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Slater’s 50/50 the Home of Extreme Eating

If dining were an Olympic sport then Slater’s 50/50 would hold the Gold Medal

Published on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 | 12:15 pm
 
Executive chef Brad Lyons and Owner Scott Slater

There’s a new restaurant opening this black Friday in Old Pasadena. Its name: Slater’s 50/50. And what, pray tell, does Slater’s 50/50 serve? Can you say bacon? Bacon burgers, bacon salads, bacon mac n’ cheese, bacon milkshakes and bacon brownies, oh and I forgot the bacon Mary and bacon old fashioned. Did I mention the bacon salt and bacon ketchup? Anyway, I think you get the picture.

Slater's Vampire Dip

Since I literally went through most of the menu (I started strong with the appetizers, was flying high with the mac n’ cheese, started flagging during the salads and hit the wall with the burgers and sandwiches) I will just hit the high notes.

Starting with the appetizers the Vampire Dip was delish; roasted garlic, cheese and artichoke hearts was cooked until melting and served in a sourdough bread bowl with pita chips on the side.

The Buffalo Chicken Mac n’ Cheese was an inspiration with a three-cheese alfredo sauce, buffalo chicken bites and chopped celery topped with blue cheese crumbles and a toasted Cheez-Its crust. It had just the right amount of bite with a mellow cheese chaser.

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

If you’ve got to have a salad I’d recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Crisp romaine, chopped bacon, dill pickle, sliced red onion and cherry tomato were tossed with a thick coating of 1000 island dressing and then topped with a grilled cheeseburger. This was a really great combination of tastes.

I also enjoyed what I call the baby shower salad: iceberg lettuce, napa cabbage, green onions, toasted almonds with top ramen pieces for crunch, chicken for protein and a dressing made with the ramen seasonings. Slater’s calls it the Top Ramen Salad but it will always be the baby shower salad to me.

Now for the burgers, as I’ve said before I hit the wall at the burgers but I did manage to get a bite in here and there. Slater’s offers burgers a number of ways, they have specialty burgers which I tried and they also let you build your own. The weights begin at 1/3 pound but unlike most restaurants that weigh the meat before cooking, Slater’s weighs it after. So when you order 1/3 pound of meat that’s what you’re getting, it makes a big difference.

The 50/50 Burger

The first burger I tried was the 50/50, now I know you’re wondering what the heck this 50/50 means so I’m going to enlighten you. It is 50% ground Sterling Silver beef and 50% ground bacon (again with the bacon). The resulting product is not unlike a smoked-grilled burger. On the 50/50 burger was a sunny side up egg, avocado mash, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle adobo mayo on a white brioche bun. I wanted to know what was up with the egg and owner Scott Slater explained “the egg yolk is the perfect sauce.” This is a delicious burger, very hefty and a challenge to eat out of hand.

I gave the Peanut Butter and Jellousy burger a try: a beef patty, bacon, peanut butter, and strawberry jelly on a honey wheat bun. This may have won an award but it fell flat with me. Oh yes and if you want to go over the top you can order it a la mode: pass.

Slater’s also gives a nod to your health by offering a turkey burger and a veggie burger. I gave the turkey burger a try since it was billed as the “World’s Greatest” and it was very good. The turkey burger was topped with smoked Gouda, baby greens, red onions, Portobello mushroom cap, and creamy pesto sauce on a honey wheat bun. The addition of the Portobello and the play of the smoked Gouda really worked. It’s a delicious alternative to a beef burger.

Fried Chicken and Pancakes

Leaving the burgers and moving on Slater’s also offers its version of chicken and waffles: fried chicken and pancakes. I have to admit I refused to even try this since it is everything I hate in food to wit: fried chicken and creamed gravy. I know that makes me un-American but there you have it. Everyone at the table seemed to be enjoying it though.Fried Chicken and Pancakes”][/caption]

I did give the orange chicken sandwich a try and found it to be delicious. Asian-style orange chicken was topped with coleslaw, green onions and Sriracha mayo, a bit sweet with a definite bite, yummy.

Alas I had to leave before the desserts were brought out but I did get a taste of Slater’s maple bacon milkshake and found it tasty. Slater’s allows you to design your own milkshake by adding your own flavorings like Guinness mint chocolate, orange cream, Nutella, toasted marshmallow, and Pop Rocks in assorted flavors.

Orange Chicken Sandwich

I can sum up my experience at Slater’s with just one word: bacon. If bacon is your thing or you like having fun with you food Slater’s is definitely worth the cost of a burger (about $10.00).

Slater’s 50/50 is located on the corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street at 61 N. Raymond Avenue. They officially open this black Friday, November 23. Slater’s is open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. so if you get the late-night munchies this is your place. For more information call (626) 765-9700 or visit www.slaters5050.com.

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