Monday, May 21, 2012

Delicious Food & A Burning Question of the Day.

So, there's this little hamburger joint in Southern Oregon that I'm seriously campaigning for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to come visit. I grew up in Southern Oregon, but I'd never been to this little burger place until about two years ago, and now I'm seriously hooked because the burgers available are just so delicious and unique. It's a small little place called Jaspers Cafe, but it is always busy, and there are literally people who come every single day. It's that good.

I mean, you want to put pastrami on your burger? Yeah, they do that. You want a burger with BBQ sauce, pineapple, bacon, and an onion ring? They've got it. You want a burger with peanut butter, bacon, and raspberry chipotle? Yep, they do that too (and while I was very suspect at first, it is GOOD). You want a burger topped with chorizo, a fried egg, bacon, and avocado? Yep, it's on the menu. A burger with blue cheese, apples, red grapes, and candied pecans? Yes, you can get that. Or maybe a kangaroo burger? Why yes, you can have that too. Or maybe a burger topped with a pot sticker, and then a sriracha, sweet chili, and ginger cream cheese. Yep, they've got it (and I'm dying to try it). And even with burgers like THAT, you're still paying $6-$8 a burger. It is seriously amazing, and if you're a local reader and haven't been, you need to go immediately. I'm serious.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I saw on Facebook that they were asking people to send in photos of the food that they ordered so that they could put it on their website. We hadn't been in to eat in awhile since our eating out budget has basically been zero for the past few months, so I didn't have any photos to send in. However, I volunteered to just come in for a couple of hours one day and take photos of whatever was ordered. They said, "That would be great! We'll feed you!" and I said SOLD as fast as the words could leave my lips. So, I went in on Friday, and it was a TON of fun!


Jaspers (27)


Jaspers (3)


Jaspers (16)


Jaspers (45)


Jaspers (34)

It was pointed out to me via Facebook that you can actually see the image of a dog in this last photo. Do you see it? Obviously, it was a funny coincidence and not intentional...but now I kinda think it should be the Jaspers mascot ;) 

 Anyway, food photography is not without its own learning curve and challenges, especially when you're not styling things yourself and are just shooting on the fly. Still, I was really happy with how these turned out, and I hope Jaspers loves them too, though I haven't heard back from them yet about what they thought! The photos must have done their job to some extent, because after editing them all morning, we proceeded to go back to eat there for lunch on Saturday  :)

Do you have a local restaurant that serves food like no place else and is your absolute favorite? What's the best part about it?

16 comments:

  1. We try to only eat local places. We have a lot to choose from and since our budget makes our trips less frequent - it is easy. I love that their food is what they love to make best. Most of the ones around us are family operations, and everyone is involved. They are invested in the food they make and recognize you when you come in.

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  2. And - those food shots are delicious! Yummy.

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  3. Jaspers is the BEST burger place in Southern Oregon. We try to go when we are home!

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  4. Yum. That made me want a creative burger just seeing the photos! There's a little Italian place near us that we like to take visitors in town too. Same kind of concept, small, family owned and very busy!

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  5. Awesome pictures! That was so nice of you to volunteer that service for FREE! [holy smokes! I hope they know how lucky they are.]

    We've got some pretty yummy burger joints around here in Milwaukee. In fact we just went to one last Tuesday. It's called Hamburger Mary's and they too have some delicious combos. I can always, always go for a good burger!

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  6. Dang straight they did their job! I want one now, or three.

    ps:: I totally agree with you about food photography. It's a crazy beast.

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  7. These look delicious! I'll have to take David there when we come down, he would *love* it. What a great deal, photos for food!

    I wish I had a favorite local place... the only one that comes to mind is McMenamin's, anywhere, anytime. Veggie burger with a rubinator! mmmm... Good grief I want some burger now.

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  8. I love Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. It's one of my favorite shows!

    My husband and I love Horse Brass Pub in Portland, OR. Traditional British pub food, and it's AMAZING. SO GOOD!

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  9. Oh my goooossh. Those look so good. I was already hungry (even after lunch!)- you are killing me! *Off to go put my weight watchers points in*

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  10. How awesome is this? Good for you for offering to do this. What did you choose to eat? I don't know how I would choose!

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  11. MMM I love Jaspers! And they are a great candidate for DDD - you should do it!

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  12. Oh and if you ever visit Central Oregon you will have no shortage of good local places to eat! My favorite is Zydeco and it's delicious! They have a dish that's BBQ shrimp, but it's like creole style... kind of a creamy spicy sauce over a grit cake. So so good! Unfortunatly, they are a little upscale so it's definitely a special occasion place.

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  13. That sounds like a lot of fun! We have a great burger place near my mom and dad - it's about 45 minutes from our house though, so it's a rare visit. But oh do I love a good burger!

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  14. okay those pictures turned out fabulous! i wish i could photograph food like that. i try to do it with things i make but i just haven't learned enough about my camera yet apparently :) (or maybe i just need yours :P ) - and that place does sound fantastic ...if i'm ever in oregon :)

    and i just found your blog and i'm your newest follower!
    love,
    elisabeth
    http://lavitaebella-elisabeth.blogspot.com/

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  15. This food looks amazing! You did a fab job! I want to know the feed back you get from them.

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  16. Even at 8am that food looks INCREDIBLE!

    We have tons of local BBQ places (KC=BBQ) but our favorite is this little hole in the wall place called Oklahoma Joe's. There's 2 in the area and the first (original) one was started in a gas station. YUM!!!

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