I saw it on GAF, and knew I had to have it. I've always liked Hardees. It's expensive, sure. It's also one of the most calorific fast food places in existence, but I didn't care. Something made me want this Tex Mex burger badly. I decided I would go the next day, but alas, the nearest Hardees was 4.8 miles away and driving there would mean giving up my amazing street parking spot in Minneapolis on Homecoming friday. That would not do. I knew, I would be walking.
And I did.
I set my alarm for 9am on Friday. I overslept. I was tired, I had a late night before, and I just couldn't pry myself out of bed. I though that I would just sleep today, and get the burger some other time.
NO! My brain volted me upright. You want this burger, so get it. Unfortunately, the body and brain were not on the same page at the same time, as I snoozed until 11am. But then I knew, it was time to go get lunch. Time to go earn it.
I walked the 4.8 miles to Hardees. It seemed like 10 miles alone. Sweat dripped down my brow as I cursed the news for it's conservatively low weather forecast. After walking until my knees ached, I was there. Time to order.
It was not an easy order. The cashier was enamored by my English accent, and even brought a co worker out to hear me. I was in no mood. I wanted that juicy piece of meat between my lips. I was offered curly fries. I agreed. My food was finally here.
The curly fries were the first to go. They stood no chance. They were as curly as the name suggested, and fresh out the oil. They crunched between my teeth, and were followed into my gullet by swift gulps of diet coke. All gone. Time for the main course.
There she was. In all her glory. In all my excitement for a new Hardees burger, I hadn't even looked at what was in it that made it so special. I noted the bacon, peppers and onions, a sauce. It looked good. I whipped out the tomatoes of course, I am no savage, and then I tucked in.
It was tasty. Very tasty. Hell, it was delicious. One of the very best fast food burgers I have ever eaten, maybe even top 5 of all time. Crunchy, juicy, a little tangy and fresh. What a ride.
Would I buy it again? I'm not sure. Sometimes moments in life are so fantastic you don't want to repeat them, lest the original memory be distorted. I think that's where this burger will stay, in my mind, as a beautiful memory.
I filled my cup with a cherry coke for the road, and left. The sun beat down even hotter than before. These 5 miles home with a full belly would be taxing. Thankfully, stopping in to Goodwill on the way home would save my spirits.
A good day.