Say It Isn't So WHATABURGER

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas; Whataburger has been a fast food icon that Texans are proud of.  The love for Whataburger is almost as Texan as the Alamo, blue bonnets, and the Dallas Cowboys.  When tourists visit Texas, they make a pilgrimage to mecca of Texas burgers.  The pride for Whataburger reigned proudly for 69 years.....then June 14th happened, and backlash ensued.  It was not pretty.  

What happened on June 14th?  Well.....Whataburger sold a majority stake in their company to BDT Capital Partners from Chicago.  CHICAGO! That's right....the pride of Texas is now owned by a private equity firm from the windy city.  Since this sale took place, the Whataburger faithful were not happy.  Memes blew up social media in mass numbers blasting Whataburger .  Even when the burger chain would post about a menu item on Facebook, they faced the fury of angry fans calling them traitors and sellouts.  San Antonio BBQ stable Bill Miller's even burned Whataburger on social media.  Why did this sale take place?  It seems that Whataburger wants to go national.  Plans are underway for Whataburger to hit the East and West coasts.  The Patty Melt is coming to New York!  Yet there are many fans of  Whataburger who are passionately upset.  Their anger is understandable, but their favorite burger joint will always call Texas home.  In fact, Whataburger HQ will stay in San Antonio.  I am pretty sure many changes are coming, but we must take pride in the fact that we exclusively had Whataburger for nearly 70 years.  

I knew this day was coming.  Whataburger's popularity was rising at a rapid rate, and the word of mouth about the Texas burger chain was growing.  I went to a comic-con here in San Antonio where there was a Whataburger close by.  First day of the convention, Whataburger had to close early due to running out of hamburger buns.  And the fact the wait to get in was 3 hours.  But seeing the glee of these out of towners trying an A-1 Thick and Hardy burger or the famous Double Patty Whataburger was cool.  To me, I knew Whataburger was going to expand outside of the Lone Star State.  It is still a Texas staple that will kick ass all over the country.  So don't turn your back on Whataburger!  They are out to show this country how great a Texas born legend is.  Besides.....did you know that Chicago's first deep dish pizza parlor was opened by a Texan?  It's true.  Uno Deep Dish.  Google it.

Many of you have already decided not to go back to Whataburger.  That is your choice.  As your Alamo City food blogger, I would like to suggest 5 burger joints that all of you should pay a visit to if you appreciate a great burger.  I love these places, and I think you will too.  Let's get this going.

Brenda's Burgers

Brenda's Burgers is the archetype neighborhood burger joint.  It's easy to get to, just past Lackland Air Force Base.  The meat is perfectly spiced, and will satisfy every appetite.  It's an old school burger that will make your day.  Priced fairly, and the staff is very cool.  I got the double with avocado, and I wanted more.  Great vibe at this place.  Perfect to bring the kids to.

Hometown Burger

Hometown Burger awesomely does old school burgers.  They are made like they have been around since the 50's.  Perfect balance of condiments and vegetables on a toasted bun.  They also have onion rings just like the ones from the now closed local burger icon THE MALT HOUSE.  It's a small place, but the burgers are great.  They also have Nathan's Famous hot dogs.  That's a winner in my book.

CHRIS MADRIDS

Home of the Cheddar Cheezy.  This burger joint is a legend in San Antonio.  Their original building suffered major fire damage, so Chris Madrid's is operating out of a food truck at the present time.  But, they are still pounding out their amazing menu of hamburgers.  Macho size one of their burgers, and you will be in burger nirvana.  No one does cheesy like Chris Madrids. 

Sam's Burger Joint

A rock and roll burger joint that your taste buds will love.  They have a huge menu of delectable burger hits.  The patties are perfectly grilled.  Meat lover's paradise.  Their appetizers are fantastic.  I suggest their fried mushrooms and onion rings.  They even have a full bar.  You will be surrounded by rock and roll memorabilia, so your eyes will be in awe of all the albums on the wall and ceiling.  Such a great place to hang out with your friends at.

and of course.....

BURGER BOY

Burger Boy is my favorite place to get a burger.  It is the tastiest burger I have ever had,  and many agree with me.  It is about as fresh as a burger can get.  All of the components of their burgers just meld together in beautiful harmony.  Try the Orange Freeze, it is amazing.  And their thick crinkle cut fries are great.  It's my go to place for a burger, and I urge everyone to try it because you are gonna love it.  Get the 2 patty Working Man Special with bacon and cheese, and you can thank me later.

RIBERA STEAKHOUSE: Steaks, Wrestling, and cool Satin Jackets

Japan and wrestling have had a long and prosperous relationship dating back to the 1950's.  Tokyo is one of the meccas of professional wrestling.  Many aspiring wrestlers dream of one day wrestling in one of the many promotions in Japan.  When coming to Tokyo, there is a right of passage among wrestlers.  If you want to call yourself a wrestler in Japan, you must visit RIBERA STEAKHOUSE.

Ribera Steakhouse, located in Meguro City in Tokyo, is a combat sport themed steakhouse that is a must see on anyone's list of places to visit in Japan.  It was the legendary Bruiser Brody who discovered this steak house in the late 1970's during one of his many excursions to Tokyo.  It was then that many other wrestlers found their way to the now famous steakhouse.  Legends such as Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Eddie Guerrero, Stan Hansen, and The Undertaker have made their way to Ribera as a tradition.  The walls of the steakhouse has photos of the legendary combat athletes that has come through its doors.  Looking at their steaks, I would keep coming back too.  The steaks at Ribera look like they were grilled in Texas.  They look amazing, and to quote Bullet Club legend Bad Luck Fale would say, "These steaks are too sweet!"  The steaks are huge and cooked to your liking.  They are served on a metal platter, and come with Ribera's legendary sweet corn.  They are delicious, and very filling.  

Yet, there is another reason both wrestlers and fans come to Ribera Steakhouse.  It is a garment of clothing that they are after......the famous Ribera Staekhouse satin jacket.  Wrestlers have worn them into the ring.  Many consider these jackets a badge of honor.  They look great.  I want one, and soon that will happen.  They come in several colors and sizes.  They sport the Ribera Steakhouse logo.  They guarantee its owner bragging rights amongst their peers.   It is just a very cool jacket to have.  All the more reason to head over to Ribera.  Just google Ribera Steakhouse jacket and just look at all of the wrestling legends who sport these famous jackets.  And you will probably want one as well.  

Delicious steaks, pics of wrestlers on the wall, and cool satin jackets make Ribera Steakhouse a great dining experience.  The chances of running into Toma Tonga or Tetsuya Naito of New Japan Pro Wrestling are very good.  It's not a big place, but the tradition that this place holds is second to none.  The food is great.  It is just alot of fun.  So if you are ever in Tokyo......get your carnivore self to Ribera Steakhouse.  And, don't forget to buy a jacket from there.  It's tradition.