Jan. 11, 2011 - Farm Burger

Jan. 11, 2011
Farm Burger
410B W. Ponce de Leon
Decatur, GA 30030
404-378-5077
www.farmburger.net

Day Two of the ice storm brought cabin fever, so we decided to venture out into downtown Decatur to see what was open. Two restaurants we have been meaning to try for ages were high on our list. While Watershed was dark, thankfully Farm Burger was open.

Ordering the counter, I asked Jose if the special appetizer of pepperjack sausages with caramelized onions was really good. He said yes (which I expected) but also had this look on his face that told me this was going to be worth it. So along with the appetizer I ordered a burger (medium, with tomatoes, red onion, roasted garlic and grainy mustard), rings and fries, and a "brown cow" (Abita root beer float).

I'm so glad I ordered the sausages. I pictured pepperjack cheese oozing out of a bratwurst sausage (as you sometimes find in grocery stores), but this was not like that at all. Three inch long sausages that were creamy on the inside, resting on a bed of caramelized onions. It was served with a mustard that reminded me of the hot English mustard that comes with bangers and mash. All three components together had me hoarding the appetizer to myself (I only gave up three small bites).

The burger was supposed to be cooked to "medium" (medium and well were the only choices), but looked more like a perfect medium-rare to me. No problem here because I prefer medium-rare, but please be aware when you make your order. The burger was large, juicy and flavorful. The roasted garlic was perfect, but I did wish there had been more grainy mustard.

The fries and rings were disappointing. The onion rings were overbattered and heavy. The skin-on fries were ok, nothing special. The smoked paprika mayo was an interesting side to the fries.

The brown cow was wonderful. I'm a big fan of root beer in general and Abita root beer in particular, so there was no doubt I was ordering it. A refreshing, but not heavy, drink and dessert.

We definitely want to try some of the more unusual toppings on the burger, such as the oxtail marmalade or bone marrow. But most toppings are a la carte ($1-2 each), so expect to pay well for your burger. A basic burger is only $6, but those toppings add up quickly. We spent $31 (not including tip) for an appetizer, two burgers, fries and rings, and two drinks.

The service was honest and friendly. That, along with great food made this trip well worth the money. Hopefully we can return before the next ice storm.