Feel the Heat

AA newcomer to Pickerington’s dining options is serving up a burger that rocks a little harder than most.

Medina-based Inferno Gourmet Burgers opened its Pickerington location, 10503 Blacklick Eastern Rd., in February. The new eatery, which took over the location previously occupied by Graffiti Burger, is the company’s first shot at branching out beyond Medina.

Founder Sean Brauser’s reputation precedes him in central Ohio – he’s also the man behind Romeo’s Pizza, which has nine Columbus-area locations in operation, including one at 80 W. Church St. in Pickerington.

Inferno’s menu sports 12 signature burgers, most named after U.S. cities. They include the Austin Burger, which has chili, sour cream and Tillamook cheddar cheese; the New York Burger, which is topped with pepperoni, pizza sauce and provolone and mozzarella cheeses; and the titular Inferno Burger, which offers chopped Applewood bacon, sautéed onions, American cheese and a fried egg.

Each offers options that customers will find unique, says Patty Steen, Inferno’s marketing director.

“Our burgers are fire-grilled with fresh ground meat that is never frozen,” says Steen. “In addition to our burgers, we have beer-battered fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and salads. There are also gourmet hot dogs that are deep-fried and awesome milkshakes.”

If none of the specialty burgers covers all your bases, Inferno has a “build your own” option.

“Customers can choose their meat (Angus beef, chicken, barbecue pork or veggie), a fresh baked bun or an Inferno pretzel roll. And then they choose the type of cheese they want for the ‘build your own’ option,” Steen says. “The veggie bar allows customers to top burgers with fresh toppings and sauces, or they can choose premium toppings for additional charge.”

The specially blended and assembled burgers are not the only things that can draw a crowd to Inferno, she says.

“It’s a high-energy environment you can go to after work with your friends or with your family,” says Steen. “We have TVs that play rock videos all day long.”

Specialty milkshakes on the Inferno menu range

Inferno Gourmet Burgers New Orleans Burger

Ingredients

• 6-8 oz. Angus beef, seasoned to taste

• Cajun rub

• 3 pieces grilled shrimp

• 1 oz. pepperjack cheese, sliced

• chipotle ranch dressing

Directions from the Campfire Milkshake – featuring chocolate ice cream, marshmallow fluff and graham cracker crust – to the PB&B Milkshake, which comes with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and fresh bananas. Beer, wine and cocktails such as the Inferno Margarita and Key Lime Pie Martini round out the Inferno menu, but the burgers are the rock stars here.

Hand pat beef and form into a circular shape. Rub both sides with your favorite Cajun rub. Grill 3-5 minutes on each side.

Place beef patty on your favorite bakery bun. Top beef patty with pepperjack cheese and grilled shrimp. Top with chipotle ranch dressing.

“It’s going to be simply the best burger (customers) have tasted,” says Steen.

Carly Kohake is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pub groupltd.com.