Mr. Bartley’s Burgers

Are they the best in America? Well they are one of the three best I’ve ever found! These bad boys got my coveted 4.7 pickles award. Only Hut’s in Austin, Texas and Pappa’s Burgers in Houston have made it that high up the scale. So how did I come across this delightful hole in the wall. Hey don’t take that wrong, all great burger places, o.k. most, are small, very “interesting” little places.
I wanted to have dinner with a wonderful friend and great shooter I know in Boston. Ian Dicker was a share holder in GAPW (Great American Photography Weekends), actually he still is, I’m the one that left.

When Ian asked what I would like to eat tonight I gave him the assignment of finding what was suppose to be the most killer burger in Boston. Well it was actually in Cambridge virtually across the street from Harvard. But even an arch conservative like me would venture into the second most liberal place in America for a great burger. I was rewarded with not only a truly perfect burger, but on the wall right next to my table was a poster of Ronald Reagan in a Chesterfield magazine ad, Circa 1950’s. Works for me……

What made it so great?, well first the company was exceptional. Ian Dicker is one of God’s great gifts to me during the early days of the GAPW. We have become really close friends and I love going out to shoot images with him, and he is an exceptional shooter too. Next Bartley’s did it right. Real hand pressed hamburger meat (that means enough fat to make it taste right), cooked the way you ask for it, I like mine medium and it was, hallelujah….. Cooked on a flat steel grill that was not “over” cleaned, I’ll bet somewhere on there is 1960’s grease! Perfectly toasted, buttered bun and really good fries and onion rings. First class all the way.

The college atmosphere only made it better and then Ian and I walked down to Harvard Square to take in the sites and catch a cab back to the hotel. I think I’ve mention that I’m blessed, with great friends, a wonderful family, a job that is an adventure everyday and God’s love.

the pilgrim

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”

*Photo Note: All images D700 and 35-70 AF f 2.8 (My 24-70 AFS f2.8 is in for repair).
Most images at ISO 1,600 and 3,200.