And on the back of Eddie Rocket’s four-patty Supernova (€18.95) seasonal offer, the history of burgers and it’s not rocket science.
Because for all that 100% Irish beef, American cheese, pickles, onions and smash sauce Eddie’s treat is at its heart a burger.
Now Eddie Rocket’s is something of an institution in Ireland as an American diner doppelgänger.
And in the world of burgers that can mean supersizing.
But it doesn’t have to because the humble hamburger started out as fuel food for the artisan.
All round for the Rundstuck
Whose story, that of the Rundstuck, we traced around the great German port city.
The Rundstuck, the forerunner of the hamburger, being a slice of beef or pork.
Served on ‘Hamburger Rundstücken, round wheat buns, typically then doused with hot gravy.
Which our Deutsche freunde on germanfoods.org helpully shares its recipe for our delectation.
Now the Rundstucken may not roll off the tongue, certainly not an Anglo-Saxon one, although it soaks up the flavours.
And would have stayed a Teuton treat without the great German Diaspora of the 19th century.
Who took their culinary habits with them and would break out the rolls and patties to refuel during a hard day on construction.
Oh, oh, Louis, Louis
All of which is where Louis Lassen enters our story in 1895, which you’ll have worked out is 130 years old this year.
Now as with anything worth competing for there are counter claims to being the home of the burger.
But the Library of Congress, no less, recognises Louis’ Lunch as the Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich.
And who are we to disagree with New Haven’s foodie fathers?
And certainly not when we’re chomping into the iconic burger, in the modest but iconic restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut.
Where Louis’ descendants keep it simple and dispense with all the trimmings and supersizing.
Louis’ burgers, they tell us, are a proprietary blend of five cuts of meat, ground fresh daily.
And we are reminded that Louis wants you ‘to experience the meat’s true flavor, so we serve it on white toast and only offer cheese, onion, and tomato as garnishes.’
All of which proves the adage that less is more.
Eat to the beat
If, though, you are a supermuncher then you are probably best sticking with Eddie Rocket’s.
And take on their €3k challenge of the Supersonic Supernova eating competition.
On July 12 in South Anne Street in Dublin.
Contestants are encouraged to apply via Eddie’s online form.
And we’re advised that four participants will be chosen to compete live on the day.
They’ll keep us all entertained, of course, with live music to keep the energy high and the crowd buzzing.
And guest judges (including food influencers, local legends, and Eddie’s own) to crown the winner.
There will be branded giveaways too and plenty of hamburger-fuelled chaos.
All adding to the history of burgers and it’s not rocket science.
