PrintThe Roethlis-Burger
The one holiday that virtually every American celebrates is this Sunday. Aside from Thanksgiving, we probably consume more food during this four-hour period than on any other day in the year. I could probably go on for hours about all the goodies I like to eat during the big game, but this a hamburger blog. Thus, I shall bring you a Super Bowl worthy burger.
Last season, Ben Roethlisberger took the city by storm when he won 13 games during his rookie season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This year, he's managed to get them into the Super Bowl. As you can imagine, the city of Pittsburgh would happily marry this man (if cities could marry people). Jeff Trebac of Peppi's is no exception.
In October of 2004, when the young phenom started his 13-game win streak, Trebac noticed that the last six letters of of Roethlisberger's name were very similar to another love of his. From this astute observation the Roethlis-Burger was born. The sandwich consists of ground beef, sausage, scrambled eggs, grilled onions and American cheese and is served on a portuguese roll. Depending on who you ask, it weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds. The burger sells for $7 (the number Big Ben wears) and the cheese is seven cents extra.
The burger was an undeniable hit and, as far as I know, is still being served there today. There have been plenty of imposter Roethlis-Burgers, but the Peppi's version has reigned supreme.
My only concern about the burger, based on the photo, is that the meat is loose and not in a patty, whch would mean it's not really a burger. So, if any Pittsburgh-folk can confirm the state of the meat it would be much obliged.
Finally, since you're pretty much required to make a bet this weekend, I will partake. If the Steelers win on Sunday, I will make a Roethlis-Burger at home and post the experiment here for all of you. Go Steelers!
Roethlis-burger on Wikipedia [Wikipedia]
Marketing of Big Ben [ESPN]
Peppi's Restaurant [Citysearch]
Photo Credit: Jason Cohn/Special to the Seatlle Post-Intelligencer
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4 Comments:
I have many the burger in the Steel Town. From what I know and have had before this golemous phenom came into existence, is a fat patty seasoned on the outside with a Montreal steak seasoning and charred while keeping the inside a medium rare to barely medium. The burger is topped with cheese, fries and a fried egg. You can get the cole slaw if you want also. Now, I'm from Cleveland so I will accept all punches to the face. Also check out this for the real sTown experience: http://www.primantibros.com/
I would have to argue the best sammiches in the world (and their pie is gooood).
Cheers!
Hamburger Tony at 9:04AM on 02/03/06
I've had an impostor Roethlis-burger here in our great city, at the Steeler friendly Reservoir bar: 70 University Pl, Btwn 10th & 11th St.. it didn't contain the egg and sausage like that of Peppi's. But rather took to the Steel town's german heritage and consisted of kraut, sautéed onions, swiss cheese on rye bread... and it had a great patty of beef. yum. Some pix
Hamburger burgerseeker at 4:39PM on 02/03/06
Hello Burger Today....I "invented" the Roethlisburger and what a creation it is. The burger actually starts out as a patty, but is then chopped to give it a unique consistency. The flavors tend to gell together quite well when we do it like this way. If you make it to Pittsburgh, stop by the Northside location and we will make you a beauty. So to answer the questions, yes we still sell it, yes it is a burger but not in the traditional sense. A burger with a twist....Jeff Trebac
Hamburger Jeff Trebac at 6:58PM on 01/20/07
hey jeff-- my friends and i were at the peppis in the strip district during the summer of 2006 to eat the famous burger and also go watch the steelers at training camp in latrobe pa. we enjoyed the sandwich and would like to have some shipped to rochester n.y. if possible. please answer my email address for further information. keep serving -mmmmmmm good !
Hamburger bob jobes at 4:45AM on 03/08/07