In-and-Out pales in comparison with Z-Burger

KELLY HOLLIDAY / THE EAGLE BLOG NETWORK

I promised myself that on my much-needed spring break in California, I wouldn’t hold back when it came to food.  So, naturally, on my first night in the Golden State, I did what anyone would do: indulged myself in a late dinner at In-and-Out Burger.

I was hungry anyway, but particularly craving a juicy, much-hyped-about In-and-Out hamburger by the time the plane landed.  The menu, I was surprised to find, only had five things on it: a hamburger, cheeseburger, double-double burger (two beef patties and two slices of cheese), French fries, and three flavors of milkshakes.  Figuring I shouldn’t, you know, hold back, I ordered a cheeseburger with “spread,” tomato and lettuce, Animal Fries, which are In-and-Outs fresh cut French fries with melted cheese, “spread” and grilled onions and a chocolate milkshake.

The verdict?  Sub-par.

Don’t get me wrong: I love and eat cheeseburgers like my life depends on it.  I appreciate that In-and Out uses all fresh ingredients, but the beef lacked flavor and the patties were too thin for my liking. The French fries were barely fried and lukewarm, which made me miss the satisfying crunch of Tavern fries. Luckily In-and-Out knows how to make a good chocolate shake, or else the meal would have been a hot mess (milkshakes, I’ve discovered, are to burgers and fries what a hairdo is to make up and an outfit: if the hair or shake sucks, so does the rest of the ensemble). The spread was a highlight, and something I wish I could have brought back to DC so I could drench my other cheeseburgers in it.  The closest thing I can peg it to be is Russian salad dressing, but it’s tangier and complements the mild flavor of the beef and cheese.

I’m sure that with this review, I’ve ticked off every Californian that goes to AU, but what do you expect? I’ve been spoiled with Z-burger’s deliciousness for too long.