Stowe, Vermont - August 26, 2011
From its foliage in the fall to its ski slopes in the winter, there are a lot of obvious reasons people flock to Stowe. But one attraction keeps people coming back no matter the season.
It can be found at The Shed Restaurant, and it's a burger with attitude. Owner Ken Strong says it's the most popular thing on the menu, "hands down."
Just like its burger, this restaurant along Route 108 has very humble beginnings. The Shed opened in 1965 in a shed that once served as a blacksmith shop. There were farms on both sides.
It was Hollywood that helped boost the restaurant's business with the release of "The Sound of Music." Tourists started flocking to the nearby Trapp Family Lodge and stopped at the restaurant on their way.
"Every once in a while I'd joke, thanks for putting us on the map," Strong says.
One thing that hasn't changed much over the years is the recipe for The Shed's signature item.
"It tastes good and when it tastes good, don't mess with it," Strong says.
It starts with beer, which Strong says adds moisture and flavor. The beef is soaked at least four hours in one of the restaurant's beers brewed on site.
Then, the 6-ounce patty goes on the grill. Add all the traditional toppings and your choice of cheese. The bun for this burger is two slices of English muffin, something that, when the restaurant opened, was new to Vermont.
"Thomas didn't start distributing here until 1965. We put them on the map," Strong says.
It's a culinary delight still pleasing locals and tourists, and it's one of Vermont's most popular burgers.
Keagan Harsha - WCAX News
