Build A Better Burg(er) And They Will Come!

Every once in awhile the little town we share a zip code with grabs my attention. I've mentioned before I have a fondness for Rathdrum, Idaho. With the larger nearby towns of Post Falls and Hayden ever encroaching on it's boundaries, they remain staunchly independent while searching for an identity.

I think it may be right under their nose and they have yet to recognize it! It has the potential of becoming the foodie capital of northern Idaho. Not high tone cuisine, mind you, but good stick to the ribs fair. Like great Mexican and Burgers. Yep. Burgers.

First there was
Burger Heaven which has been a favorite of mine since we got here eight years ago. My fellow blogger turned restaurant critic gave it very high marks and I totally agree.

Then came the Salsa Chic who decided Rathdrum was the ideal location for her manufacturing facility and eatery. She's gone from selling her salsa at the local farm markets to national exposure on the likes of the Today Show . Again, deservedly so.

Just this last week I read that another great burger place from Coeur d'Alene, Longboard Burgers, is also opening up in Rathdrum. My bud from Get Out North Idaho gave it rave reviews too.

Now the kids have gotten into the act. Seven years young Charlie Beckett entered Red Robin's "The Next Gourmet Burger Kid's Recipe Contest" and walked off with first place. He's off to visit Jay Leno and his creation, the "Holy-Peno Burger" will be featured on Red Robin's menu for a month this summer with 50 cents from each sale going to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

How great is that?

I've been reading where a group of Rathdrum's Main Street merchants have been meeting to discuss a direction for their town. Well, here it is! You've a pretty good start right here! Take a look at the Food Channel's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives to see what kind of traffic these places can generate when they're really good! Hey, run with it!

Ah, this post has warmed my heart. Maybe it's the season, but it's kind of nice to have some bragging rights for the ole zip code!