The Walnut Burger

Have you had this thing? No, really, have you had this thing?

I'm honestly surprised that I don't remember the first time I've had this thing. I can't even remember whether I found it in a grocery aisle or on a menu somewhere... All I know is it's damn good and harder to find than it should be.

The Walnut Burger hails from Wisconsin, Trempealeau to be exact, nearing La Crosse and sitting right on Mississippi River bluffs. More exactly, it originated in the kitchen of the Trempealeau Hotel over 20 years ago when they wanted to come up with a hearty vegetarian option. I've actually had the pleasure of eating a walnut burger at it's birthplace. I have also had the pleasure of forcing my meat-loving father to try a bite (he calls everything I eat "weirdo-shit") and gotten the response, "oh that's... edible, I suppose". That's winning when it comes to my father.

The walnut burger is really walnuts. Yep, and Wisconsin cheese, of course, cheddar and mozzarella, a little egg for binding and some spices to boot. It's a savory, somewhat musky flavor but smooth, always smooth.

Years ago I must have found the burger at one of these places, because they are the only places to this day around town that I know have them:

As for restaurants, I know of two: Sea Salt in Minnehaha Park has the walnut burger on the menu. A tasty veggie alternative to fish at that place. The other spot, surprisingly enough, is Merlin's Rest on Lake Street amid their Irish pub fare. Both serve it up standard hamburger style, with lettuce, tomato et al.

Grocery - most Twin Cities co-ops carry a frozen 4pack. Don't be nervous about the price (at almost $9!), it's always worth it. I've seen them at Seward, Mississippi Market, and the Wedge, as well as most Kowalski's around town. The perks of making your own is finding new ways to enjoy this savory patty - broken up into 'meat-balls' for spaghetti or atop buttered noodles, for example. I think of it as a spicy sausage replacement when I'm cooking, even though I don't have the slightest idea what spicy sausage tastes like or what it'd be good in...

So put that boca burger down and go find yourself a walnut burger!


written September 21, 2011 - Mary