Les Miles was known for some out-of-the-box actions in his 12 years as LSU’s head football coach. From his crazy quotes and wild wins to his grass-eating and awkward hand clapping, there was rarely a dull moment.
If there were ever a burger to sum up his tumultuous tenure, Mahoney’s new Mad Hatter Burger hits the nail on the head.
Mahoney’s let 225 Dine behind the scenes as the cooks put the burger together in their kitchen at 124 W. Chimes St., just outside the North Gates of LSU.
|
|
|
Fittingly anchored by a grass-fed lamb patty—unfortunately not Tiger Stadium grass—the smell of the ½-pound burger’s spices immediately fills the air as it hits the grill.
The patty sits on top of a bed of a spinach, arugula and a healthy slice of tomato.
The bottom bun is coated with a fescue-inspired mint-jalapeño pepper jelly, which adds a subtle sweet and spicy kick to each bite. I wouldn’t have complained about a heavier-handed helping of the pepper jelly.
The flavors pair well with the refreshing cucumber relish on top of the patty, made up of cucumber, red onion, toasted coriander, mint, serrano peppers, vinegar and sugar.
Continuing in the non-traditional route, the fresh, fried cheese curds offer a new take on the cheeseburger. The flavor of the cheese is a bit overshadowed by its neighboring ingredients but still serves as a creative contribution to the burger.
And just as Miles’ hat sat iconically atop his head, the signature staple of this burger is the image of the Mad Hatter created with a hot branding iron on top of the Ciabatta bun. A side of well-seasoned, hand-cut fries completes the order.
|
|
|
The burger—as with many of Miles’ games—was a bit messy, but it won’t leave you disappointed.
As someone who’s always looking to branch out with a burger, I left full, satisfied and with a pleased palate.
EXTREME BURGERS
We received so much feedback, suggestions and, yes, criticism for the burgers we highlighted in our March 2015 issue’s “Extreme Burgers” cover story, we decided to keep the conversation going. Anytime we find a new, inventive and—yes—extreme burger in Baton Rouge, we’ll feature it here in 225 Dine. Send us your suggestions for the burgers you think we should try to [email protected] and read up on all the burgers we’ve tasted by searching “Extreme Burgers” at 225batonrouge.com/food.