Red Robin

Years ago, Beef Boy and I were with the Maples in Latham, NY furniture shopping. We were looking for a place to eat lunch and we came upon this place called Red Robin. We had no idea what kind of eatery it was, but it looked like a respectable chain where we could get some artery clogging, heart stopping grub. They also had a liquor license, so everyone was happy! As we sat down, viewed the menu, we realized this was a Burger crack house, which also served up endless fries... and I mean, endless fries. We really enjoyed that meal and from that visit on, Beef Boy was "When are we going back?", "You know there's a Red Robin in Millbury... we should go!", to which my response would be "Millbury is about 2 hours away.... simmer down!" When it comes to the beef, he, and I say this will all the love in my heart, is a tunnel focused nag.

Much to my chagrin, recently Mr. Maples happened to be traveling on Interstate 91 and saw that the highway sign now said Red Robin was just opened near the Ingleside Mall in Holyoke. Holyoke is approximately 50 minutes away. Needless to say... I was sunk.

We happen to be going Boston, so the Maples and I were going to surprise him by taking him to the new location. Just before the sign came up, he actually brought up Red Robin. Cripes, could he smell the burgers? Does he have that certain burger sixth sense. Anyhoo... he then saw the sign and was thrilled to be having lunch there.

We were greeted warmly and sat at a nicely located table. After ordering up some adult beverages and not so adult beverages, Beef Boy and I ordered their signature burger, the "Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger". We were asked how we wanted it and we both ordered it our traditional medium with American cheese. The waitress replied to our medium request "Some pink?" and we replied yes.

On the menu, the description is as follows: "Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger - The original... and also the one upon which we have built our fame! Garnished with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, pickles, onions, mayo & Red’s pickle relish. You choose your favorite cheese: Cheddar, American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Bleu, Provolone or Pepper-Jack. $8.49"

The burgers arrived as you see it above. The burger was snugly encased in some wrapping to make eating easier. As we deconstructed the burger, we saw that it came with 2 pieces of American cheese, 2 thin tomato slices, and shredded lettuce. The sesame seed bun was lightly grilled. The onions and pickles were on the bottom portion of the bun, so the burger was surrounded by fresh veggies. Upon noshing into the burger, it appeared a nice medium pink and was juicy. It had a healthy sear on both sides with a crispy edge and both our burgers were cooked consistently. The bun was the perfect size for the patty.

We determined that it was the best drive-in style burger we have yet to consume with its traditional medium thickness that you would find in that type of establishment. It was what that genre of burger should be.

The endless fries were crisp, light, lightly salted, and were cut as a traditional steak fry. A delightful trip was had by all! Beef Boy and I agreed on a rating of 4 1/2 burgers.

We are happy to report it is a Coca-Cola establishment.

Red Robin
27 Holyoke Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 315-4350

Gala Restaurant & Bar at The Orchards Hotel

You might recall that I said in the criteria posting that our ratings were up to five burgers. A five burger burger is one where we would hear the angels sing and be catapulted into an apoplexy of burger ecstasy. We never expect to find that holy grail. Well.... at Gala, we actually heard the angels warming up. WOW!

Gala Restaurant & Bar is relatively new at the Orchards Hotel in Williamstown, MA. I am not sure what was the restaurant in the hotel previous to Gala. The only time I have ever been to the Orchards was for a Christmas party that the firm I used to work for held. Besides that, it is a very pricey trip and staying at the Orchards in high season, i.e. the Summer, would run you about 40 quality burgers!

Gala Restaurant & Bar has been advertising the bar as casual location where one can just relax and come as you are. This is pretty much to attract the locals and bring them in all year round. I checked out their bar menu on-line when I heard about their opening and was excited to see that they offered a burger. We were looking to go for a burger run, but I didn't want to drive too far, so we decided on this establishment.

We approached the hostess filled with trepidation, thinking that maybe we wouldn't be allowed in due to our casual attire. The other patrons going into the restaurant and bar were dressed to the nines. This is quite the fancy schmancy place you see and we are just the yokels from down the road. We were warmly greeted and seated as we requested in the bar.

The atmosphere is lovely and the server, while being a little flaky, was friendly. During the course of our stay, the bartender, and another server assisted in the serving of our table. The service was technically superb.

We perused the menu and saw that the burger was listed as "Angus Burger - 8oz. grilled certified Angus burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Belgian style fries." The price was $9. So Beef Boy and I happily ordered the burger our traditional medium.

The burgers arrived as you see it above. The burger was hand formed in an imperfect square shape (our first)... no this is not a Wendy's Burger! The kaiser roll was beautifully toasted and lovingly hugged 2 fresh leaves of romaine lettuce, 1 slice of tomato (BB did get two slices), and a slice of red onion. The burger showed gorgeous evidence of grill marks and had a fabulous sear. Upon biting into this made to order burger, we experienced an excellent juicy pink. Absolutely delicious. Both burgers were cooked consistently. We always switch to taste so as to be fair and scientific in our tasting.

This burger had the freshest veggies we have had so far and the best looking, best tasting, and biggest ole kosher dill pickle to date. The fries were made in-house, skin on and were crispy and lightly salted. Fabulous for a non-seasoned fry.

As an aside, we did order the hummus plate, which came with pita chips, imported olives and artichokes. The plating was lovely and the drizzle of balsamic vinegar was a fine finish. This was THE best hummus we have ever had... Beef Boy was served his Earl Grey in a lovely, traditional English way. It was only after we got into the car to leave that we realized we didn't request American cheese nor were we offered. As you know, in the past, this would have ticked me off, but man, this certainly didn't need it!

As of today, this is easily the best burger we have found in the Berkshires. We still have faith, though, that it can be topped. We unanimously award it 4 3/4 burgers.

We are happy to report it is a Coca-Cola establishment.

Gala Restaurant & Bar
at The Orchards Hotel
222 Adams Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
(413) 458-9611