Guest Post! Mike reviews Slaters 50/50 in Pasadena
On Tuesday Nancy came back from a meeting in "The OC" (as the locals call it) and was really hungry. I didn't want anything very fancy so we decided to go to Slater's 50/50 in Pasadena, a burger place that makes their burgers with a 50% bacon 50% beef blend.
Unpopular opinion - I think people have a weird bacon fetish. Bacon is good, everyone knows that, but I think bacon wrapped everything is weird and I draw the line well before we get to bacon salt. Also, I'd prefer if you did not put bacon in my bloody mary. I'm not sure I was sold on this 50/50 burger/bacon blend idea.
We started with an order of the crispy brussell sprouts, which were tossed in mustard, balsamic and bacon. They were fine, but not great. I don't think I had a single bite that could be classified as crispy and in fact thought they were a little soggy. But the flavor profile was interesting.
They had a really excellent beer selection. I ordered a Arts District Cowboy Curtis - a smoked porter. I'm a fan of smoked beers and really enjoyed this one. Nancy got the Tangerine Express by Stone - she said it was great. We really like very different things in beer.
Nancy ordered the BLTA Chicken Sandwich and added mushrooms. That's not a burger. Also worth noting that the "A" as in Avocado was actually Guacamole. I guess BLTG didn't focus group very well? Nancy said it had a good char and was juicy.
I decided to be really healthy and embrace the California clean eating thing. I got the Beer-cheese and chili burger. It was topped with Fritos. It was delicious. I didn't think the bacon blend was overwhelming. In fact, I don't think I even noticed it. The burger was just a good tasting burger.
This place isn't going to win a Michelin star anytime soon, but I'd totally go back for a good burger and a beer.