I know…I know. It’s a chain. Kind of.
Where I come from, In-N-Out Burger is like folklore. You hear friends in California talk about it all the time. You hear about how they go their for lunch or dinner, what they eat, the strange orders that they get to feast on. And it’s all foreign…because you do not live in California.
That was why it was a necessity to visit In-N-Out Burger while in Los Angeles. For dinner one night, this was just what we did. My friends I was with were not aware of a veggie burger on the menu (which you can only find online, as the original menu is the only thing posted at the restaurant), so my order was easy. Now that I know one exists, I know what I’m getting next time. Veggie Burger…protein style. That means a veggie burger in a lettuce wrap. No bun. Yeah…I was given a crash course in In-N-Out lingo!
So what did this vegetarian have at In-N-Out Burger? Their fries. Animal style. What is animal style you ask? That means the fries are served up with a topping of melted cheese, grilled onions, and “spread,” which is a Thousand Island dressing of sorts. I mean…I wanted something authentically In-N-Out Burger-ish. So, that’s what I got.
Oh yeah…this was fried potato taken to the next level of greasy-spoon goodness. The institution that is In-N-Out Burger is still in existence today because of combinations like this. I downed not just my order of fries, but half of my friend Indy’s as well. And now that I know there is more out there for a vegetarian, I can’t wait to return to California and try something else from the unlisted menu…but with the fries…animal style. Always.
When in California, feast on something the natives call their own. Treat yourself to fast food goodness. This isn’t Burger King or McDonalds. This goes above and beyond that. This is In-N-Out Burger. So get your fix…animal style…protein style…3 x 3, 4 x 4, or however you like it…but do it. It’s a must for anyone visiting California. Even vegetarians!
The Celiathlete 