George Motz, America's first bona fide burger scholar, discusses his transition from filmmaker to burger joint owner, his passion for cheeseburgers, and the qualities of a great burger. They also talk about becoming a burger scholar, cooking techniques for hamburgers, and flavor enhancements.
George Motz transitioned from a successful career in film to become America's first burger scholar, driven by a life-altering burger experience in Los Angeles.
A great burger is defined by its authenticity, flavors, and the stories behind the people and places that create them, emphasizing the importance of preserving regional traditions and unique experiences.
Deep dives
Becoming the Burger Scholar
George Moats, also known as the Burger Scholar, shares how he transitioned from being an Emmy Award-winning Director of Photography to a burger expert. It all began with a revelatory experience at a restaurant in Los Angeles, where he had a high-quality burger that changed his perspective on hamburgers. From that point on, Moats became passionate about exploring and documenting the diverse world of American hamburgers, making it his mission to discover and celebrate authentic burger joints across the country.
The Quest for Authenticity
For Moats, a great burger is characterized by authenticity, flavor, and the stories behind the people and places that make them. He emphasizes the importance of letting each burger stand on its own without imposing personal preferences or preconceived ideas. Moats considers the history and regional variations of burgers, recognizing the value of long-standing traditions and the unique experiences they offer. He sees himself as an active preserver of these burger joints, hoping that by sharing his knowledge and appreciation, he can help ensure their continued existence.
The Elements of a Great Burger
According to Moats, a great burger starts with high-quality, fresh ground beef. He believes that the flavor should be greater than the sum of its parts, capturing a unique experience that goes beyond the individual ingredients. Fat plays a crucial role in adding flavor and moisture to the burger, and Moats recommends a minimum fat content of 20%. He also highlights the importance of cooking burgers on a griddle or a pan to achieve better control over the heat and preserve the flavor.
Ths week on Special Sauce I catch up with my old running partner George Motz, America's first bona fide burger scholar. George has just opened his very own burger joint Hamburger America.