Exploring the Legacy of the Hamburger

May is celebrated as National Hamburger Month, a tradition started in 1993 by the White Castle restaurant chain. Celebrations can vary, but enjoying a hamburger remains a popular choice. You can either prepare one at home or visit a nearby burger joint. With over 84,000 establishments in the U.S. offering burgers, it’s a beloved food across the nation.

Burgers account for 60% of sandwich consumption worldwide, according to Maggie Hennessy’s book, ‘Hamburger Bible’. This book offers insights into burger history, various recipes, and highlights around 80 burger joints globally, from Chicago to Dubai and Bangkok. Maggie, a prolific freelance writer from Hershey, Pennsylvania, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in journalism. She has written extensively about food and drink, with her recent work focusing on her passion for culinary arts.

Hennessy received an opportunity from Welbeck Publishing Group to complete her book within nine months. In ‘Hamburger Bible’, she appreciates the contributions of food writers and acknowledges George Motz, a notable name in the world of hamburgers. Motz’s works include a documentary titled ‘Hamburger America’, a guidebook on U.S. burger joints, and his restaurant in New York, also named ‘Hamburger America’.

Motz emphasizes the cultural importance of burgers in America, describing the effort to maintain classic burger joints. His recently updated edition features 200 burger spots, detailing the challenges and evolution of these eateries.

Both authors offer detailed perspectives on why burgers are a staple, highlighting their affordability, adaptability, and the simple pleasure of eating them. They invite readers to explore the world of burgers and appreciate the history and taste that each bite offers.

The Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, an iconic burger spot featured in both authors’ books, has served millions of burgers. Its history and Sam Sianis, its late owner, have left a mark on the city’s culinary landscape. When asked about the popularity of burgers, Sianis had a straightforward answer: ‘The people like them because they’re good.’