17 hours Ago By [email protected] (Stephen Bradley)
Anthony Bourdain may have tried to keep under the radar, but the late chef had no shame in broadcasting his love for another fast food chain: In-N-Out. In a video interview with , Bourdain — a chef renowned for his worldly palette — said his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles was In-N-Out. When he traveled to Los Angeles, he bookended each trip with a meal from the California-favorite fast food joint.
He said he always grabbed their Animal Style burger when he arrived at the Los Angeles airport and on his way out of the city. In-N-Out's Animal Style burger comes from its widely popular secret menu — it features a patty with lettuce, grilled onions, pickles, and a signature spread. Before taking a bite from the double-stacked burger, Bourdain considered the sandwich and explained why its specifically crafted qualities made for a fantastic burger.
"There are many forces at play with a properly made burger," he said. "You gotta have a decent bun..
. to start with. Bun selection — very important.
Good quality meat, also." He then commented on the toppings, noting that non-limp greens are ideal. In terms of the cheese, Bourdain said he prefers a substance that resembles cheese over real cheese.
"This is like a ballistic missile — perfectly designed delivery system," he said. ( .) Worldwide culinary journalist or fast food fanatic? The worldwide culture and cuisine reporter was a lot more down to earth than he might seem on paper.
Yes, the chef traveled and ate around the globe as a career, but he did so to understand the world from an acute angle by interacting with micro populations and communities. Perhaps trying to understand Bourdain posthumously seems like a futile effort, but his trips to Los Angeles shed light on his personality at large. When traveling to the California celebrity hotspot, Bourdain typically lodged at the Chateau Marmont, an A-list-favorite hotel in Hollywood.
But when he'd return to the Chateau at night, he would often bring a greasy bag of In-N-Out for dinner, he told Eater. Bourdain's unabashed adoration for fast food and five-star hotels suggests a broader aspect of his personality — the chef was one who sought to appreciate things from all perspectives. Recommended.
