Big Mac with No Take Out, No Delivery
Child actor Ricky Schroder said of Music City USA, “Nashville feels like a big little town to me. It’s got lots of culture and lots of interesting things to do and lots of interesting people. At the same time, it feels very small and tight-knit and very close. Everyone feels like they know each other.” And he couldn’t have been more right!
Just before Christmas a contingent of my small town friends and I headed to Nashvegas for a little adult vacay before the ‘Big Show’ of Christmas. We had an absolutely great time punctuated by many memorable experiences but one truly defined the trip and that was a ‘Close Encounter of the Kid Rock Kind!’ I have been a longtime fan of Kid Rock and had previously seen him twice in concert so naturally Kid Rock’s Big A** Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse on Broadway was first on our list of stops.
We picked out our perch on the second of three floors, ordered a sampling of snacks, a few libations and settled in to enjoy some live music when Kid Rock himself showed up and sat down across the bar from us. To say we were surprised and excited would be an understatement! (In hindsight I don’t know why I was so surprised, if I owned a honky tonk I am pretty sure you would find me there EVERY Sunday afternoon.)
We ate in awe until it was time for us to head out on a golf cart tour, as we made our way downstairs, Kid did too, via a private staircase connected to the stage, and gave an impromptu show. I was floored, finding myself literally at the stage, just a breath away from the artist! It was unexpected and unbelievable start to our trip.
When he finally left the stage we practically floated outside, our trip had been MADE in just the first few hours! A couple of years ago I stumbled across an interview with Kid Rock where he said “You know, when I started I liked Big Macs and Budweiser, and I still like Big Macs and Budweiser.” which seems to sum him up perfectly! It has been a long time since I had a Big Mac but I decided to make one for dinner, right before my New Year’s diet started in earnest.
I think these are even better than the real thing!
We had a fabulous time in Nashville and when I the news of the bombing came across my phone on Christmas Day I was heartbroken. We enjoyed our last amazing meal just two short days before at The Stillery which was unfortunately right in the heart of the blast area. As soon as I am able to head back to Tennessee I will, Nashville is a big city but it truly has a small, hometown vibe that instantly makes you feel at home and the people, dripping with talent and endlessly friendly, are like no other.
Homemade McDonald’s Big Mac
1/2 cup mayonnaise (I like Dukes)
2 tbsp French dressing
1/2 tbsp sweet relish
2 tsp dill pickle relish
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp ketchup
1/8 tsp salt
2 thin hamburger patties
1 & 1/2 sesame seed buns
1 slice yellow American cheese
1 tsp finely minced white onion
1/4 cup shredded lettuce
2 dill pickle chips
Salt and pepper, to taste
The instructions and ingredients make one sandwich but can be easily doubled or tripled and so on to feed your crowd!
The Special Sauce
Mix the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet & dill relish, sugar, dried minced onion, white vinegar, ketchup, and salt in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour prior to serving. The Big Macs
Toast two bottom buns lighly and set aside. Season the hamburger patties to taste with salt and pepper and cook in a hot skillet until your desired level of doneness is reached. Then assemble ‘Big Mac’ style!
Katherine Compton is a mother of two and a Realtor. She loves cooking almost as much as she loves living in Jackson County. To contact Katherine, email whatscookingkatherine@ gmail.com.