Bob's Big Boy Burger

Description

Well, it seems that my memory is not what it used to be. Below is what I wrote describing the Bob's Big Boy burger that I remembered from 1962, when I first came to California.

"This burger was born in the 50's and it's still popular today. Originally served by roller skating waitresses at Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake and still is on weekends. Now you can enjoy this timeless classic in your own home."

I recently received an email from Casey Wian, son of Robert Wian, founder of Bob's Big Boy.

"The first Bob's opened in Glendale, Calif. in 1936 (the Toluca Lake store you mentioned was opened years later) and the first Big Boy hamburger was created around 1940. It was the first double-deck hamburger, decades before the Big Mac. No tomato, no onion -- mayo and relish separately not together as in Thousand Island. Sesame seed buns split horizontally into three, toasted lightly on the insides. Two patties. Iceberg Lettuce shredded."

At least the part about the roller skating waitresses was as I remembered! Thank you Casey for setting the record straight. Below is the revised recipe with my apologies.

What you need

1 cast iron frying pan
1 spatula
1 large kitchen knife

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 head of lettuce shredded
1 package of hamburger buns
jar of mayonnaise
jar of relish

What you need to do

Make 1/4" thick patties. Over medium heat put a little vegetable oil in frying pan. Fry on one side 5 to 6 minutes, flip over for another 5 to 6. Slice a bun bottom in half. Spred mayonnaise and a pattie on the bun bottom. Place the slice of bottom bun on top of the pattie and spread relish. Place another pattie on the bun slice and top with shedded lettuce.

Serves 4-6