For a country that seems to lack a clearly identifiable cuisine, nothing says Americana more than the hamburger.
Pinpointing the origin of the hamburger is difficult though it started appearing on American restaurant menus in the early 1800′s which is also around the time that mechanical meat choppers and grinders where first patented.
Though the exact origin of the hamburger may be murky the Library of Congress credits Louis’ Lunch of New Haven, Connecticut as the inventing the hamburger in 1895. Louis’ Lunch is still in operation to this day.
The hamburger has evolved over time from a simple broiled chopped meat patty between two buns to modern versions that sometimes push against culinary boundaries. From the Big Mac to upscale versions containing high end cuts of meat, an awe inspiring variety of toppings and brioche buns, the humble hamburger lends itself to a host of culinary visions. But no matter how it’s interpreted one fact remains; while other food fads come and go the hamburger has withstood the test of time.
