What: The sliders
Where: Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
How much: N/A
Contact: 888-695-8778; acrisurearena.com
Why: They’re actually seasoned.
Actress Clara Peller became famous in the 1980s by asking, in Wendy’s commercials: “Where’s the beef?”
It’s pretty easy to find the beef in the burgers at most Coachella Valley restaurants; instead, I often find myself asking: Where’s the seasoning?
Seriously: Where is it? Too many burgers I’ve had in local restaurants as of late have been under-seasoned. Perhaps the chefs are depending on the toppings, condiments and sauces to carry the flavor; perhaps they’re not paying proper attention to what tends to be one of the cheaper menu items. Whatever the reason, I am encountering bland, uninspired patties at restaurants that can, and should, be doing better.
This spate of boring burgers came to mind one recent night at Acrisure Arena. I was there for a concert; we splurged and purchased admission to The Compound, the arena’s very cool VIP space which includes food, a bar and even a miniature golf course. On this particular evening, the food was included in the admission price, and servers were bringing around yummy treats—including beef sliders.
Fancy sliders, these were not: There was a bun, a patty and cheese. I don’t even think there was mayonnaise or any sauce … but the meat was seasoned. And as a result, the sliders were damn tasty.
Yes, all of the things that go around the meat on a burger are important. Good buns can enhance the taste and help create a nice mouthfeel; toppings can add crunch and freshness. Sauce and condiments can provide moisture and, of course, flavor. But the most important part of a burger is the protein at the center, and proper seasoning brings out the flavor of the meat. And if the meat is under-seasoned, the burger as a whole will be, at best, mediocre.
Props to the folks at Acrisure for seasoning their sliders!
