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‘Cooked-to-Order’ Georgia Burger Named One of America’s Best

One Georgia burger has been named among the best in America by food experts. There’s nothing like a delicious burger, and that’s true whether it’s a traditional meat burger or,…

Burger. One Georgia burger has been named among the best in America by food experts. There's nothing like a delicious burger.

Getty Images / Alex Souto Maior

Getty Images / Alex Souto Maior

One Georgia burger has been named among the best in America by food experts. There's nothing like a delicious burger, and that's true whether it's a traditional meat burger or, if you don't eat meat, a vegetarian or vegan one. This special burger has gotten lots of accolades, so it's appropriate to see it make the cut. If you love all things burgers, check out this burger spot that's tops.

History of the Burger

If you've ever wondered how the burger was created, many believe it dates back to Hamburg, Germany in the 12th Century. "The groundwork for the ground-beef sandwich was laid with the domestication of cattle (in Mesopotamia around 10,000 years ago), and with the growth of Hamburg, Germany, as an independent trading city in the 12th century, where beef delicacies were popular," History.com explains. "Jump ahead to 1848, when political revolutions shook the 39 states of the German Confederation, spurring an increase in German immigration to the United States." So, when Germans came over to the U.S., they brought their "traditional meat preparations," and "because Hamburg was known as an exporter of high-quality beef, restaurants began offering a 'Hamburg-style' chopped steak." That was the start of the burger as we know it today.

But, Food and Wine magazine actually says the burger could date back to as long ago as the 1st Century AD in Rome in the form of "Isicia Omentata." They explain, "The first stirrings of what came to resemble a hamburger, this ground- (minced-) meat dish contained pine nuts, pepper, and flavorings of wine and garum." They add that by 13th Century AD in the Steppes, "Steak Tartare" was a thing, explaining, "The Mongols were fierce horsemen who conquered most of Eurasia with thick slabs of beef tucked under their saddles, eaten after being tenderized by a day's riding." That sounds intense.

So, which Georgia burger has been named one of the best in America? The food experts at Food Love say the "The Farm Burger" at Farm Burger with various locations in Georgia, Alabama and more is a must-eat, and they call this place "definitely not your run-of-the-mill fast food joint." They add that, "Each Farm Burger outlet works with local farmers to source 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef that has no added antibiotics or growth hormones. The patties are then shaped in-house and cooked to order, ready for hungry customers." They suggest The Farm Burger, above all, to try.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

Breakfast buffet caution

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Eggs

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Scrambled eggs on plate isolated on white background. Top view, flat lay

Fruit

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

Bowl of healthy fresh fruit salad on wooden background. Top view.

Waffles

Woman Pouring the Batter in a Waffle Maker Machine

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.