What’s a “Squatch?” And why is this blog called “Squeet!”?

 

The family name “Squatch” comes from the Salish word “Sasq'ets,” meaning "wild man.” When Mr. Squatch was just a youngling, his daddy Wild Man Bill (aka PapaSquatch) would grunt “Jeet Chet?” and the hungry little fur ball would enthusiastically reply, “Squeet!” 

 

Why does SqueetSquatch love cheeseburgers so much?

 

Mr. Squatch loves all kinds of cuisine, but cheeseburgers are his comfort food. There’s just something about biting into that juicy burger, blanketed with gooey cheese, topped with crispy vegetables and tangy sauces, that makes this curmudgeonly cryptid smile. 

 

Who invented the cheeseburger?

 

American restaurants began serving minced beef sandwiches in the mid-1800s to satisfy the tastes of European immigrants arriving from the international port of Hamburg, Germany. It wasn’t until 1924, when Lionel Sternberger, a teenage fry cook in Pasadena, California, melted a slice of cheese onto a customer’s “hamburger sandwich,” that the Great American Cheeseburger was born.

 

How did cheeseburgers become so popular?

 

Cheeseburgers are the best! Inexpensive, easy to prepare, delicious, filling, and portable. From its humble beginnings as a quick and affordable lunch for workers, the cheeseburger has grown in popularity to become a beloved staple of American food culture. In the 1950s, when cars were a symbol of freedom and status for teenagers, drive-ins and diners were everywhere. Then came the fast-food revolution, making burgers available on nearly every corner.

 

Are cheeseburgers good for you?

 

Absolutely! When prepared with premium ingredients, cheeseburgers can also be quite nutritious, packed with protein, dairy, vegetables, and whole grains. They’re also “mental health food,” because happiness is healthy!

 

What kind of cheeseburger restaurant does SqueetSquatch prefer?

 

Mr. Squatch favors small locally-owned establishments over large chain restaurants and franchises. He especially enjoys seeking out those hidden, hole-in-the-wall places most loved by locals: classic diners, luncheonettes, neighborhood bars, gastropubs, corner cafes, food trucks, and tiny roadside drive-in burger stands.

 

What are the key components of a classic cheeseburger?

 

The basics: patty, cheese, bun, toppings, and condiments.

 

The Patty — Ground chuck. Flame-grilled or griddle-seared. Best is well-marbled 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, freshly ground, grass fed beef.

 

The Cheese — American, Pimento, Swiss, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, Gruyère, Blue Cheese, whatever you like, as long as it melts evenly and smoothly.

 

The Bun — White, sesame seed, potato, ciabatta, kaiser, pretzel, and brioche are among the buns most commonly used. Look for a soft, buttery bun with a mild flavor profile that’s been slightly toasted, and is strong and sturdy enough to support toppings without falling apart or becoming soggy.

 

The Toppings — The classic vegetable toppings are lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Whole leaf lettuce, as opposed to chopped or shredded, is preferred. Tomatoes should be ripe, crisp, and sliced thick. Onions are best sliced and grilled, not chopped and steamed. Dill pickle slices and other toppings should be distributed evenly, so that you experience every taste and texture in each bite.

 

The Condiments — The classic condiments are ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, often combined in a mixture called “burger sauce” or “special sauce.”

 

Does Mr. Squatch enjoy gourmet burgers or regional variations with exotic ingredients?

 

He sure does! Among his favorite additions are avocado, bacon, dijon mustard, green chile, pineapple, barbecue sauce, kimchi, truffle aioli, chipotle mayo, wasabi mayo, sauerkraut, balsamic reduction, caramelized onions, arugula, fried onion rings, sautéed mushrooms, and even candied bacon jam!

 

What’s the difference between a cheeseburger and a slider?

 

Cheeseburgers big; sliders small.

 

Does SqueetSquatch ever review plant-based burgers?

 

Yes! From time-to-time Mr. Squatch goes for the vegetarian option, but the traditional all-beef Great American Cheeseburger will forever be his first love.