Lessons Learned About Nebraska #876230832
I went to Runza for lunch today. Maybe not the best thinking was involved in this decision, seeing as how I’m already feeling a little under the weather today and fast food can at times make things worse. In anycase, I ordered the “mushroom swiss burger.” I actually think that the Runza legend burgers are pretty good for fast food, so I gave this one a shot. Well, after about 2 bites into this burger, I also found that besides the mushrooms and swiss cheese (which is what I expect from a “mushroom swiss burger") - they also put on some super sweet, tangy, tartar sauce-like spread as well. I am very finicky about burgers, and the addition of an unexpected and mysterious “special sauce” really messes me up. Of course its better than finding human fingers and staples or what not in your food, but I think its reasonable to expect that on a “mushroom swiss burger” you get mushrooms and swiss cheese only, and not some sweet sauce. I could not find the ability to finish the rest of the burger. Hence, I ended up doing something I normally don’t like to do, which is throw it away. I also made another bad decision and chose the “mountain dew code red” soda for my drink. The taste kind of reminded me of chapstick.
Next time I go to a Runza, I will have to ask them if they put any weird, unexpected sauces on the burgers I order. By the way I am not a Runza “hater.” Their original stuffed sandwich is pretty good if you are in the right mood (for fast food). But of course it pales in comparison to a home-made version.
The Comments
beerorkid November 17, 2006 at 5:27pm
being a fan of the swiss mushroom burger myself I can give you some perspective on this.
Was the secret sauce on the bottom of the patty? Cuz that is where they put the mayo.
Also as far as I can tell it is not like a slice of swiss on top of some fresh shrooms, but rather canned shrooms in a swiss cheese sauce. Dont get me wrong, it is amazing, but mayo is gross.
After working 15 years in the food biz I know a bit about mayo. Did you know when kept in a cold table it will turn clear? It is so gross.
Runza is really fricking good though. Fresh actual hand formed meat that is seasoned to perfection.
Diet code red is awesomely chapsticky and good to the last drop.
Mr. T November 17, 2006 at 5:55pm
Bork - Yes, it was on the bottom. Normally, I actually like good mayo. But I don’t this was mayo because it had this really sweet and tangy taste. It was almost like that Big Mac “special sauce” (which I also detest) but sweeter. And if it was mayo, its kind of like overkill since they already put that swiss cheesey sauce on it. Regardless, this was one of my worst fast food experiences in weeks.
Probably the best swiss mushroom burger I have had is the Hardee’s version. But you are right: canned mushrooms are not good. Lightly sauteed mushrooms, and a slice of real swiss on a burger is what I am looking for.
I’d be interested in knowing more about your food industry career. I have family who work in the food industry too, and, like many people, have “done my time” working in food when I was young. Have you ever had White Castle? It’s great.
beerorkid November 17, 2006 at 6:23pm
I always get my mushswiss hold the mayo and the bottom is clean. betting they might have switched it up though.
Mayo.... shudder.
I have only had the white castle microwave burgers you get from the store. But I have often dreamed of opening one around here.
What a great idea for a post, my food career. i will work on it and let ya know.
Mr. Wilson November 17, 2006 at 8:03pm
Oh God, beerorkid, you said the magic words:
“...I have often dreamed of opening one around here.”
Mr. T literally drools all over himself when he talks about his dream to do just that. You two just might be slider soul mates.
jwiltshire November 19, 2006 at 7:55am
You people haven’t lived until you have had In and Out. It’s like God made love to a unicorn, and the offspring was a hamburger and fries.
Mr. T November 19, 2006 at 10:31am
Maybe BorK and I should go on a Harold and Kumar-like quest to the nearest Castle for a royal meal of sliders and onion chips! I should note, BorK - at one point me and some people looked into the cost of a WC franchise and if I remember correctly you needed either a million or a million and a half in up front funds. Of course that could mean getting a loan, but at this point in my life its not something I would want to jump into right away (even though I realize that opening a WC in Lincoln would be a great service to the community).
The WC fish burgers are actually really tasty as well. Far better than the McDonald’s or BK versions.
It’s like God made love to a unicorn, and the offspring was a hamburger and fries.
LOL. Man...I don’t know how to respond to that.
beerorkid November 19, 2006 at 4:47pm
mmmmmmmmm...... unicorn
jwiltshire November 19, 2006 at 4:54pm
I am the Thomas Kincaide of metaphor.
Just for BorK and Mr. T: Turkey stuffing made from White Castle.
Mr. T November 19, 2006 at 7:23pm
Oh man...yes! That reminds me of the old Daily Show skit on “how to gain weight” and they suggested replacing your daily vegetable servings with white castle hamburgers.
beerorkid November 19, 2006 at 8:35pm
strange, but I am no fan of onions. But after watching a show on food network splainin all the cool stuff about WC, I think I could hang with a fe onions.