Andrew Zimmern’s Favorite Fast Food Burger Is A Midwest Staple
Culver's: The Midwest's Hidden Gem in the Fast Food Burger Landscape
While haute cuisine chefs may turn their noses up at fast food, the reality is that even the most discerning palates can't resist the allure of a delicious drive-thru burger. Anthony Bourdain famously adored In-N-Out, but Andrew Zimmern, the renowned "Bizarre Foods" host, has a different regional favorite - Culver's. Though relatively unknown outside the Midwest, this family-owned chain has carved out a loyal following with its signature ButterBurger and a menu that goes far beyond the standard fast food fare.Unveiling the Midwest's Best-Kept Burger Secret
The Humble Beginnings of Culver's
Culver's may be a household name in the Midwest, but it's a relative newcomer to the national fast food landscape. The chain traces its roots back to 1984, when George and Ruth Culver, along with their son Craig and his wife Lea, opened the first Culver's restaurant in the small town of Sauk City, Wisconsin. Forty years later, the Culver family still maintains majority ownership, and the company's headquarters remain firmly planted in the heart of the Midwest, just next door to Sauk City in the village of Prairie du Sac.The secret to Culver's success lies in its unwavering commitment to its Midwestern heritage. As a state that takes great pride in its dairy production, it's no surprise that the chain's signature menu item, the ButterBurger, is a nod to the region's love affair with all things creamy and rich. The ButterBurger's name refers to the fact that Culver's tops its burgers with a generous dollop of butter, sourced from a local Wisconsin creamery, on the toasted buns.Culver's Expansive Menu: More Than Just Burgers
While the ButterBurger may be Culver's crown jewel, the chain's true standout is the breadth and variety of its menu offerings. As Andrew Zimmern attests, Culver's is "the best in class for burgers, fries, malts, concretes, [and] side dishes." Beyond the signature burger, the menu boasts an impressive array of items, from classic chicken tenders and Reubens to heartier fare like pot roast sandwiches and fish and chips.But the real stars of the show at Culver's are the frozen custards and "concretes" – the chain's unique take on the classic milkshake. Combining rich, creamy custard with a variety of mix-ins, the concretes have developed a cult following of their own, rivaling the ButterBurger in popularity. In fact, Culver's offers the option to take home pints of its renowned custard, allowing customers to enjoy a taste of the Midwest wherever they are.Beyond the Burger: Culver's Standout Side Dishes
While Culver's may be known for its burgers and custards, the chain's side dishes are equally deserving of praise. Zimmern, in his admiration for the brand, singles out the fries as a standout, but Culver's goes far beyond the standard fast food side offerings.Embracing its Midwestern roots, Culver's menu includes fairground classics like chili and soft pretzels, as well as the quintessential Wisconsin staple – fried cheese curds. Sourced from a local creamery, these bite-sized morsels of crispy, gooey goodness are a must-try for any Culver's patron looking to truly immerse themselves in the Midwestern experience.Whether you're craving a juicy ButterBurger, a creamy concrete, or a side of decadent fried cheese curds, Culver's offers a taste of the Midwest that is sure to delight even the most discerning palate. With its humble origins, family-owned legacy, and unwavering commitment to quality, this fast-food chain has proven that sometimes, the best burgers can be found in the most unexpected of places.
