for the Best Burger week:
Best Burger Atmosphere:
Crow Burger Kitchen, Newport Beach
Something about eating a gourmet burger and duck fat fries with a nice ocean breeze at my back just made the whole experience better. Not the best burger patty, even with their exotic mix of beef cuts, but not bad at all.
Best Fast Food Burger:
In N Out, all over the place
Like I said, a couple other places have their acolytes, but In N Out is just something special. Hit up a Double Double for the beginner’s experience. Then have a 4×4 if you dare. People go on about “animal style” and you’ll have to make up your own mind, but to me fries just don’t need grilled onions and 1000 island dressing on them.
Best Side Stuff:
Burger Parlor, Fullerton
Good burger, but the fries and onion rings were the real standout here. Put them together with the homemade ketchup and mustard and you won’t soon forget this place.
Best Burger:
Slater’s 50/50
The Original at Slater’s 50/50 is a transcendent burger experience…or maybe it was just all the grease and cholesterol just made me feel high for a few minutes. I will be revisiting this place every chance I get…meaning every time I head out to SoCal. Along with In N Out, Carl’s Jr. (for the Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich, not offered at my local Hardee’s), El Farolito, and Kimmie’s Coffee Cup, Slater’s has earned a permanent place on my “gotta get it” list when I am in their neighborhood. And if you’re headed for California, it should be on your list, too.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my different-looking travelogue this week as much as I enjoyed eating my way through it. At this point…I think I need a salad…
