I did want to live like a local on my recent excursion to Orange County, California. I was told one thing I had to experience, if I was indeed living like a local, was a burger from In-N-Out. I guess the equivalent of a McDonalds or Burger King on the East Coast is In-N-Out on the West Coast.
I was game. So, my friends took me for a late dinner one night to give it a try. I admit – the burger was good. But, more interesting by far was the menu. Or, I should say, lack of menu.
There was a whole ‘secret’ menu going on! To simply order something from the menu meant missing out on a bunch of interesting choices from the ‘secret’ menu – all the choices that were not written down anywhere, but could be ordered if you happened to know the ‘secret’ names!
As an East Coaster, of course I knew none of the ‘secret’ names, but my friends did. That is how I happened to order a burger ‘Protein Style.’ Instead of placing my burger in a bun, the meat was simply wrapped up in fresh lettuce. Perfect for me! It tasted even better knowing it was a ‘secret’ menu item!
Some of the other ‘secret’ items the locals can order? ‘Animal Style Fries’. This seems to be a must-have for Californians. The famous hand cut fries from In-N-Out are smothered in cheese, grilled onions, and then topped with a glob of their secret spread. It seemed everyone around me was enjoying these babies!
Next time I happen to be in the vicinity of an In-N-Out, I think I would try ‘The Flying Dutchman’ – this is two perfectly cooked meat patties held together with a few slices of melted cheese in the middle…I do like some cheese with my burger!
All and all- a really fun trip with my friends to my first In-N-Out tasting! In addition to ordering from the ‘secret’ menu, I think the food tasted that much better because we stopped for dinner after being stuck in SoCal traffic for hours! Living like a local!
Thanks for stopping by Friday field trip!
Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Thanks D & R for a fabulous time!
