When Food Network Magazine launched late last year I stopped by a grocery store to read it (yes, I'm that guy) and didn't notice any articles about KC. So I figured I'd check out the next issue. I waited and I waited and after two months, the same inaugural issue was still listed on the Web site and at the grocery store. What the hell? Did it fold after one issue? I was curious enough to jot down the magazine's e-mail address and try to understand what was going on.
The answer is no, the Food Network Magazine did not fold and its newest edition is now on stands. It's devoted to tracking down the best burgers in every state. You know what that means -- who's been honored and overlooked in the area.
Two restaurants in the city make the list. The best burger in Missouri is from Blanc Burgers + Bottles, which seems to have won every accolade possible in the 18 months it's been open. The magazine chose Blanc's bleu-cheese-stuffed inside-out burger, comparing it to a tunnel-of-fudge cake.
On the Kansas side, I was expecting Lawrence's excellent Local Burger to win. But instead it went to Winstead's, which may be based in Missouri but has five locations on the Kansas side. Here's what the magazine said about Winstead's steak burger: "Conventional wisdom says one should never crush a burger but that technique is exactly what has drawn crowds to this small Midwestern chain for nearly 70 years. Razor-thin patties made from ground steak are seared on a flat-top grill until the edges are crisp."
Consider ourselves blessed on the patty front.
Here's the full list and yes, In-N-Out Burger was voted best in California.
(Image via Flickr: Mike Willis)
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WINSTEADS WOULD BE BETTER IF THEY ACTUALLY MADE REAL MILKSHAKES--THEY ARE VERY DISAPPOINTING
YES I KNOW, BUT A GOOD BURGER JOINT SHOULD HAVE GOOD MILKSHAKES
Winstead's is definately not the best! There is a place I visited called BOGEY'S in Salina, Kansas. They get their meat fresh daily and they handpress it. It's just a mom and pop place. They have the coolest decor inside. A friend sent me there and now i'm hooked. They also carry over 101 flavors of shakes..My fav is the Chocolate, Peanut butter, Banana.
seriously, Blanc? they are mediocre at best. overhyped and overpriced. corner cocktails in waldo trumps blanc. as does beer kitchen
Winsteads was the best 30 years ago before it was bought out. The new owners replaced the high quality, with below average burgers. I'm sad to say that Culvers has a better quaity burger than the current Winsteads chain makes.
Eric,
You're spot on. Dempsey's is in a culinary class of its own. It's an affordable splurge and on Friday's I work through a normal lunch hour so I can enjoy an outstanding burger a draft of my favorite beer Tank 7 - Kansas City Boulevard's Tank 7 -- yes it's on tap. The staff makes great recommendations based on preferences and know their beer, quite a selection in the cooler (Leffe et. al.). Semper Fi, Hank
Wow. A chain burger joint should never win something like this. Local Burger in Lawrence is good, but it doesn't compare to The Burger Stand at Dempsey's in Lawrence.
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