So up here in Northern Virginia, we don’t have Sonic. I wish we did, but we don’t. The entire population of Northern Virginia is worse off for it, littered with mindless zombies who think a burger is defined by McDonald’s (I’m looking at you, Rob).
(Apparenly this greatly offends both Rob and Northern Virginians… for the record I was referring to fast food hamburgers, which I do not consider five guys to strictly be as there is no drive thru).
Northern Virginians don’t know the joy of foot-long coneys, or cherry limeades, or tator tots. Tator tots are the absolute pinnacle of potato creations, by the way. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.
Whenever my wife and I travel to Texas (or anywhere south of Northern Virginia), we always find a Sonic. Some trips are not only accentuated by such visits, but defined by them. I don’t remember much else about our Outer Banks trip except unswimmable typhoons and Sonic (now with Seagulls!).
One of Sonic’s grander creations is the Toaster. You’d think it wouldn’t be that special, but there’s something about a burger on Texas Toast that really makes it all the sweeter.
I’m going to go out on a limb and venture a guess that it’s the butter that makes it better. Butter, like cheese, tends to make just about everything better.
Recently, I got the bright idea of creating Toasters at home. How hard could it be? You make a grilled cheese sans cheese, grill some burgers and you’re good to go, right?
Absolutely right! We made some last night and they were exquisite. To add to the Sonic vibe, we even fried some tator tots and melted some colby jack on top of them.
I know what you’re thinking, “Come on, Lykaon, you can’t full me. It’s just a burger on bread instead of a bun. It’s the same thing.”
But it is not the same thing. It is something far more heavenly. I am only sad that I can’t have these creations more often, prepared for me lovingly by some Sonic worker on roller skates. Well, I guess the kitchen staff doesn’t wear roller skates, but I like to imagine that they do.
So, if you want to spice up your burgers, do something nice for yourself. Make some Texas Toast and use that instead of a bun. I promise your burger’s taste will increase manyfold.
I think you can get decent hot dogs closer to home. And if you’d come to the Herndon Festival, I have a friend who’s favorite thing about it is the burger on Texas Toast…
1) Rob is not a Northern Virginian. People from Maryland might use McD’s as the gold standard; in NVA it’s Five Guys, which is our own homegrown burger chain. Please retract your zombie comment, or change it to reflect the fact that you are describing Marylanders.
2) Depending on what you consider NVA, you may have to change your assertions. I happen to know there are not one but two Sonics in the Winchester area, which is latitudinally North of Ashburn. Granted it’s an hour east, but still, it is well above the Sweet Tea Line and therefore can only be considered Northern VA.
As Dave suggested, I don’t know which is more insulting, being called a Virginian, or being accused of endorsing the McDonald’s burger. Neither of which is true BTW. I refuse to be disparaged for a cheap narrative hook.
And I had even told you how much I enjoyed Sonic when I patronized one in Houston. I will now make it my personal mission to ensure that no Sonic is ever opened within 25 miles of your home. No matter what it takes…
Wow. Strong words. I half believe that I really offended you. I will strike the disparaging remark.
As to the five guys point, I don’t consider five guys fast food. Fast food to me is defined by a drive-thru which no five guys I’ve seen has.
I stand by the sentiment at least that there is no good fast food burger in NoVA, though that was unclear in my original post.