On the Burger Trail

Visualize a meal in North Central Arizona. Does that bring images of tortillas or Indian fry bread, beans, chili and peppers, salsa and guacamole... ? or perhaps enchiladas, tamales, burritos, tacos, rellenos... ? Not in the old mining town of Jerome. At Jerome's Mile High Grill it was all about the hamburgers. The menu is full of other tempting items, breakfast through dinner offerings and homemade desserts too, but the burgers are the real rock stars.


The thick hand-formed patty of Angus beef, juicy and bursting with flavor, required three napkins and did not disappoint. It was perfectly cooked to order and could easily have been lunch for both of us. But he we didn't share, he ate the whole thing. 

Photo: The Diana: 1/2 lb. hand-pressed Angus patty, topped with mild green chilies, onions and chipotle ranch dressing, served on a buttered, grilled bun.

Sigh, we didn't share that amazing burger. No, I chose another sandwich instead, a very tasty Reuben that was good but definitely not a knockout like the Diana burger. That will teach me to ignore my inner burger cravings! This could be the beginning of my own 2011 search for the ultimate burger. The 2009 hit was Greasewood Flat's green chili cheeseburger, even though New Mexico claims GCCB honors for itself. I definitely plan to improve my own green chili cheeseburger recipe... with bacon of course. Just imagine how much fun the taste testing will be, on the road and at home.

Note: MHG's french fries were tempting, crisp on the outside and fluffy and tender inside. But after devouring the burger and Reuben we were both too full to eat more than a few fries (and too full to eat dinner as well!).