Two restaurants awarded best burger by Food Network Magazine

When Food Network Magazine launched late last year I stopped by a grocery store to read it (yes, I’m that guy) and didn’t notice any articles about KC. So I figured I’d check out the next issue. I waited and I waited and after two months, the same inaugural issue was still listed on the Web site and at the grocery store. What the hell? Did it fold after one issue? I was curious enough to jot down the magazine’s e-mail address and try to understand what was going on.

The answer is no, the Food Network Magazine did not fold and its newest edition is now on stands. It’s devoted to tracking down the best burgers in every state. You know what that means — who’s been honored and overlooked in the area.

Two restaurants in the city make the list. The best burger in Missouri is from Blanc Burgers + Bottles, which seems to have won every accolade possible in the 18 months it’s been open. The magazine chose Blanc’s bleu-cheese-stuffed inside-out burger, comparing it to a tunnel-of-fudge cake.

On the Kansas side, I was expecting Lawrence’s excellent Local Burger to win. But instead it went to Winstead’s, which may be based in Missouri but has five locations on the Kansas side. Here’s what the magazine said about Winstead’s steak burger: “Conventional wisdom says one should never crush a burger but that technique is exactly what has drawn crowds to this small Midwestern chain for nearly 70 years. Razor-thin patties made from ground steak are seared on a flat-top grill until the edges are crisp.”

Consider ourselves blessed on the patty front.

Here’s the full list and yes, In-N-Out Burger was voted best in California.

(Image via Flickr: Mike Willis)