17252955:Cobb Life JAN 2013 dummied to trim_new size
12/24/2012
2:21 AM
Page 44
BEST OF COBB
Best Burger The Red Eyed Mule 1405 Church Street Extension Marietta 678.809.4546 www.thered eyedmule.com
Visit Gaines Park and enjoy the warmth of a family-owned senior living community.
1740 Old 41 Highway Kennesaw, Georgia
It’s small, unassuming and is in an industrial area off the beaten path. But if you’re a burger fan, The Red Eyed Mule is definitely worth seeking out. The burgers here are without peer. Owners Joe Wood and Sabra Wessel start with Black Angus chuck in a mix of 81 percent lean and 19 percent fat. The meat is seasoned with kosher salt, pepper and “six or seven” other spices that are a Mule secret. Hand formed into a ball then hand-pressed flat, the sixounce patties sizzle on a flat top before being plopped on buttered and grilled Texas toast. Customers can choose from three cheeses and other goodies for toppings. But for a gustatorial pleasure bomb, it’s the Sloppy Slaw Burger. Oozing with a chili-like concoction of ground beef and chorizo sausage called Sloppy Jimmy, melted sharp cheddar and a slaw of red and green cabbage, carrot and a rice vinegar and mayo dressing, it’s savory, juicy and completely satisfying . “You get that sweet from the slaw, some heat from the chorizo, and the sharp cheese cuts into the heartiness of the beef,” Wessel said. Be warned: this is at least a six-napkin meal. Marietta resident and culinary connoisseur Alton Brown gave the Jake’s Sloppy Slaw a shout-out on Food Network on the “Messy” segment of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” The Mule offers other specialty burgers, too. Another standout is the Sassy Senorita, which sports chargrilled jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon and Sloppy Jimmy on one of the beef patties. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, The Red Eyed Mule is a cash-only establishment.