Quattro Formaggi

Bobby said that this hamburger could be called Quattro Formaggi, but its real name is Four-Cheese Burger from Bobby Flay's newest book of Burgers, Fries and Shakes page 42. I first tried to grill the perfect burger using all the burger techniques discussed in previous blog entries. When the burgers were about 80% done I put on a slice of sharp cheddar, then a slice of tomato, then Colby-Jack and finally American cheese over the top. I then covered the burgers with a basting cover to surround the burger and cheeses with direct heat - just look at all that cheese melting together around that tomato! I also grilled the burger buns and some steak fries plus the finishing touch - a layer of shaved Parmesan - the fourth cheese. Wow, this is a terrific burger. 


What was on? There is only one song that could possible go with a four-cheese cheeseburger...
Cheeseburger in paradise
Makin' the best of every virtue and vice
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice
To get a cheeseburger in paradise - Jimmy Buffett


What to drink? Today was a very special day. I got a package delivered from Sonoma, California. When I opened it it was like during the movie A Christmas Story, when Ralphie's father opened the MAJOR AWARD. I even said to Dorothy, "Fra-gee-lee!"  In the box was not a Leg Lamp - something better. Red Truck Wine merchandise! Winery Swag! The great folks at Red Truck had seen the review I wrote on this blog and sent me some free stuff.

Check it out - a Red Truck Wines ski cap for grilling outside in winter weather, a Red Truck Wine bottle opener, and a replica of the actual Red Truck Wine truck! A Major Award! I ran right over to Tim's Premium wines to show him the stuff and buy two more bottles - one Red Truck and one White Truck. That red is gone already - I aged it as long as it took to get back home to the grill. That blend of Sonoma Red was beyond perfect for the Quattro Formaggi. I strongly encourage you to get some Red Truck and you will discover your own Major Award. 


Try this idea. Get the Bottle Shock Experience for Valentine's Day. Bottle Shock is the name of a movie about how California wines received worldwide acclaim back in the 1970s. The movie Sideways was funny, but Bottle Shock is better because its based on a true story. Paul Kalemkiarian's Wine of the Month Club is offering a great deal. You can order Bottle Shock on DVD and also get a bottle of Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena - the wine that put California on the world wine map. Go to

http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com/product/bsp/wine-accessories to order. Then on Valentines Day, fire up the grill, open the wine and watch the movie. On February 15th you will be thanking me!

Cheeseburger, Red Truck and Bottle Shock in paradise!

Paul