Hmmm...you're right, my bad. The new Seaside location, near Monterey, is only a half hour away from me so I'm figuring a few extra lbs are in my immediate future. In many ways, In-N-Out is the quintessential California drive up. The drive up line was predictably long but moved along nicely. Instead of speaking into one of those misfiring speakers to order, you actually talk to a person as you drive along, all masked and 5-6 ft away, who takes your order on a tablet. Then, maybe 30 feet along, you meet another person, similarly garbed and equipped who confirms your order just in case you might want to make any additions or subtractions. Next is the payment window, now done completely without contact, a necessary evil. In 30 more tempting feet, you arrive at the pick up window at precisely the moment your burger has come off the grill. The timing is impeccable. As for the burgers, In-N-Out is one of those things that you have to experience to understand. They're the perfect combination of ingredients and flavor. First, the buns are superb, light and pillowy but not crumbly or squishy and none of that stupid sesame stuff on them. Me, myself, I'm a double double with cheese guy. The burgers are just the right combination (two patties, two perfectly melted cheddar cheese slices) that fit exactly right with the buns. You have the feeling that they were custom made for you. No grease, no sludge, all fresh flavor that somehow, someway stays on your palate. It's perfection in its simplicity. No chicken, fish, nuggets, salads or any other jive, just perfectly made burgers. Think of it this way...if you're debating whether to be with your significant other in a special way or heading to In-N-Out, it's a clear cut choice you'll be in your car in seconds. It's worth the Texas road trip Tom. I should mention that the fries are just meh but who needs fries anyway?
