Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but it's not like that's ever stopped me before. Henry and I have been spending a lot of time in a small Northwestern Ohio town over the last several months; usually 3 days at a time. As a result, we've found the places we like best to eat.

I've noticed something here I've not seen elsewhere. Two of our favorite dives, one a diner and the other a bar near the nearby lake, both make their sandwiches upside down. At the diner it's fried bologna sandwiches. With a big chunk of bologna on top of lettuce, tomato, a thick slice of onion, pickles and mayonnaise, it is just about the perfect sandwich.

When I first saw it there, with all the condiments on the bottom, not on the top where god and Dave Thomas intended for them to be, I have to admit I was a little taken aback. But, on the other hand, it was darned good. Even so, I wasn't willing to attribute it to sequence. I thought it was just a great combination of, well, stuff.

But, the next time I was back, in the name of Science, I tried flipping it over so things were in the "right" order. Guess what? It wasn't as good. Not nearly. In the un-flipped order you got a lot more bologna flavor and a lot less of the condiments--especially the onion, which was terrific. It was good but not as good.

Curious, I thought, and logged that somewhere in the back of my head for later review.

So, last night we were at the bar. Wednesdays are dollar cheeseburger nights so we always go and the cheeseburgers are always surprisingly good. As I chomped away once again, I took a closer look and, sure enough, the cheeseburger was upside down, too, with the meat at the top of the pile. And it was darned good, too. Really good.

I hate to think we've all had it wrong all this time but I'm telling you, there's something to this. Give it a try on your next good burger or sandwich and see if you don't agree.

1. Ben Dubuc03/02/2007 02:45:20 PM

After reading your post yesterday, I had to try this at lunch time today. So I went for a cheeseburger at a joint I go often, so I knew what the cheeseburger tasted.

I was out for a surprise You definitly taste the condiments a lot more if they are at the bottom! I guess it's because it's the first thing that gets to your taste buds, but it works. My next BBQ season is going to be a hit thanks to you!

I'll have to try that with pizza, although it might prove a bit more difficult!!!

Thanks for that great tip. I'll never eat a burger or a sandwich the same way now. All of you out there reading this post, please try this... You won't regret it.


Ben in Montreal, Canada, being burried under 35cm of snow (that's about 15 inches fo our US friends)

2. Gant03/15/2007 03:50:54 PM

I tried this...

It is not just you, Scott. I now have a new way to eat my sammiches.

-- G

3. Fly03/19/2007 04:49:29 PM

I have not tried this (isn't there one in the world)!
But, since the great documentary, "Super Size Me" I am exploring not fast food alternatives.
Know what? A burrito - cheese and bean, or bean and onion, tastes no different up, down, or sideways (that way IS more messy and i won't recommend it).
Might there be 'Fastfood Nation' tachnology afoot here?
An upside down pizza would not work, not ice cream, not a taco for that matter. Patty melts are better if left on the plate and covered in gravy - eaten with a fork!
By the way, you being from Ohio, Neil Zurker's Nash Metropolitan is on display.

4. Joe Deater03/29/2007 09:41:35 AM

Scott,

I met my wife this way. Was enamored by a good looking girl eating a sandwich upside down, everyday! Asked her why she did it (for the taste), been with her ever since! We order all our sandwiches upside down!

Joe

5. Nathan T. Freeman04/13/2007 04:40:01 PM
Homepage: http://nathan.lotus911.com

I've used this technique for years with ice cream and sushi. Always turn the spoon upside down and place the ice cream on your tongue. Always put the sushi (nigiri at least) fish-side down on your tongue.

6. Scott Good04/14/2007 11:49:30 AM
Homepage: http://www.scottgood.com

Wow...never thought of that...thanks!

7. Dave Navarre06/06/2007 02:29:48 PM
Homepage: http://www.centretek.net

Oh, I'll have try that with sushi!

I had tried this sometimes when the bun bottom was collapsing, but will have to try again to isolate the taste....