oleh admin | Sep 30, 2024 | celebrity and music, music, music and lyrics, musicians, popular culture
Kris Kristofferson remained humble regarding his abilities.
He didn’t like being referred to as a poet and enjoyed it more when others would perform his songs instead.
He once confessed to record producer Fred Foster, ‘I croak like a bullfrog.’
Sure,” Foster responded, “but imagine a bullfrog that can communicate.
Kristofferson’s straightforward vocals might not have showcased extensive range, but they conveyed something far more significant: conviction.
Whenever he performed about heartbreak, romance, melancholy, boozy evenings, and remorseful dawns, you found yourself believing each syllable.
This was partially due to his refusal to coerce a song into being—“I would have to wait for inspiration to strike before I could write,” he remarked—and also because he possessed an ability to explore the fundamental essence of a feeling.
Although his songwriting wasn’t particularly intricate, the way he used simple chord progressions alongside clever turns of phrase sparked a revolution in country music.
“You can observe Nashville before Kris and after Kris, as he transformed everything,” Bob Dylan once stated.
These are among his most notable tracks.
1) Me and Bobby McGee
One of Kristofferson’s most lasting hits,
Me and Bobby McGee
It began as a songwriting challenge.
The founder of Monument Records, Foster, harbored feelings for his secretary, Barbara “Bobbie” McKee, and sought out a song he believed would win her over.
Kristofferson accepted the assignment – but finding inspiration took time.
He stated in 1973 that he stayed away from Foster for about three or four months due to the constant stream of thoughts occupying his mind.
I was driving back to New Orleans one evening when the windshield wipers were on, and everything began coming together.
He drew inspiration for the song from the final scene of the Fellini movie “La Strada,” where a disheartened, intoxicated man gazes despondently at the ocean, mourning the deterioration of his life and the love he has forfeited.
Kristofferson transformed this narrative into the story of two wanderers who encounter love during their travels but are ultimately parted by death.
It includes one of his most remarkable lyrics:
Freedom is merely a term for having nothing else to lose / What has no value isn’t worth anything — yet it’s free.
Initially performed by Roger Miller, the song achieved top billing as a number-one hit for Janis Joplin, who recorded it just prior to her demise in 1970.
2) Onward to Sunday Morning Coming Down
When I woke up on Sunday morning, every movement of my head brought pain.
“And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad, so I had one more for dessert.”
The bleakness conveyed through Kristofferson’s somber performance indicates that this track encompasses far more than just a mere hangover.
As it advances, the main character gradually discloses more information regarding the reasons behind his alcohol-filled life.
The aroma of fried chicken brings back memories of “something I had lost.”
He halts near a Sunday school merely to listen to the children’s singing.
The intense feelings of isolation and self-hatred are portrayed powerfully — Kristofferson mentioned that he penned the lyrics during his days as a struggling musician residing in an apartment building after his parents rejected him, and when his spouse and child left for California without him.
He remarked that Sunday was the most difficult day of the week for those without a family.
As the story goes, Kristofferson piloted a helicopter into Johnny Cash’s yard, insisting he wouldn’t depart until Cash had heard his demo tape.
Impressed enough, Cash decided to feature the song on his American television show.
The Country Music Association awarded his recorded song of the year in 1970.
Kristofferson’s own version
emerged on his first studio album that very year.
3) Assist Me in Surviving the Night
Kristofferson, alongside fellow musicians like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, was an integral part of the “outlaw country” movement that resisted Nashville’s commercial dominance and creative constraints.
In 1970, when discussing his position within the nation’s political landscape, he addressed his role.
He informed The New York Times
I am not anyone’s closest confidant.
Everyone insisted that I wouldn’t succeed in Nashville and advised me to move to California or New York instead.
He had offended the powers that be through tracks like “Blame It on the Stones” and “The Law Is for the Protection of the People,” both of which criticized American conservativism.
His most famous song
Additionally, it caused controversy due to its straightforward portrayal of sexual longing, particularly when performed (and reaching No. 1) by the female country artist Sammi Smith.
Kristofferson mentioned that the lyrics were influenced by an interview with Frank Sinatra.
When queried about his beliefs, Old Blue Eyes replied: “Alcohol, women, or a holy book… whichever gets me through the evening.”
Smith’s sensual performance marked a rebellious advancement for country music, yet Kristofferson’s rendition—marked by his raspy voice and palpable longing—is equally exhilarating.
4) Jody and the Child
“The initial great song I composed,” Kristofferson stated regarding
Jody and the Kid,
which he created during his time as a janitor at Columbia Records in the 1960s
Similar to “Me and Bobby McGee,” this piece is imbued with feelings of nostalgia and longing, as the artist recounts a girl he once frequented places with, noting how she would wear “her little blue jeans rolled up to her knees.”
As time passes, they develop feelings for each other, growing older together while always holding hands wherever they go.
When the music stops, the storyteller walks along familiar routes with his daughter—yet upon meeting neighbors who approach him, he mourns that his spouse can’t be part of this moment.
Kristofferson’s solemn, emotionally charged voice is captivating and heart-wrenching.
It’s equally worthwhile to listen to his 1999 re-recording of the song on the album “The Austin Sessions,” as his more mature, rugged vocals add an extra layer of emotion to it.
5) Why Me?
If the character from Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down was feeling down, this moment depicts them as being utterly devastated.
”
God, what have I possibly achieved / To be worthy of just one / Of the joys I’ve experienced?
”
After visiting a service at Jimmie Snow’s church in Nashville, Kristofferson felt inspired to pen the song.
Everyone was on their knees when Jimmy remarked, ‘For anyone who’s misplaced, please lift your hand.’
he said
.
I rarely attend church, and lifting my hand wasn’t something I would consider.
I was thinking, ‘I cannot fathom who might be behind this,’ when abruptly I noticed my hand raising itself.
Following his conversation with the preacher, Kristofferson mentioned, “I ended up crying in public” and experienced a sense of “forgiveness that I wasn’t aware I required.”
The track serves as a response to that instant — a somber, heart-wrenching acknowledgment of his previous actions, and an earnest plea for absolution.
Recorded alongside his future spouse, Rita Coolidge, the
gospel-infused ballad
resonated deeply with listeners in 1973, earning the lead performer their sole top position on the country music charts.
Additional Listening: Five More Essential Tracks
6) I Dislike Your Unattractive Appearance
– The initial song penned by Kristofferson when he was 11 years old. This cynical dismissal of common country music themes showcases the budding evolution of his narrative skills.
7) They Killed Him
– A tribute to Kristofferson’s icons—Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr.—later revisited by Dylan. “When Dylan covers one of your songs, it feels akin to a playwright having Shakespeare perform in their play,” according to Kristofferson.
8) Loving Her Was Simpler (Than Any Other Thing I’ll Ever Experience Again)
– This song stands out as one of his most romantic tracks and was Kristofferson’s inaugural entry onto the charts in 1971. It was revisited years later when he recorded it again alongside The Highwaymen, an influential supergroup comprising outlaw country musicians including Cash, Jennings, and Nelson.
9) There Goes That Rainbow Once More
Inspired by a passage from John Steinbeck’s novel *The Grapes of Wrath*, this heartfelt ballad explores how minor gestures of compassion can be reciprocated. Cash reportedly referred to it as “possibly my favorite song written by any author.”
10) Please Don’t Reveal the Ending of the Story
– In what seems like their final evening spent together, two people hold tightly onto each other and cherish every memory they’ve shared, wishing desperately for an end to this impending separation. Composed during the early ’70s, Kristofferson first offered this piece to Billy Bare before revisiting it alongside Rita Coolidge when their own union began crumbling apart. The resulting collaboration between them conveys immense emotion.
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Kris Kristofferson, the singer and actor known for “Special,” has passed away.
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View the best moments from Kris Kristofferson’s performance at Glastonbury in 1997.
oleh admin | Sep 26, 2024 | asia, Travel, travel destinations, travel in asia, travel recommendations
Asia is a continent of incredibly varied landscapes, ranging from snow-capped mountains and paradise beaches to arid deserts and lush jungles. Exploring this vast continent by car or motorbike is an unforgettable adventure that lets you discover the wild beauty and cultural richness of these countries. Here is a selection of the most legendary road trips across the Asian continent.
The Karakoram Highway: from China to Pakistan
The Karakoram Highway, sometimes called the 8
th
wonder of the world, is one of the most spectacular and roads in the world, as well as the highest altitude. Stretching for around 1,300 km, it
goes from China to Pakistan
, crossing the imposing Karakoram Mountains, a mountain range home to some of the highest peaks on the planet, including the famous K2.
This road trip offers breathtaking scenery, with deep valleys, glaciers and deep blue lakes. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote villages, local markets and historic sites such as the Khunjerab Pass, which rises to over 4,800 metres. This historic route, once used by Silk Road traders, is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
The Mandalay – Bagan Route: discovering ancient Myanmar
Myanmar (previously called Burma), rich in a millennium-long heritage and stunning vistas, is ideally suited for driving excursions. One of the most renowned routes within the nation stretches from Mandalay to Bagan. This path meanders through terrains that blend lushness with dryness and passes numerous stupas and shrines along the way.
Departing from Mandalay, which is the nation’s second-biggest urban center, your journey will lead you along the Irrawaddy—a waterway recognized as the longest within Myanmar—while uncovering quaint rural settlements, ancient monastic buildings, and bustling community marketplaces. This scenic drive culminates at Bagan, home to an unparalleled collection of over 2,000 pagodas and shrines, making it one of global archaeology’s crown jewels.
stupas
(buddhist domed structures) situated on a vast plain. the enchanting view of these shrines during dawn and dusk creates a mesmerizing scene that remains etched in the memories of travelers indefinitely.
Leh: The Route from Manali to Leh, India
Regarded as one of the most stunning road trips globally, the journey from Manali to Leh offers an incredible expedition right in the midst of Ladakh’s breathtaking landscape. Spanning approximately 470 kilometers, this scenic drive meanders past majestic mountains, crossing several high-altitude mountain passes including the formidable Tanglang La Pass, which sits at an elevation of 5,328 meters.
Ladakh, often referred to as “Miniature Tibet,” is an intriguing area featuring mountain-top Buddhist monasteries, arid valleys, and alpine lakes with vivid blue water. Ideal for those who cherish majestic peaks and vast expanses of tranquility, this journey begins upon your arrival in Leh, once the capital city of the Ladakhi kingdom. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit ancient Buddhist sites like Hemis and Thiksey.
The Golden Triangle: A Timeless Thai Gem
The Golden Triangle is an area located in
northern Thailand
Located at the frontier with Laos and Myanmar, this area is famous for its stunning mountains, grand rivers, and authentic villages. This journey will lead you through the breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Thailand’s countryside.
After departing from the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, it’s time to make your way to Chiang Rai, renowned for its stunning temples such as the iconic Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). As you journey onward, you will traverse through charming ethnic villages and lush tea plantations before reaching the tri-border confluence where the Mekong River meets two others. This scenic drive offers a chance to explore this captivating region.
customs and heritage of Northern Thailand
While traversing a region characterized by lush hillsides and stepped rice paddies.
The Trans-Sumatra: A Journey Across Indonesia
The sixth biggest island globally, Sumatra, offers thrilling experiences for those who love road trips filled with excitement and untamed nature. Spanning from top to bottom along this massive landmass is the Trans-Sumatra Highway—a 2,000-kilometer route showcasing a remarkably varied terrain perfect for complete immersion into natural beauty.
As you journey along, discover erupting volcanoes, hidden shores, rainforests where orangutans roam freely, and sprawling tea estates stretching endlessly across your view. Key attractions not to be missed encompass Lake Toba, which stands as the planet’s biggest volcanic lake, and Gunung Leuser National Park—a final refuge for wild orangutans. Ideal for those seeking off-the-beaten-path locales, this road trip offers an unvarnished taste of what Indonesia truly has to offer.
oleh admin | Sep 25, 2024 | audio, electronic devices, electronics, music, technology
What?
The Moog Synthesizer was among the earliest examples of a modular voltage-controlled oscillator and amplifier system, developed by Robert Moog.
In layman’s terms?
Robert Moog’s synthesizers were pioneering in enabling individuals to generate and modify electronic music comprehensively. His initial model featured dual voltage-controlled oscillators along with a voltage-controlled amplifier. This primary oscillator permitted users to adjust the pitch of generated sounds via varying voltages; these voltages could subsequently be processed using the secondary oscillator to achieve effects such as tremolo.
Why is it in the news and why is it significant?
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the first Moog synthesizer, it’s worth noting that electronic sound machines did exist prior to this innovation; however, they were massive, often occupying whole rooms. Inspired by the theremin—a touchless electronic instrument developed in the 1920s—Moog was driven to experiment with incorporating amplifiers into the synthesizers’ oscillators. This modification aimed to create a smaller, more transportable version of these groundbreaking devices.
Who had the means to purchase the initial Moog synthesizer?
In addition to being the first portable modular synthesizer, it was also the first relatively inexpensive one—well, somewhat. The initial Moog Synthesizer cost about $10,000 back in 1964. When adjusted for inflation, this amount equates to roughly $100,000 (or €90,000). While not exactly budget-friendly, it was considerably more affordable compared to the millions required in contemporary dollars for similar equipment from competitors at that time.
So who ended up purchasing it?
The initial client was British-American composer Eric Siday, who requested Moog to build one of these machines specifically for him and also asked for an additional keyboard component. Following this, various composers intrigued by the potential of experimental electronic music began commissioning more units from Moog and sought enhancements like filters, which led to innovative sound effects including what became known as the “wah-wah” effect.
Was the music of high quality?
As more
classical composers
Soon enough, people were drawn to Moog’s captivating synthesizers, leading to the creation of one of the earliest remarkable musical pieces. Among the initial trailblazers with the Moog Synthesizer was Paul Beaver, who collaborated with Mort Garson to produce the album ‘The Zodiac: Cosmic Sounds.’ This work became a source of inspiration for many upcoming experimental artists. Later, in 1968, Wendy Carlos released the groundbreaking album ‘Switched-On Bach,’ earning both commercial success and critical praise by rearranging Bach’s works. The album claimed three Grammy Awards and became the first classical record to achieve platinum certification.
Any pop music?
The earliest notable application of the Moog Synthesizer likely originated with the rock band.
The Doors
– Particularly noteworthy is “Strange Days,” the title track from The Doors’ sophomore album released in 1967. Beaver utilized his synthesizer skills alongside Jim Morrison’s distinctive vocals to craft an unsettling sonic backdrop for the song. Shortly thereafter, the Moog synthesizer gained popularity among various artists; most notably, The Beatles featured it on their album “Abbey Road.” Early enthusiasts also included bands such as The Monkees, The Grateful Dead, and The Rolling Stones, along with jazz performers like Herbie Hancock and Sun Ra.
Is Moog still the only type of synthesizer around?
Today, electronic music is everywhere, with synthesizers made by countless manufacturers and replicated via digital audio workstation software. However, this did not lead Moog to rest on his accomplishments.
What were Moog’s subsequent actions?
In 1970, Moog introduced the Minimoog, an even more compact iteration of their initial synthesizer model which quickly became popular. Despite expecting sales of about 100 units primarily among professional studio musicians, this innovative instrument saw massive success with tens of thousands being sold throughout multiple decades. It also set the stage for subsequent models like the Vocoder, Micromoog, Multimoog, and Polymoog, propelling Moog into widespread recognition within the musical community. The company gained significant prominence through appearances on numerous progressive rock records from bands such as Yes, Tangerine Dream, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Arguably one of its most notable achievements during that era came via Donna Summer’s track ‘I Feel Love,’ nearly wholly crafted using the Moog synthesizer.
What happened to Moog?
In the early ’80s, as increased competition emerged against Moog’s synthesizers, his business faced significant challenges. The digital synthesis technology offered by firms such as Yamaha proved overwhelming for Moog, leading to the company filing for bankruptcy in 1987. However, by 2002, there was a resurgence of appreciation for Moog’s iconic instruments, prompting him to reintroduce an updated lineup of synthesizers. Despite passing away in 2005 at the age of 71, the enterprise he founded has continued producing synths, including recent additions like the Spectravox, Labyrinth, and Muse models launched this year.
oleh admin | Sep 24, 2024 | beverages, coffee, food and drink, food culture, popular culture
IPOH, Sept 25 — Should you only sample one drink in Ipoh, make sure it’s the renowned white coffee.
Regardless of whether you prefer it chilled or warm, this rich coffee blended with sweetened condensed milk and crowned with a delicate foam makes for an ideal morning drink when paired with your preferred local breakfast option.
To many, a day isn’t considered finished without tasting a cup of this cherished white coffee.
Actually, Ipoh’s white coffee holds the 12th position in rankings.
TasteAtlas
Here’s a revised version of your sentence:
‘List of the top 61 coffees globally, as per their most recent update on September 15.’
In Ipoh, numerous kopitiams, eateries, and cafes offer white coffee, typically from the same brand. However, their individual brewing techniques lend distinctive flavors to each cup.
If you’re planning a journey to Ipoh, these are some top locations where you can enjoy an unforgettable white coffee adventure.
The iced white coffee and kaya butter toast are popular picks for customer in Kin Loong Chang Jiang White Coffee. — Picture by John Bunyan
Kin Loong Chang Jiang White Coffee
Many people might not need an introduction to this coffee shop, as it’s fair to say that this white coffee franchise has recently become one of the symbols of the city.
At the store, you’ll discover an array of drink choices; however, white coffee, served either chilled or warm, remains the customer favorite.
This white coffee, known for its rich aroma, sweetness, and subtle bitterness, has become a beloved choice for both residents and tourists alike.
Their white coffee pairs perfectly with the kaya butter toast, featuring long stripes of kaya and butter nestled between two pieces of bread. Be sure to soak the toast in the white coffee for enhanced flavor.
Chang Jiang has four outlets in Ipoh named Home Style Café (CJ7), Kopitiam Style Café (CJ9), People’s Park (CJ12), and Kin Loong Valley (CJ4).
This Muslim-friendly and halal-certified coffee shop franchise is rather roomy and equipped with air conditioning, making it ideal for outings with family or friends.
The creamy white coffee with its frothy texture and the crunchy yet light egg tarts are essentials at Kedai Makanan Nam Heong. — Picture by John Bunyan
Kedai Makanan Nam Heong
The Nam Heong kopitiam situated on Jalan Bandar Timah within the historic Ipoh Old Town is equally renowned among both residents and visitors as a popular spot for white coffee.
Their rich, frothy white coffee is a must-try with a well-balanced mix of bitter and sweet flavors.
You can also sample hawker-style dishes at the kopitiam like stir-fried kway teow, curry noodles, Hokkien prawn noodles, buttered toast with runny eggs, and much more.
However, the must-try dish alongside the white coffee at this kopitiam is their newly baked egg tarts.
As soon as you step into this kopitiam, the scent of the egg tarts will greet your nose. This delicacy features a delicate and crispy crust crowned with smooth egg custard, making it an ideal treat at any hour of the day.
This small coffee shop tends to be packed because of its restricted seating space, yet it’s definitely worth checking out for the excellent cuisine. Additionally, you can always opt for takeaway services.
Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong
Another coffee shop that needs no introduction among the local community here is Sin Yoon Loong kopitiam, situated directly across from Nam Heong on Jalan Bandar Timah.
Tasting the creamy, mild, and somewhat bitter white coffee served in a classic tiny porcelain cup within the cozy ambiance of an old-school kopitiam will undoubtedly evoke fond recollections.
Whether served cold or hot, the white coffee pairs wonderfully with their caramel custard.
The custard boasts a smooth, silky texture accompanied by a thin layer of golden brown caramel. The sweetness from the caramel is subtle and doesn’t overpower the dish.
A favourite meal for many people at the local coffee shop is wan tan mee paired with barbecued sweet roast pork.
The Sin Yoon Loong kopitiam, one of the trailblazers in Ipoh white coffee, is an excellent choice for morning meals. However, keep in mind that the place tends to be packed because of its genuine taste and superior quality of beverages and cuisine.
The Classic Mealody Kopitiam Restaurant offers its white coffee paired with vanilla ice cream, and their French toast along with golden mantou buns are favorites amongst patrons. — Picture by John Bunyan
Classic Mealody Kopitiam Restaurant
The white coffee at this kopitiam-style eatery situated at Falim Business Centre comes uniquely paired with ice cream.
Indeed, you got it correctly; the white coffee here includes two scoops of rich vanilla ice cream. The white coffee itself is velvety, sweet, and smooth.
This coffee makes for an excellent indulgence on a bright day when you crave your caffeine boost.
Be sure to also sample their French toast and golden mantou buns. Their French toast consists of small cubed pieces soaked in an egg batter, grilled until crispy, and finally dusted with Milo powder.
Although the golden mantou buns, when deep-fried until perfect, offer a crisp exterior contrasted with a soft interior, they come paired with condensed milk and a distinctive curry dip for dunking.
The iced white coffee served at Golden Alley Kopi features intricately designed rose-shaped frozen coffee extract, and you should definitely sample their renowned curry noodles.—Picture by John Bunyan
Golden Alley Kopi
The kopitiam situated within the Aeon Big in Falim is yet another establishment that offers white coffee prepared uniquely.
At this kopitiam, you’ve got to try their signature white rose coffee. It comes as an iced beverage in a petite glass pitcher, crowned with a frosty rose-shaped piece of coffee concentrate.
As the coffee extract dissolves, the white coffee becomes more intense in flavor, enabling customers to experience the richness, thickness, sweetness, and creaminess of the white coffee even as the melting ice cubes dilute it.
Customers have the option to choose their signature white coffee without the frozen coffee extract topping as well.
At this kopitiam, you definitely have to try their signature curry noodle. The thick and flavorful curry soup comes topped with delicious roast pork, fresh cockles, slowly simmered pork rind, and stir-fried yardlong beans.
The icy white coffee and pan-fried radish cake are favorites among patrons at Dong Tai Kopitiam Pasir Pinji. — Picture by John Bunyan
Dong Tai Kopitiam in Pasir Pinji
The Dong Tai Kopitiam situated on Jalan Foo Eng Lim within Taman Hoover offers another chance to savor Ipoh white coffee.
The iced white coffee at this place has a bitter taste and is quite thin, served in an aluminum cup that helps keep the coffee refreshingly cold for a extended period.
Therefore, if you’re seeking a location to relax and chat with pals over a glass of iced or steaming coffee, this climate-controlled kopitiam would make an ideal choice.
The kopitiam offers various dishes ranging from full meals to light bites, with their pan-fried radish cake being particularly noteworthy. This radish cake boasts a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
A Jie Cafe
Located directly across from Dong Tai kopitiam, this café offers another delightful choice for those with a penchant for white coffee.
Several guests mentioned that their white coffee rivals well-known establishments like Chang Jiang and Nam Heong coffee.
The white coffee they serve is frothy, rich, and fragrant with a bittersweet flavor. This distinctive taste stays consistent regardless of whether you choose the hot or cold option.
Similar to other kopitiams and coffee shops, A Jie Café offers traditional Malaysian breakfast options including nasi lemak, classic hor fun noodles, shrimp noodle soup, kaya butter toast, eggs on toast, and numerous additional dishes.
Yinzo Kopi
The frosted white coffee is a favorite at this eatery. It boasts a dense layer of ice crystals on top, while the white coffee beneath is velvety smooth, offering a touch of bitterness alongside its creaminess.
Customers can select from various rice and noodle options, including choices like kaya butter toast, egg toast, polo bun, and much more.
The climate-controlled eatery is situated at Persiaran Bijih Timah within the Ipoh Old Town area.
oleh admin | Sep 20, 2024 | burgers, cooking, food and drink, food preparation, recipes
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Femail’s Ellen Manning shares tips on crafting a delicious smash burger from scratch at home.
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READ MORE:
The surge of the smashburger
The golden era of the quarter-pounder has faded away, as British folks now have a stronger affinity for the smashed burgers.
continuing to surge
.
For many years, hefty burgers have been a favorite among famished British people, but nowadays, a notably thinner alternative has started to catch their attention.
establishing itself as one of the UK’s favorites.
Even though they aren’t new, our affection for them is highlighted through social media, with countless posts devoted to these straightforward yet flawless items.
Burgers are everywhere, with big hitters not just in the capital but across the country, attracting regular queues of aficionados at restaurants and shops as well as street food vendors.
The irresistible combination of a crunchy exterior, slim meat slices, and overall gooey deliciousness stands unmatched.
The key is in the Maillard reaction – named after French chemist Louis Camille Maillard, who discovered that when amino acids and reducing sugars react, they create a distinctive flavour in the browned result that gets our taste buds tingling in a way that’s strangely addictive.
Getting this effect in a burger requires ample heat, high-quality meat, and the signature ‘smashing’ method where clumps of ground beef are pressed and flattened until the patty becomes incredibly thin, achieving the crispy edge everyone adores.
We probably don’t have massive machines at home built for smashing hundreds of patties on an assembly line to satisfy avid burger enthusiasts.
However, we can create some of our own using appropriate strategies. The starting point is the meat itself.
It’s agreed upon that the meat needs to be of good quality. Generally speaking, people prefer a fat-to-lean meat ratio of 30:70.
Tom Warwick, the mastermind behind the popular burger chain MeatCastle, takes things up a notch. He attracts throngs of eager customers from all over the nation to his mobile eatery known as the Fortress of Burgers. Tom’s secret formula involves a blend with proportions not exceeding 25:75, processed using a 4mm grinder, emphasizing that aged fat enhances flavor.
‘To get the perfect blend, you should use double-ground high-fat beef mince; chuck works well for this, along with some brisket, flank, and rib meat,’ recommends Tom Robinson, who serves as the group head chef at Libertine Burger – an additional accolade-winner.
However, since I’m not a seasoned burger chef but merely an ordinary home cook, I lack both the time and means to get a custom meat mix prepared by a butcher for me personally.
Fortunately, I don’t live too distant from renowned butchers Aubrey Allen, known for making their own burgers and burger blends. So, I head over quickly and request the finest ground meat they have to craft my custom smash patties.
They sold me a substantial portion of their dry-aged, grass-fed ground beef, telling me that although experts may have their preferred method, the fat content here is sufficient for the task and should work just fine.
Heading home, I stop to grab a few brioche rolls and some classic American “sliced” cheese.
Since some folks enjoy having 4,798 toppings on their burgers, this focuses on the smash patties, hence we’ll keep things minimalistic.
I sought advice from the burger connoisseurs and learned we should shape the ground meat into patties. According to them, adding an egg isn’t necessary.
Robinson informs me that seasoning is meant for cooking, not required in the initial mixture. I’ve convinced both him and Warwick to share some cooking advice—largely so I can relay this information to my hamburger enthusiast spouse, who’s much more daring when flattening patties on a heated grill compared to myself.
The secret lies in achieving the perfect temperature—not too high and not too low,” explains Warwick. Given his extensive experience and the sheer number of burgers he has handled—reckoned to be in the hundreds of thousands—he likely knows precisely what degree of heat is required, though we can only speculate.
‘Therefore, we turn the stove to maximum heat, place a pan on it, and wait until it looks like it’s sufficiently hot.’
“Place one ball onto the grill, then flatten it as much as possible,” instructs Robinson.
‘Since what you’re searching for is that crispy exterior, that delightful Maillard reaction.’ We pursue it.
As soon as the meat touches the skillet, the sizzling begins, growing increasingly intense and assertive as we apply pressure to flatten the patty.
Fortunately, we have a burger press tool that comes in handy, and before long, the meat transforms into a flat pancake-like patty. While some advocate smashing the patty for about 90 seconds, Robinson advised me to refrain from meddling too much and let the meat be undisturbed until a nice, crispy crust forms.
How to prepare a smashed burger
Serves Four
500 grams of ground beef (having a ratio of 30% fat to 70% lean meat)
Oil of your choice
Salt to taste
American cheese
Burger buns
Extra toppings of your preference
Method
1. Slice the burger buns into halves, toast or grill them, then set aside.
2. Split the ground meat into four portions, then shape each one into balls, adding plenty of salt along with seasoning options according to preference.
3. After your pan becomes sufficiently heated, add one portion of the mixture into the pan.
4. Quickly cover with baking parchment and then use a smaller pan to ‘smash’ the mince down, allow to cook for two minutes
5. Take off the baking parchment and flip the patty over, pressing down with a spatula.
6. Arrange the burger ingredients inside the buns using your preferred toppings.
I get why you’d notice a difference as it cooks, particularly when the Maillard reaction begins and alters the aroma. I can’t say exactly how long we were at it because my palate picked up on that transformation too. Plus, I was trying hard to manage the automatic saliva production triggered by the delightful scent of cooking meat and the anticipation of achieving perfect smash burgers right in our home kitchen.
I would readily enjoy eating it right away—just the meat. However, my spouse has observed numerous professional burger chefs at work, so after generously sprinkling it with salt and pepper, he emulates their technique by placing a slice of cheese atop the patty while it’s still in the pan. Then comes the brioche bun lid (Warwick emphasized that a quality burger bun is essential, hence I bought Tesco Finest ones). Finally, we cover everything with a cloche for the bun to softly steam.
No, I’m not sure why we have a cloche as well, but it turns out to be a useful item in the kitchen when you’re making a smashburger without wanting to stand in line outdoors during chilly weather.
At this stage, the pan might be getting too hot and the smoke detector is likely to activate soon, yet we remain unfazed. We’re nearly achieving burger nirvana.
As a kid, I would heap the completed burger with plenty of pickles, extra cheese, crispy onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and anything else I could get my hands on. However, although Robinson mentioned earlier that the beauty of smash burgers lies in their flexibility—where you can pretty much do whatever you like—he also emphasized that: “a great smash burger truly needs nothing more than some beef, a bun, and cheese.”
It doesn’t really require anything else.” I only mildly stray from his guidance, finding it impossible to skip adding some ketchup and burger mustard, then digging into my meal.
It’s fantastic. I’m curious if we’re not quite at the level of the experts yet, but these burgers definitely lack fatty patties. The patty—or should I say, patties, since we generously stuff each bun with two—has a delightful crispness and crunch to it.
The meat is bursting with flavor, enhanced by the classic process that gives seared steaks their deliciousness and makes smashed burgers so popular. You’ll wish it lasted longer, just like with the finest hamburgers.
This serves as a reminder that the finest meals frequently turn out to be the most straightforward ones. This explains why smash burgers continue to remain popular.
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