May 28 - Hamburger Day: from origins to gourmet

Today, May 28, we celebrate Hamburger Day, a day dedicated to the beloved hamburger, a culinary icon that has conquered palates all over the world!

Hamburger: a complex story

The history of the hamburger is surrounded by many legends and varies depending on the sources, but one thing is certain: this dish has become a symbol of American cuisine and has won over the entire world.

European origins: the roots of the hamburger can be traced back to the city of Hamburg, Germany, where in the 19th century a minced meat patty, known as "Hamburger Steak," was served to emigrants departing for America. This dish was simple and nutritious, ideal for consumption even during the long Atlantic crossing.

Development in the United States: once it arrived in America, the concept of "Hamburger Steak" evolved. The first real mentions of hamburgers served between two slices of bread appear around the end of the 1800s.
There are multiple claims about its invention: in 1885, Charlie Nagreen from Seymour, Wisconsin, purportedly started selling hamburgers at the state fair to make them easier to eat while walking; in the same year, Frank and Charles Menches from Akron, Ohio, claim to have invented the hamburger during a fair, using ground beef instead of the depleted salt cod and serving it between two slices of bread; later, in 1900, Louis Lassen from New Haven, Connecticut, is recognized for having served ground beef between two slices of bread from his kiosk, Louis’ Lunch, to factory workers, helping to spread the popularity of the hamburger.

Gourmet hamburger created by a true chef!

We asked our ambassador Mida Muzzolon, Executive Chef of the Ristorante Ai 2 Santi & Tenuta San Martino, to develop a unique hamburger designed to delight the palates of the most discerning food lovers.

This delicacy promises to elevate the hamburger experience to a whole new level, combining bold flavors and surprising textures.

The gourmet hamburger by Mida Muzzolon is a masterpiece of flavor that includes:

Beef hamburger: a succulent base of high-quality beef, perfectly cooked to enhance the rich flavor of the meat.
Shrimp: adding a touch of elegance and freshness, the shrimp are expertly grilled and placed on top of the hamburger, creating a delicious contrast with the meat.
Avocado: the creaminess of the avocado blends with the other ingredients, offering a delicate flavor and a soft texture that envelops the palate.
Red Onion: thin slices of red onion add a sharp and crunchy note, balancing the flavors with their freshness.
Lettuce: a base of crunchy lettuce provides a fresh and light contrast, completing the ensemble with a green and healthy note.
Pickles: small pickled cucumbers finely chopped introduce a touch of acidity and crunch, perfect to finish off each bite.

In this journey through the history of the hamburger, we have explored how this iconic dish has evolved over time, transforming from a simple street food to a protagonist of gourmet cuisine.