East To West: In-N-Out Burger

I am glad to finally get back to my NYC noms that are long overdue. The final installation of my California eats: In-N-Out. Bye-bye Golden State.

In-N-Out Burger.

The whole damn state.

First things first, I am not getting into the whole In-N-Out v. Shake Shack debate. If you want a side by side comparison, search it on Google. The rivalry is nonsense because, quite frankly, both are delicious.

California =  In-N-Out. Easiest math I've ever done.
However, In-N-Out is not only a California thing. This family-owned chain dots the west coast and even Texas. Contrary to popular belief, In-N-Out is not on the east coast because of its commitment to quality (all the never-frozen beef goes through a facility at Baldwin Park, CA) and its private ownership (In-N-Out has no intention of franchising any time soon).
Alas, we east coasters must suffer the consequences.
In-N-Out serves almost gourmet fast food without compromising the fast food experience: cheap, friendly, quick, inviting to all ages, fatty, crunchy, and delicious. Here's my humble take on the fast food defended by Californians with the ferocity of the Crusaders...

 {Double-double}

Like one photograph would be enough. Hah
In-N-Out burgers are wholly satisfying on so many levels. With fresh beef patties, crisp lettuce, bright red tomatoes, the mysterious spread, and slices of American cheese you can actually taste, the spectrum of flavors and colors rival the rainbow. My personal favorite part? The sweet, buttered buns toasted golden brown and delicious.
It is the American fast food burger done right.

{Fries Animal style}

"Animal style", part of the not-so-secret menu, is In-N-Out's own spin on the usual fast food favorites.

When ordered Animal style, normal french fries are slathered with slices of melting American cheese, spread, and grilled chopped onions. Gut bomb extraordinaire.

Some of secret menu items are hilarious-"Flying Dutchman"? Here is a link to the Ultimate In-N-Out Secret Menu Survival Guide. I bet at least half will be completely foreign to you! Actually, check out all of the In-N-Out related posts; they take apart the menu, analyze the ins and outs (yeup), and put it back together at home, too.

{Neapolitan shake}

Super thick, aerated shake. Not very impressive other than the pretty mix of flavors.

{Cheeseburger Animal style}

Now onto the Animal style burger, a whole new level with a mustard-grilled patty, grilled chopped onion, extra spread, and pickles. Put it all together...asdfjkl (couldn't think of anything else).
I don't remember the first bite, I'm pretty sure the mind-boggling deliciousness made me black out for a minute.