Field Trip: Kuma Corner

Weeks of craving meat in the most carnal way resulted in a group trip to the location serving the best burgers in Chicago, Kuma's Corner. Much has been said about the gloriousness of this restaurant, so I'll keep it brief.

• The burgers are unquestionably delicious. The recipes are both unique and the ingredients quality.
• As a heavy metal burger place (loud music, appropriately tattooed and pierced staff, burgers named after bands), I greatly enjoyed the ambiance. However, I could see some people being turned away, which is a disappointment given how good the burgers are. It's akin to people's aversions to the bleachers at Wrigley. It's a helluva time, but not for everyone.
• The Slayer (Pile of fries topped with a ½ lb. Burger, Chili, Cherry Peppers, Andouille, Onions, Jack Cheese, and Anger) was the most intense "burger" I've ever eaten, and likely will ever eat...until I get it again.
• The place has a helluva beer selection. The beers I tried are below.

Allagash Belgian White Ale

• Pretty mediocre taste. Nice golden color, but a very mild taste. Also fairly warm, but that may have been the tap.

Victory Whirlwind Witbier

• Smell was very strong and hoppy. First time I've ever tasted a beer and thought it was spicy (which apparantly was the case, according to the label...I'm getting better!). Spicy is not a flavor I very much enjoy in a beer. It was very carbonated but in general a weird tweener beer that is not quite wheat in taste, but not quite a standard beer.

Decadent Imperial Ale

Lady not included
Warning: Illiterate Drinker does not condone peace

• From a large bottle with an awesome label pours an excellent IPA. Purchased in part because it is made by Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado, a music genre with which I used to be obsessed. I can often be turned off of IPAs that have too strong a taste, but this one was just right.

Tripel Karmeliet

• Beer #4 was certainly not as memorable thanks to the previous punch-packing beers and overload of food, but it was definitely a good one. Going back aboard to Belgium, this Tripel (derived from monk's descriptions of strong ales) was an excellent blend that was both strong in flavor but eminently drinkable.

Hop 'Ottin IPAHuh?

• Well...I couldn't even remember the name of this beer. I think it was good. It took the full power of Ken's vision and use of google to figure that out. Who the hell knows at that point?

All in all it was an amazing dinner and drinking experience, which I will surely indulge myself in again before I depart for South Bend. Even the normally dour Mike enjoyed his Goblin Cock (Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, ¼lb. Vienna Hot Dog, Tomatoes, Onion, Neon Green Relish, Sport Peppers, Pickles, Celery Salt Mustard...AND YES that's all that...ON A BURGER!) enough to overcome his infinite sadness regarding the Cubs superiority to that other Chicago team.