Oct 13, 2009

The Best Way to Build a Better Burger? WAGYU It!

No matter how you cook it, there's nothing quite like a GREAT BURGER. Whether it's pattied and thrown on the grill or pan seared to the perfect temperature on your stovetop, burgers are one of this country's favorite comfort foods. So how can you make it any better? WAGYU IT!

Charlotte-based Harper's Restaurant Group, home of the original Certified Angus Beef, hickory grilled burger has just announced that it is giving its own burger a run for its money with the addition of locally produced Wagyu Burgers to its menus throughout the city. After successfully introducing Wagyu to guests last year at some of its fine dining restaurants, the company will now make the "wonders of Wagyu" available at seven of its area locations including: Harper's Southpark and Carolina Place, Upstream, M5 Modern Mediterranean, Mimosa Grill, Zink. American Kitchen and Harper's Grill.

Hamburger aficionados will tell you that nothing compares to the taste and texture of a Wagyu Burger, offering stellar flavor, juiciness, tenderness, all resulting from the meat's inherent marbling characteristics. Harper's President Tom Sasser agrees and says he is ecstatic to offer Charlotteans locally raised and 100% organic, hormone-free Wagyu from Rock House Farm in Morganton, North Carolina. "It seems there is a new burger joint on every street corner in Charlotte but Harper's still has Charlotte's first and best Certified Angus Beef, hickory grilled burger. There is only one way to improve upon our burger and that is to offer our guests the choice of locally produced Wagyu beef burgers and then grill them over real hickory."

So, what about the cost? Sasser said that while Wagyu Burgers will be priced slightly higher than Harper's Angus burgers, guests who indulged in Wagyu Burgers last year said it was definitely worth the splurge. Made-to-order Wagyu Burgers grilled over hickory wood will be featured at both Harper's Restaurants at Southpark and Carolina Place for just $11. These restaurants also will offer other Wagyu items including, Wagyu Sliders (3 for $10); Caramelized Onion Wagyu Burger, topped with Gruyere cheese ($11); and, Iron Skillet Wagyu Meatloaf, a delicious combo of Wagyu beef, veal, and pork, roasted and topped with apricot mustard ($14). They will also take any burger that's on the regular Harper's menu and "Wagyu It!" for just $2.00 more.

Harper's Restaurant Group's other restaurants, will present their own spin on these popular burgers. Zink. American Kitchen, for example, will offer a Carolina American Wagyu Burger , topped with aged cheddar, roasted mushrooms, pickled onions and truffled aioli.

For more information, visit the company's website at www.harpersrestaurants.com.

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