I succumbed. I think I set myself up for failure with posting a damn sign of Burger West and then it got me thinking about it all day long. For those of you who have not had a Burger West Ranch Hand, you are missing out on the creme de la creme of old school drive-in burgers (insert Homer Simpson's "Mmmmmmm...arghhhaaa..." here).When I was in Junior High, the school had an open campus policy so we could leave the premises at lunch hour and head across the street to said establishment. Back then (circa 1986), a Ranch Hand with Fries was a measly $1.75. I paid $3.75 this week. There's 20+ years of inflation for ya (which, is actually in line with a 3.5% inflationary rate which would lead to a double in price in about 20 years - not that you cared).
The Ranch Hand is a knock-off of a Big Mac, but better. I can't tell you why. And for those who know what I'm talking about probably are in the same predicament. I think it was those early year trots over to BW that lead to a lifetime of addiction. My brother who lives in S. Cal automatically heads to Burger West as soon as he's in town. It just isn't a visit without a Ranch Hand with Fries (or tots in my case), an extra tub of sauce and a scotch and soda. If you're really feeling in the mood, a chocolate malt or shake is also worth the calories.
And yes, it was Divine and I enjoyed every last bit of it. So do I feel guilty? A little, but not nearly as much as you'd think. It will be a while before I have one again, but it sure does bring back a whole lot of memories.
Burger West was started in the 60's as an Artic Circle and in the late 70's they went out on their own retooling the business a bit. It's been family owned the entire time with the daughters running the show nowadays. The establishment itself probably hasn't seen much in the way of any work done to it since it opened and to the uninitiated person, it's really a dive. But here's the stranglehold it has on the local population: a brand spankin' new Sonic went in across the street a couple of years ago and it folded shortly thereafter. BW still keeps chuggin' along.
I'm headed to Portland this weekend to celebrate a wedding of an old friend of mine so I'm sure that I'll blow any semblance of a diet from the beer that will be flowing. But that's OK. It's a marriage celebration! I won't be back until late Monday so I'll do the weigh in on Tuesday.
Ohhh the Ranch hand! My sister worked at BW for a few years in high school....I treated my self a few too many times!! Soooo, good! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so dissappointed in you Ryan. I think for letting us all down here on the blog you need to drive us all up for a treat at this BW.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Ranch Hand or Farm Boy, I like to head over to Red Apple for some of Rodruguez Bakery's mexican bread. It's the best pan dulce I've ever tasted, including in Denver. That would equal diet disaster for anyone, I'm afraid. It's good that I live so far away!
ReplyDeleteRyan, you are totally "on the money" when you talk about the Ranch Hand and a scotch & soda! It's as if it has to be part of the routine of being..."home" You, myself, and many, many, many others who attended Ontario Jr. High and moved away all feel the same...LOL!! I wish you all the best with your journey!
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