Miles logged: 1,391
An All-American classic
Not much had changed but our location on the map when waking from my cheese steak induced coma along the New Jersey turnpike. The rain was relentless and the traffic, even worse. We plotted our next course to my girlfriend’s parents’ home on Long Island. However, after a missed turned and a closed exit, we took the scenic route through Brooklyn. Bickering, pointing and a lot, “I think we need to turn here,” finally got us out of the city.
The rain was one of the worst storms the Mid Atlantic had seen in years. High winds along with saturated soil caused uprooted trees all over the New York metropolitan area. Even lives were lost. I don’t mean to sound cynical but if you’re whacked – pardon the pun – by a falling tree, not a limb, then it’s just your time to go. But I digress. The weather persisted for the duration of our stay with Rebecca’s parents but a little rain wasn’t going to dampen our spirits for a tasty burger.
All-American in Massapequa, NY has been serving up quintessential fast food since 1963. Walk through the doors of this Long Island icon and one is taken back to a burger stand of yester-year. The friendly staff is happy to take your order as they scurry about to serve the ever-growing line. Order a double double (double cheeseburger), fries and a Coke from the vintage menu and enjoy on one of tables outside on a pleasant afternoon, maybe even catch a glimpse of one of All-American’s celebrity patrons. Famous Long Islanders such as Jerry Se
infeld and Billy Joel have been known to stop by for one of their favorite burgers.
Our experience was all the above, except the weather and celebrities. Arriving at All-American was what I expected. On a cold, rainy evening, the crowd inside fogged up the glass facade of the burger stand. My party and I joined the growing mass. Approaching the counter required weaving through the hungry customers. Like many classic restaurants, customers order ala carte. The way things used to be. After a few minutes in the agitate cycle of the All-American washing machine, we emerged with our food. Due to the inclement weather, we enjoyed our All-American in the comfort of the family mini-van. Nothing says authenticity like a Honda Odyssey.
Who loves soggy burgers? Ooh! I do! I do! One bite into my All-American double double and it’s easy to understand the popularity and tradition. Quality beef, melted American cheese (go figure) and a thin bun give the burger its desirable texture. I’m obviously a fan of soggy burgers, but only when done right. Far too often is a high fat patty squished on the griddle to render it thin and tough. The All-American burger uses a leaner ground beef that prevents shrinking during cooking. When eaten, the patties are more for the teeth to bite through. This also gives the beef better flavor to blend with the cheese and condiments without overpowering. To complement a fantastic burger are golden fries. Deep fried to perfection in peanut oil to give a unique flavor and texture, crispy on the outside with a tender interior and a true potato flavor. And then there is knish…a what?
I had only heard of this, knish. I saw it on the menu and had to have it. It looked like a fish fillet still shining from the deep fryer. I took a bite and was perplexed but delighted. Who ever decided to deep fry mashed potatoes is a genius. It was delicious. I polished off the knish and everyone’s left over fries and it was time to go. No more fried foods. Well, at least for the rest of that day. The next day we were going to the City for another eating adventure.
