Best Cheeseburger in Davis: Krush Burger

Best Burger in Davis Krush Burger
Krush Burger’s Original Mini Burger

I’d never been to Krush Burger before. The chain is local to Sacramento and only opened in Davis in the last couple years. I thought it was going to be an American Burger joint but after visiting it seems I was wrong. It’s closer to a fast food place, though one that is trying to look modern and upscale. Lots of exposed concrete, dark wood, and brushed metal. If I had known beforehand I wouldn’t have included it on the list. Too late now!

Best Burger in Davis Krush Burger

The Review

Patty (15/35) – So small! I somehow missed the whole “mini” part of Krush Burger’s deal until I got my plate. Still, the patty is outsized by the bun and toppings. Medium instead of medium rare, this is becoming a trend. Dry and a little too salty. I think. It was hard to tell see ‘Condiments’ below.

Cheese (6/25) – Just sitting there on the bun. No flavor.

Bun (7/15) – Dry. Has a nice crunchy exterior. Bigger than the patty. No flavor, no moisture.

Toppings (8/15) – Lettuce and tomato were fine. No pickles or onion. A small spot of grilled onions. Those were good but there were hardly any.

Condiments (5/10) – Large dollop of 1000 Islands or Fry Sauce. I think most of those burger’s flavor came from the sauce. No mustard on burger or in the restaurant as far as I could tell?!

Ambiance (5/*) – Sparse, industrial, modern look with overtures to extreme sports & alt culture (skateboards, neon signs, etc.) If you look that look. I thought it was pretty sterile.

Total (46/100) – For less than $10 this isn’t bad. I think I was just disappointed in it not being an actual burger. I got sweet potato tots to go with it and those were good (picture below). For the price it’s a good deal. But, In n’ Out is right there…

Best Burger in Davis Krush Burger
Krush Burger’s Sweet Potato Tots

Karuna – A Neologism

karuna

Karuna

  1. the universal compassion of a Bodhisattva.
  2. any action that is taken to diminish the suffering of others.
  3. active sympathy or a willingness to bear the pain of others.

We ask a lot of the word “sorry.”  We use it when we are distressed, when we are feeling regret, to apologize, to ask someone to repeat something, to express sympathy, and to describe someone or something in a pitiful condition.  We’ve saddle the word with so much that at this point I think use of the word fails at the primary purpose of words – to convey information from one person to another. Instead of informing the word ‘sorry’ instead confuses and requires further explanation and explication.

We have other words we could use to convey some of the information that “sorry” is now used for. Today, I just want to focus on that fifth definition above, “to express sympathy.” Instead of using ‘sorry’ one could say, “I sympathise with you/you’re situation.” Or you could say, “I’m empathetic.” Or you could try and use the word ‘compassion’ not sound clunky in a sentence. All of these words though sound paternalist and patronizing. They all convey a strong felt emotion but they also come off as distant and intellectual. ‘Sorry’ conveys very little of the emotion of compassion but does feel close and personal when it conveys the correct message at all!

Enter ‘karuna.’ The word is found in both Sanskrit and Pali and is often simply translated into English as ‘compassion.’ This loses some of the subtlety found in those original languages though where the word is not just describing an emotional state but an emotional state that moves one to action on behalf of the one suffering. When a family member or friend shares a pain or hurt with us and we are moved to take that pain or hurt on ourselves and act to reduce that pain or hurt we are experiencing karuna. But, what we say is ‘sorry’ a word that conveys none of that depth of emotion and may leave the listener saying, “you didn’t do anything wrong.”

So, I suggest that we stop using ‘sorry’ to express sympathy and instead say ‘karuna.’ This both solves the confusion use of the word ‘sorry’ sometimes creates and better conveys our actual thoughts and feelings in a concise, clear manner.

  1. The Wikipedia article on ‘karuna’ is here.
  2. Brahmaviharas – the four Buddhist virtues, karuna is the second.

 

Best Cheeseburger in Davis: De Vere’s

Best Burger in Davis de Vere's
de Vere’s Irish Pub’s Bacon Cheeseburger (sans bacon)

Let’s try this again… de Vere’s is relatively new to Davis, the original restaurant is in Sacramento and a regular watering hole for politicos due to its proximity to the Capitol. The Davis location, while serving the same fare, has a very different feel. I’ve eaten at both locations multiple time and have always enjoyed the food. Though, I will say now that if you can get a table outside at the Davis location you’ll be better off for it. The acoustics inside aren’t great and the restaurant can be half empty but still sound as if crowds of people are yelling inside of it. I will admit that I’ve been looking forward to this burger. de Vere’s BLT with fried egg is one of my favorite sandwiches of all time…

Full disclosure I know one of the owners of the restaurant. I don’t think that affected my rating though.

Best Burger in Davis de Vere's

The Review

Patty (26/35) – Ordered medium rare, came out medium. Well seasoned – peppery with a hint of garlic. Not too oily or greasy. No gristle. Good bite nice and moist.

Cheese (25/25) – What excellent cheddar! Nice sharp taste. Works great with the patty! Really pops. Love it.

Bun (15/15) – Another great bun! Soft pretzel bun, lots of flavor. Absorbs liquids from patty and toppings. Holds up. Fluffy without being all air.

Toppings (13/15) – Great red onions, butterleaf lettuce (finally!), more than one tomato slice. No pickle on the burger. Just a dill spear on the side. All fresh and crisp!

Condiments (5/10) – Good mayo spread on the top bun. No mustard on the burger?! No mustard on the table?! Mayo was lost among the strong tastes of burger, cheese, and bun.

Ambiance (8/*) – Very nice setting. Sitting outside on a spring day it is just lovely. Staff was friendly if a little slow.

Total (93/100) – A solid, delicious burger with only a few flaws. Great setting as well (eat outside), friendly service. Not a bad deal for $13.00. If you’re curious about the sides the “chips” were thick and tasty with peels on! You can get a salad or soup if you want instead.

Best Burger in Davis de Vere's
de Vere’s house “chips.”
%d bloggers like this: