new Novato location.. classic big smash.. (first try)

We have a Smashburger around the corner.  I am not impressed.

I've had very good Smashburgers.  What's not to like, Shelly?

Well, I do have to admit that it has been 2-3 years since I have eaten there (ours opened around 4 years ago) so I don't quite remember exactly what I didn't like about it but it was unmemorable enough for me to pass on it even though it is very close to our house.  Also, I LOVE hamburgers and eat them often so I really wanted to like Smashburger when it opened.  I vaguely remember the hamburgers being way too salty and overdoing the spice (something like rosemary, can't remember).  It was like they were covering up the taste of the burger.  Perhaps I should give it another try though. 

Edited November 7, 201312 yr by shellylh

Was not a fan of the fries.. but I thought it was a pretty good burger. not my fav.. but with other burger places around I am not hurting.

Grass fed chuck, blue cheese, and bacon burgers on the grill at Chez Harvey are the best... 

Edited November 7, 201312 yr by shellylh

^ I definitely approve of Chez Harvey.  Great chefs, who are quite personable and don't stint the wine.

Giving Smashburger another chance. It was ok but they forgot one important thing on the bacon cheeseburger, the BACON! WTF?

Stopped by Lunchbox Laboratory today.  Ate so much food, and still had nearly half left when I was done.  Got the dork balls (duck+pork), Hong Kong hot wings, and a Le Truffle Love burger.  Bacon manhattan to drink.

 

Made general tso's chicken for lunch:

 

 

Then sous vide pork jowl over a celery root puree and pickled apple slices:

Colin, care to share the recipe for general tso's that you used. Assuming it was a success...

It was a success, would have been more of one if I was better at deep frying.

 

http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/07/general-tsos-chicken-changsha-version.html

Not at the moment, but we saw the action at lunchtime when visiting (Mikey's) Costco.

 

http://www.marinij.com/novato/ci_24524120/novato-welcomes-n-out-burger-open-arms-and

 

I guess that makes it the first / last In-N-Out between Mayberry + RRBC ..

Indeed - I saw that it may have been open last night - I had raw fish to cook from Costco - so didn't stop by.. will soon enough.

Probably something with Bacon.

An appetizer of Bacon.

Pork Belly with bacon salsa, bacon Brussels sprouts (yuck) and bacon mashed potatoes.

Mmmm bacon.

Diet Day 43: Moar Fred's Steak.

Mikey missing Fred

Mmm Fred.

Speaking of Fred.

nice... Ric.. Marinading rack of lamb right now - will be consumed shortly... 

and -- done  

 

That looks fantastic!  I have been wanting to grill some lamb lately.