Oh, Yummy Burger

That phrase, delivered as if it were the first line of a Nerudan ode, was what came out of my mouth last Wednesday when I finished licking the burger juices off of my fingers. Followed by a deep, contented sigh. Dylan accurately assessed the situation, saying, "I have a happy wife." How well he knows me.

I've lately been on a quest to find The Best Burger in Portland (or rather, Jess's Favorite Burger in Portland. And Possibly Ever.) I'm certainly not the only one to undertake the task (and I'm way out of this guy's league), but I'm very happy to weigh in on the matter. Riding on the shoulders of those who have come before me, I've been working my way through some of the known "greats" in PDX. Gruner's burger, widely hailed as one of the best (if not THE best) around, had long been in my sights. After months of longing (and one failed attempt to secure a spot at Gruner), I finally found this beauty within--indeed, in--my grasp. And oh!, what a glorious eating experience it was. I've been replaying it in my mind ever since.

To give you an idea:

I simply must return to Gruner--if nothing else, than to confirm this burger's #1 spot on my list. For although I have a few more to try, I suspect I may have (prematurely) hit my burger climax. Much like eating fish 'n chips in Ireland has forever ruined the experience of eating them anywhere else (they just don't compare--Dylan and I agree on this), I fear that all other burgers will now be unfavorably compared to this one, mourned for what they are not, rather than celebrated for what they are. Damn you, Gruner! I hate you. I love you. Agh! I must have you again!