Sandpoint Idaho Burgers and are Potato Buns actually worth all that money?

Gone are the days where you just put any slab of meat, mediocre even, in between slices of bread and peddle it to the masses at exorbitant prices. No. Nowadays your burger need to be a certain degree of special for people to be willing to fork over their hard-earned money to buy them. I don't believe that is the case for Sandpoint Idaho Burgers. 

I was on my way home, very late in the evening mind you, when I passed by Sandpoint Idaho Burgers in the Greenfield district. I have seen this spot several times in the past but never walked the few feet from the taxi stand to this place. This particular evening was different because I was really famished and was sick of the fastfood fares in the same area.

With all the other fastfood stalls open that night packed of BPO workers on their break, it was surreal to see that Sandpoint Idaho Burgers was absolutely devoid of any patrons. It was empty! The two staff were seated behind the counter and only noticed that I was there when I said "Hello", almost five minutes after I've perused the menu board.

Whenever I hear the "ding" of the microwave in a restaurant, I get this sinking feeling that I'm not in for anything really good. Hearing it thrice, when you're the only one in the store who ordered food, is absolutely absurd. To be fair some of these could have been the toaster for the potato bun. 

Not surprisingly - the meat was dry, exactly what you get when it is reheated in a microwave. I picked the Arco burger because it had pineapples in it. I suggest you read my article The Aloha Pizza Cheese Burger to understand why I would go for this. Well the pineapple tidbits from a can seemed like they weren't there at all. The yolk on the egg was so overcooked that it was like the yolk you get from a hard boiled egg. The potato bun tasted a little different but also somewhat familiar. But it was so dry!

The side of fries were definitely not Idaho potato fries. I've had those from Five Guys when I was in New York. Why name yourself from the state famous for their potatoes but don't actually import the damn potatoes for the damn fries? The house iced tea (if it actually is house iced tea) was the only bright spot during this meal. It tasted refreshingly like peaches and honey. all served in a small carafe which I thought was an awesome idea. 

When your challenge wall only has two pictures and one postcard, you know you're doing something wrong

Sandpoint Idaho Burgers. If you're going to be charging more than 200 Php (it seems they all start at that price) for your burgers just because of the Potato Bun but not give quality fore every sandwich, then I'm not surprised why patrons are not flocking to your store. Who then would also like to try the Colossus challenge when they know it will be a losing effort trying to wolf down dry meat and bread for that short amount of time? 

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Hattendo Japanese Chilled Cream Buns and why would you freeze bread?

I had no intention of buying any Japanese Chilled Cream Buns but then they said "free samples" and here we are!

A smattering of people came more out of curiosity than anything else. Then they'll stay for the free samples. Then you get hit with the price. 118 Php for two buns. By then you're too invested and almost forced to shell out that money for two pieces of bread with cream fillings.

My girlfriend and I were heading to Tim Ho Wan for a light dinner when we passed by this kiosk. It's strategically placed as it's in the entrance to the fashion mall nearest to the ATM's. That was exactly what happened to us. We got two Matcha buns so as to have something to munch on while waiting. 

I guess you're supposed to eat them right away?

"Don't Refreeze". They were frozen!

The line was not particularly long this evening so we were able to get seated in about five minutes. This gave me a chance to take pictures of the buns while waiting for the toasted buns. It was a night full of 'effin buns!

I do not get why these cost so damn much. Okay, I kind of get it. It's the cost they incurred from flying all these from Japan. But why? It may have been fresh and good when it was baked in Japan but what we get here is a shriveled and cold piece of bread. And it looks like a pan de coco you can get from any local bakery. Seriously.

It looks like a pan de coco. I swear!

The pan de coco - uhurm... Japanese Chilled Buns admittedly are quite good. The bread is soft and kind of fluffy (it was a little soggy after being frozen) itself tasting slightly sweet and milky. The matcha filling did not have the overpowering taste of grass. Rather, it a balance of sweet, cream, and matcha all held together by the tasty (soggy) bun. The green tea, according to their website, is "gyukuro" from Fukuoka. I have no idea how that is supposed to taste like in its original form but it worked here.

I liked it. So did my girlfriend. Oh, and a couple beside us at Tim Ho Wan was also eating Hattendo and liked the whipped cream flavor. They parked inside the mall, went to withdraw, and passed the kiosk on the way to the restaurant. Strategic position I tell you. And I am very tsismoso.

I just don't think it's supposed to cost so damn much. And I don't care that it got flown over from Japan. I'd prefer buying them if they were made fresh from here. It's one thing chilling them. It's another if they got frozen and thawed. Who does that to bread? 

The mythical Quesarrito in the Philippines

One of the most well know rules of Chipotle Mexican Grill: "Thou shall not order the Quesarrito during the lunch time rush". It's known but some wayward few still can't help themselves. It's because it is just so epic that it calls to you. It brings you to the dark side. It seduces you with its beauty - uhm okay now I'm just exaggerating. 

This thing is ugly as hell but damn delicious!

I tried ordering one in Taco Bell Philippines but the cashier just gave me a weird look. Heck even when I just asked for some guacamole I also got a weird look. No wonder they can't expand in this fast food crazy country.

Not the prettiest thing ever...

But is super awesome!

I won't mention which Army Navy branch I got this from. I'm guessing this isn't the first time some one ordered this monstrosity from them even when they're not supposed to make them. The girl at the counter was all cool and actually told one of the persons at the grill how to do it. Then she herself personally brought it to our table and just covertly plopped it on my table. I felt like I was a spy and she was giving me some confidential information!

Do you see the layer of cheese in between those tortillas? Yum!

Look, I understand that Army Navy's Burrito and Cheese Quesadilla will never be even near that of Chipotle's but I-do-not-care! Go to some other snotty blog who feels they're above fast food to care. This is still awesome! A Chicken Burrito with a Cheese Quesadilla wrapped around it. I had to pay for each and it brought the bill almost to 300 Php but whatever.

Is it part of Army Navy's secret menu? Did I just break open the vault to awesomeness of this food bunker? Or did I just get lucky with a crew that had vision and an open mind? Was I just hammered and hallucinating? If so, where'd the picture come from? 

Try to order one. Tell me about it when you do! #FiredSalt and @FiredSalt on Instagram. Now go! Get your quesarrito!