Day #8 and I was feeling like having a combination of junk as well as something fresh and healthy at the same time. I was originally thinking I would try the fries at "Papas Mexicanas", but I changed my mind once I realized it would probably be too junky when I felt like having something a little more balanced. I gave mental notes to myself to go back to the fry restaurant another time to try either the elote fries, or the carne asada ones. Preferably on a day when my best friend or boyfriend comes with me to the park, and I can share (no need to make myself bloated on purpose).
I was trying to stay away from trying typical theme park foods like hamburgers or basic hot dogs, but I remembered that "Coasters" has the option to order different sides like onion rings and side salads instead of French fries, so that is where I decided to go. The location itself is so adorable because it is designed to look like a 1950s Diner. When I arrived I was actually kind of disappointed to see how popular the location was since there was not a single empty booth in sight. It makes sense though since I saw a lot of families with kids, and the bulk of their offerings consist of hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries.
Regardless, I still decided to continue with my order, and when I got in line I would be lying if I said the options looked appetizing. Just like "Prop Shop Pizzeria", this location also had heat lamps. The old hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs sitting in their paper sleeves, sitting under the heat lamps looking dry, stale, and left much to be desired.
While I was in line I grabbed a side of green salad, two packets of Kraft Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing this time, and I asked the server for a cheeseburger. Once she put it on my tray I had to do a double-take because it looked like such a deflated sandwich. When I opened the bun (it was a little difficult because of all the melted cheese) I realized that there were two beef patties inside. It literally looked like something you would order off the kids menu at McDonalds. In that moment I felt really grateful for having the meal pass because I was so sure that this would be another failed meal at Knott's Berry Farm. However, I must admit I was pleasantly wrong.
As I ordered my cup so I could pour my own beverage and the cashier rang me up for my diner platter, I realized there was a whole other section on the side of the restaurant. On the left-hand side they had a cold buffet with a variety of fresh toppings for the burgers as well as drink dispensers so you can pour your own beverages. I noticed the cold buffet had slices of tomato, slices of peperoncini peppers, Romaine Lettuce, hamburger pickles, and slices of white onion. I decided to add a little bit of each except the onions (I am not a fan unless it is grilled or sautéed), and I poured myself some sugar-free Boysenberry Punch, and a mixed it with their Minute Maid Light Lemonade. The last stop was their condiment dispensers where you could grab mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or BBQ Sauce, so I added all except the BBQ sauce to my cheeseburger. After adding all the toppings my burger no longer fit into its paper sleeve anymore, and it looked beyond delicious. Almost like the packed, gourmet sandwiches you receive at Islands Restaurant.
Since there were no available booths inside I decided to eat on one of the picnic tables outside the restaurant. It was a chilly day, so having a nice, warm cheeseburger felt like a luxury. My first bite was probably the most delicious one I have had thus far on this challenge. I didn't realize the bun was brioche until I tasted its sweetness; almost like ordering a Hawaiian bread bun. So MUCH better than eating the sesame seed buns you get at "Sutter's Grill" towards the front of the park. The vegetable toppings I added to the burger were the perfect additions because it cut the creaminess of the American cheese perfectly, and having the option to add my own condiments made the sandwich have the perfect ratio of mayo, mustard, and ketchup. I almost regretted not adding more slices of the peperoncini peppers because they really kicked up the flavor profile to a whole other level. The meat was seasoned perfectly, and it tasted almost like beef patties you would get at a home BBQ.
The salad was extremely basic and I could tell it was a little bit old because some of the iceberg lettuce at the top of the salad was translucent, but it was not a big deal because I just picked them off. The serving of side salad was very generous, and having the two packets of dressing this time made it perfectly satisfying.
I think this was probably my new favorite meal of The Challenge. I can tell because I was thinking about that burger all the way on my drive home. I would give it a 9.5/10, and it would have been a perfect 10 if the salad had been a little more fresh. The Diner Platter cost would have been $17.50 without the pass, and with my punch-lemonade at another $5.50 I saved $23.00 on this delicious meal. I will definitely 100% be back to order it again and again.
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