In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri heads to the vibrant Hillcrest area of San Diego to discover a hidden gem that serves comfort food around the clock: Crest Cafe. Known for its eclectic menu and welcoming ambiance, Crest Cafe offers everything from breakfast to dessert at any time of the day. But the star of this episode is undoubtedly their famed Butter Burger.
Discovering Crest Cafe
Located in the heart of Hillcrest, Crest Cafe is a beloved local diner that has been serving the community for years. “This neighborhood is sort of a 24-hour neighborhood, and that’s the same here at the Crest,” Guy explains. Whether you’re craving crème brûlée French toast for dinner or a Butter Burger for breakfast, Crest Cafe has got you covered.
The Family Connection
Guy meets cousins Ruben and his co-owner, who tell him about their family’s deep roots in San Diego. “Ruben actually grew up with my grandparents in San Diego, and Grandma’s the one responsible for teaching Ruben how to cook,” says Ruben’s cousin. This legacy of culinary tradition and innovation is evident in every bite.
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The Butter Burger: A Flavor Explosion
The episode dives right into creating the Butter Burger, a dish that promises to be “the juiciest hamburger you can ever imagine,” as Guy describes.
Making the Herb Butter
The process begins with crafting the herb butter, which is the soul of the Butter Burger. Fresh basil, parsley, tarragon, and garlic are mixed into soft butter, along with a dash of cayenne, salt, and pepper. “The Butter’s gotta be room temperature; otherwise, you got yourself a big mess,” Guy notes.
The herb-infused butter is then rolled in plastic wrap and refrigerated to set until it hardens. This step ensures that the butter holds its shape when stuffed into the burger.
Stuffing the Burger
Next comes the magical part: stuffing the burger. A chunk of the prepared herb butter is enclosed within a ball of ground beef. “We’re gonna stuff butter in a burger,” Guy says, excitedly. The burger is then cooked on a broiler, with more butter added during the cooking process for extra richness.
Once the burger is nearly done, it’s topped with melted cheese and garlic mayo, adding layers of flavor and creaminess. “This is a level of juice you probably haven’t seen on a burger,” Guy exclaims, watching the butter meld with the beef juices.
Guy’s Verdict
As Guy takes his first bite, his reaction says it all. “Whoa, watch this, ladies and gentlemen,” he says, pointing to the juices dripping from the burger. “This is making it rain up in here. Where are the umbrellas at?”
He continues to savor each bite, clearly impressed by the explosion of flavors. “That’s ridiculous. When it says Butter Burger, take the dude’s word for it. Nice job, excellent burger,” Guy declares. Crest Cafe’s Butter Burger has earned a special place in his culinary heart.