Yum-N-Yum

February 3, 2009 by Jen 3 Comments

You know how sometimes food is delicious not just because it tastes good, but because it symbolizes something special?  For me, In-N-Out is like that.  First of all, I don’t eat fast food very often, so to eat at a fast food chain is a rare and special occasion.  Second, I only associate In-N-Out with road trips, since the closest one is about 8 miles north on the freeway, and who doesn’t love road trips?  Third, there is the feeling of being “in the know” at In-N-Out.  Their bare-bones menu belies the secret code to getting what you want.  Sure, the menu might read “cheeseburger,” (boring!) but what you should order is a double-double-animal-style.  What does that mean?  It’s a double cheeseburger (double cheese, double burger) with grilled onions and their special “animal style” sauce.  Which I think is something like thousand island dressing, much like McD’s Big Mac “special sauce.”  I imagine that knowing the secret code was much cooler pre-internet, since In-N-Out actually posts a glossary of not-so-secret terms on their website.

The one thing that’s not stellar about In-N-Out?  Their fries.  You won’t hear me say this too often, but they’re not greasy enough, and they taste like cardboard. But maybe if you dip them into a thick shake, they’ll taste better?

The neon lights beckoned to us from the freeway...

The hardworking crew of In-N-Out workers, right as a busload of people entered the restaurant.

My meal: cheeseburger animal style, fries, root beer. Yum.

I can haz cheezburger?

Neopolitan shake

Close up of a double-double animal style

A double-double is no joke -- it's massive!