With all the social media that we use these days we all have the power to help local (and national) businesses more than we sometimes remember. Many people are quick to post to Facebook when something goes wrong, but how often do we take the time to write a proper review and post it in a place where it will help others. I’m guilty of reading all the amazon/zappos/urbanspoon reviews but never writing one. I’m changing that starting today. As well as helping the potential customer this also helps the businesses who are doing good stuff to get their message out there. I’m starting by testing out the new urbanspoon feature spoonback – this links (through the image below) a blog post about a restaurant to the urbanspoon page (cool idea huh!). I’m starting with one of the places that sponsor my blog (I like to be open and transparent). I only accept sponsorship from businesses I know and love, but my thoughts are my own…
Acme Burger on Urbanspoon

Acme Burger is not your typical burger (or at least that’s what it says on the menu) and I think by the time you have read it you know that is true. Chip Rooney (the evil genius behind this and Acme Taco) seems to delight in putting together tastes with a twist. I’m not a huge beef fan but at Acme Burger you can choose ground chuck, sausage, 50/50 chuck & sausage, ground turkey or chicken breast for your burger (or upgrade to lamb, salmon, Portobello mushroom or grass-fed beef). Yes, you have to make a lot of choices.

For this visit I was with my husband and my 74 year old Mother who was visiting from England. Sean (my husband) ordered the Frito pie burger (from the specials) – a burger with chilli, cheese, and Fritos. My Mum and I had salmon, she had the All-American (acme sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle chips), and I went for the Tuscan (basil & lemon mayo, tomato, provolone, spinach, toasted pine nuts and a ciabatta roll). We ordered my favorite starter, the giant Mexican squid. My mother announced she didn’t like squid and gave me that “you’re so strange, I don’t know how you are my child” look. When they arrived at the table she tasted one under protest and proceeded to eat more than anyone else. Yes, they are that good.

The burgers arrived and my husband was quiet. That means he was happy. He didn’t offer to let anyone else taste his food, although I did get a sip of his locally brewed beer (Canebrake Wheat). My salmon was delicious, and the basil and pine nuts worked in that pestoey delicious way. The hand cut chips (that I still call crisps) were as awesome as ever (it’s the best side item hands-down). I hear they are improving their fries to get them to the same standard as the chips (looking forward to this). I was going to test the onion rings but my sweet, tiny mother had eaten them all (as well as most of her meal).

Acme taco is an easy place to dine, it’s not posh but it is cool and casual. The staff are very friendly and understand the menu well. I would go back (even if they weren’t blog sponsors). (photographic evidence below)

Frito pie. Chilli, cheese, Fritos (I didn't get offered a taste)
Frito pie. Chilli, cheese, Fritos (I didn’t get offered a taste)

 

Frito pie gone.
Frito pie gone.

 

All American
All American

 

Onion Rings (yes I managed to grab a photo)
Onion Rings (yes I managed to grab a photo)

 

My Mum tucking in...
My Mum tucking in…(notice the knife & fork – she’s so English)

 

My Tuscan burger (with salmon). Basil and lemon mayo, spinach, provolone, toasted pine nuts on a ciabatta roll.
My Tuscan burger (with salmon). Basil and lemon mayo, spinach, provolone, toasted pine nuts on a ciabatta roll.