By Joseph Steele.
Burger week has yielded some interesting layers on the burger habits of our wider epicurean community. One that has caused a serious stir of fervour in the AGFG headquarters is a debate as fiery as the outback sun. A dilemma as profound as 'Vegemite vs Promite'. A debate that warrants front-row seats to the ultimate (and unexpected) showdown - Juicy vs Crunchy.
You may be thinking "surely that’s not a serious debate”, well my curious reader, I pose this scenario to you. Imagine yourself in a cosy café, trendy gastro-pub, or humble fisho on the corner, staring down the barrel of a menu that may as well be the constitution on flavour.
The choice is yours and it’s a choice that could change the course of your day. Do you opt for a burger that oozes juiciness or one that promises a symphony of crunch?
The battle lines are drawn, the grill sizzles with anticipation and your palate holds court as the supreme Judge.Justice for the Juicy:
There’s no denying the seductive world of a juicy burger patty - the kind of creation that turns the delicate task of burger-eating into a messy affair. You find yourself lost in the moment where every bite is a melodious chord of flavour. The meat is so tender it’s as if the beef itself has whispered sweet nothings to the Chef before surrendering its bounty.
Here the flavour of the patty takes centre stage. Everything else is a mere extra in the production that is this burger. Napkins also play a pretty important role in this experience, for the juices of the meat intermingle with the seasonings to create a savoury symphony of taste, elevating it to the zenith of culinary delight. If you’re up for a bit of a messy, yet delicious experience, this is your go-to.
Case for the Crunch:
Now, if you’re one who believes that life is too short to miss out on crunchy pleasures then the crispy, crunchy burger is the Holy Grail. There is a magical moment when you first bite through the buttery cloud of the bun and hit the golden centre. When you get the perfect coat, the sun shines a little brighter and cherubs trumpet their horns - heralding a resounding 'crunch' of the batter (bonus points for an audible bite).
It’s the burger that defies convention through its offering of a textural explosion - much like a New Year’s fireworks display in your mouth.
The crunchy burger starts off with a delicate balance of flavour and then dives off a Panko crumb/cornflake-encrusted cliff. Whether it is chicken or a cheeky piece of bacon, each tantalising bite tickles the sense and dares you not to fall in love.
This burger is the James Bond of the culinary world, delivering suspense, excitement and a touch of espionage in every bite.The Battle Royale:
So, dear food enthusiasts, which side of the epic culinary clash do you find yourself on? Are you Team Juicy - basking in the warm embrace of a juicy patty? Or are you living life on the crispy edge delighting in the dramatic textures and excitement that comes with every bite in Camp Crunch?
In the grand scheme of culinary debates, it may not be up there with the likes of ‘Pineapple on Pizza’ or ‘Poached vs. Scrambled vs. Fried Eggs’, but it is a culinary debate that will continue to delight food lovers across our sunburnt country.
Go forth dear gastronomes and may your burger adventures be juicy, crunchy and utterly delicious.