“Burgers to eat before you die” – Red Mill Burgers, Seattle WA

So we did a whirl-wind, less than 24 hour, trip to Seattle for Chris’ book business.  We were blessed to stay at our friend’s house while they were away, so naturally we needed to explore the cuisine a little bit, curious if Seattle could stand up against Portland…

Chris had worked really hard Friday night and Saturday morning, so upon heading out of town we went with his cravings “I could really go for just a good burger,” truth be told, Chris could always really go for a good burger. J   Google led us to Red Mill Burgers near the south end of Green Lake, and we were sold when we heard it was “1 of 20 burgers to eat before you die” according to Oprah and GQ (for the record, they’re not usually my standard for good dining).  We weren’t planning on dying anytime soon, but we thought we’d cross it to our food bucket list ‘cause you just never know!

Outside their door

Line around the corner

The line out the door and into the Starbucks next door said it all.  Burgers were made to order, taking a little more time (but always worth it), and people knew this: so they got their Starbucks (as good Seattle people do) and camped out in line.  Chris ordered THE famous burger worth dying for with more peppered bacon that should be legal, while I ordered the Red Jam Burger: loaded with caramelized red onions on a Kaiser roll.  Go big or go home, right?

Literally the bacon they had goin' on in the kitchen.  Bad photo, but you get the idea.

At this point we were both getting a little cranky- hungry and dependent on our precious Garmin (we call him Captain Jack).  As burgers perfumed the car, we headed to Green Lake, with the rest of Seattle and their extended family on the most gorgeous day of the year by far for a burger picnic.  After plenty “recalculating” commands from Captain Jack, we made it and ate our feast lake side.

Our lunch view

I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed.  Worth dying for may be a little dramatic, but by the time we finally got to the lake and the sun was shining, and the kids were running, and the birds were flying and the sweat was falling- it really was a superb burger.

 

Chris is so excited