NOT FOUND: restaurant review.jpgThere’s a new kid on the block of Sunrise Blvd already saturated with restaurants like Marie Callendars, TGI Friday’s, and Fuddrucker’s. It’s one of five locations set to open in the Sacramento area including one in Folsom and one in Roseville by the end of this year. Nearby Citrus Heights got first dibs - we’re talking about Smashburger.
Mind you - as soon as I heard the name I had the same look of bewilderment that you likely have now. It’s not as much a fast food but “better burger” joint according to the web site - a step up that ranks in the same category as Hamburger Habit for those in the “burger know”. It must be said though that Smashburger’s signature cooking methods and gourmet inspired side dishes are what sets it apart. No hyphens, no gimmicks, it is just what it says - the combination of smashing and burgers.
Real Angus beef is fresh - never frozen - and smashed on the grill. There is very little rocket science to this. As I talked with the owners and managers, I got the feeling that this wasn’t so much a new fangled way to cook the meat (though they make it sound like they patented the art of “smashing” meat). Instead, it appears it’s a way that people have been cooking meet for generations. Smashburger simply marketed and banked on it. Genius.
The ball o’ beef is placed on the flat grill - smashed using another metal dealio (not the technical term) and because of the thinness of the smashed burger, their secret blend of spices can lend to a more flavorful burger (though if you are watching your salt you may want to ask them to hold the seasoning - it’s quite effective).
Now, I know some people enjoy thick burgers but this is perfect for those who prefer a thinner patty on their bun. Smashburger serves three sizes, quarter pound, third pound and half a pound of meat on an artisan bun that beats sesame seed hands down.
The Denver based company provides a local connection at all of their franchises with a signature burger, topped with flavors familiar to customers. Area patrons were able to vote on one of the regional menu items - the NorCal burger. Topped with brie, balsamic soaked tomatoes, lettuce and apple wood smoked bacon, the NorCal is true to our California cuisine and oh so tasty. Certainly worth it. Sweet potato French fries and veggie frittes (flash fried asparagus, green beans and carrots) are on the menu as accompanying sides as well as traditional French fries. Oh wait, they call them Smashfries and they are seasoned with rosemary and garlic. If your date doesn’t do burgers there is also the Smash chicken (a tenderized chicken breast seasoned and served with your choice of toppings), Smash dogs (not so much smashed as split and grilled) and salads - the special California menu includes a Sunset Salad, complete with grilled chicken, cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
Smashburger will leave you satisfied - their servings are generous - and they pride themselves in their food being “made to order”. You can even create your own. There are plenty of unique items, full of a very well balanced and fragrant seasoning. But if you‘re watching your waistline remember - they have a lot of fried sides so watch your serving size. The strangest item on the menu? Fried pickles! Crispy and crunchy and served with ranch dressing - they were better than expected. Don’t think soggy, vinegar-soaked or a whole deli pickle that you would pick up at the State Fair- think rounds of quarter sized Vlassic’s that you can pick up like potato chips. Extra snappy with perfect texture.
Their burgers start at just four dollars, but for two people getting a full meal deal, look at spending between 15 and 20 dollars…and that doesn’t include the Haagen Daaz Ice Cream milkshake. Yes - that’s all you need for dessert. I highly recommend the strawberry and vanilla - but in this instance I am a traditionalist. They also debuted the Dulce de Leche, especially for Sacramento. Since we are about combining words to make new phrases, all I can say is: yumthankyou.