Meet the Blagojevich burger: meat, cheese and a hefty slice of bologna


By Christopher Borrelli | Tribune reporter
January 7, 2009


The #!@%¿ Blagojevich Burger at Kuma's Corner is a &%$! valuable hamburger. This thing is &!%$ golden.

I mean, they're not just &^%$# giving it away. It costs $10. But as a note on the chalkboard of this popular Avondale burger joint on Chicago's Northwest Side makes plain: "Price is negotiable." Which is generous, for the #!@%¿ Blagojevich Burger—also known as the "Bleeping Blagojevich Burger"—is genius, not merely named in honor of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with a vague metaphorical connection, like most sandwiches named for politicians or celebrities.

The #!@%¿ Blagojevich is deeply evocative of the man.

Or so we hear.
        
It is the invention of Kuma owner Michael Caine, who once sold a Chicago City Council Burger, topped with foie gras. That was much tastier. But then, &*!% 'em: The Blago begins with a 10-ounce patty, a feisty foundation that remains nonetheless in the @$ background, marrying well with the *&^@# condiments; the patty is best ordered pale pink for maximum evocativeness. Next, the burger is topped with a very thick slice of bologna, ensuring every bite of beef is undercut by a mouthful of salty, startlingly bold baloney.

The grandest touch, however, is the "bun." Burger and bologna are held between grilled cheese sandwiches of Wonder Bread and processed American cheese.

The grace note: yellow mustard, squirted into the shape of a dollar sign.

For the record, it went down surprisingly smoothly. However, once we picked off the bologna, we were left with a lot of cheese.

Caine has sold about 70 since last week, and he won't take less than $10.

"But if you want to pay more, sure."