“It’s sweet and spicy which is basically fire and ice so by default it’s too dynamic not to love. ”
I love duck. Duck pappardelle, duck bacon, duck burgers, duck burgers with duck bacon, pepper jack, habanero mayo, pickled jalapeno, red onion, spinach, and tomato on brioche- one of the most ubiquitous and agreeable soft breads out there- is worth writing about.
Sometimes, I just reallyyyy want duck and have to trust that it's for a reason and of course satisfy my craving within the week. I'm not sure what the appeal is entirely. I could go on about how duck made me believe in non-beef burgers, or reminds us all that poultry- read: turkey -burgers don't have to be sawdust vehicles for condiments and toppings (just add breadcrumbs. PLEASE) but ultimately I'm just following the universe on this one. The universe just so happened to place a Bareburger right around the corner from my friend’s apartment and I only learned this on my way to her place. Naturally I had to stop by- for research purposes of course. I needed fresher memories before getting started.
“All Bareburger meats are free range pasture raised, humanely raised, antibiotic, gluten & hormone- free”
Bareburger is one of my favorite fast casual chain restaurants. It appeals to people who love the planet but includes those of us who still want to be able to enjoy meat. You can’t un-watch the documentaries, you just can’t. I try not to eat meat unless it’s humanely or sustainably sourced (Antibiotic Free, Free range, Organic, Went To Prom etc) so Bareburger is a God send. If you’ve been, you know that their menu has a lot going on and it's a bit overwhelming at first. 10 patties to choose from including sweet potato & wild rice, bison, and elk, 4 breads, a bunch of cheeses, mad veggies, and approximately lots of sauces and spreads.
I still haven't built my own burger seeing as how if it isn't amazing I'll probably never forgive myself and I'm not ready for that level of self-reflection right now. I stick to the curated ones, my favorite of which is the Fire Quacker. It’s sweet and spicy which is basically fire and ice so by default it’s too dynamic not to love. I hate red onions and don’t care for raw tomatoes but when they’re in this ensemble I completely forget my ill will toward them. Every bite is slightly different and for me, there’s excitement in that. The spinach, while its freshness makes me feel better about the cheesy meaty goodness I’m involved in, is not why I’m there. Sweetness of the duck and habanero mayo is punctuated by the firm kick from the pickled jalapenos. Salty duck bacon sneaks in here and there reminding of why I paid extra for it. Cheese technically only enhances so it’s a constant that shines most in the final bite.
Final Bite
The final bite is really important to me. I didn’t realize that I did it with every meal until I asked a couple friends who unlike me, reserve that effort for meals they love. I’m pretty indiscriminate with what foods warrant the careful construction of the final bite but I take it seriously. Jalapenos were absent from my final bite of the Fire Quacker, which I got more emotional about than I expected. Pepper Jack gathered in that corner for a super cheesy and satisfying end to my meal. All in all, it was a solid final bite that I enjoyed slowly, so that I could appreciate what I’d just spent $16 on. It didn’t have to be that way but when duck bacon calls, you answer.
TL;DR
Duck burgers and duck bacon are bomb. Sweet and spicy is a winning combo. Bareburger knows how to treat me (and the environment) right.
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