May 28 : National Hamburger Day

It probably won’t surprise you to know that the term “hamburger” comes from Hamburg, Germany. Those who live there refer to themselves as Hamburgers just as the people from Frankfurt, Germany call themselves Frankfurters. All in all, we have Germany to thank for naming our fast food delicacies. Oh, with the exception of French Fries. We are so Euro!

The first hamburger was probably just roasted pork on a roll. It was delicious, hot and most importantly, portable. When the Germans began to immigrate to America they brought this idea of a meat sandwich to go with them.

There are many stories as to where the first modern hamburger was invented. If the Texas Legislature is to be believed, then that honor goes to Athens, Texas. By official state proclamation they are the “Original Home of the Hamburger”. According to the McDonald’s Corporation (and they should know) Fletcher Davis, a food vendor at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and Athens, Texas café owner, sold his ground beef on a bun to businessmen on the go. They gobbled up his hearty invention and never missed a beat.

World War II saw the hamburgers first major set back. We were at war with the Germans and were not about to enjoy a treat with a teutonic sounding name (remember freedom fries?). So, albeit briefly, the hamburger became known by the decidedly “anglo” name Salisbury Steak. Later, the paths of the burger and the steak diverged with each leaving its own mark on the high school cafeteria lunch menu.

So we at A Big Slice salute the ground beef patty on a bun with a 21 grill salute. Hmmm, interesting that honored sandwich’s day should fall on Memorial Day…. Cook out anyone?

For some tips on grilling click here.