Kuma’s Corner is widely considered to serve the best burgers in Chicago. There’s always a long wait for a seat at the “heavy metal burger bar,” the patrons hungry for creative sandwiches like the Iron Maiden (topped with avocado, cherry peppers, pepper jack and chipotle mayo) and the High On Fire (Sriracha, prosciutto, roasted red pepper, grilled pineapple, sweet chili paste). It’s something everyone should experience at least once, provided you don’t mind waiting close to two hours for a burger.

Last night, my wife and I visited Kuma’s closest match in the Boston area: R.F. O’Sullivan & Son in Somerville. The burgers here are half-pound, baseball-size monstrosities, so thick that it’s difficult to get your mouth around them – and that’s before you add on toppings like ham or asparagus or stuff ‘em with blue cheese.

I’ve got nothing against complex toppings, but last night I was feeling simple. I went for the “J.D.” – barbecue sauce, cheese, lettuce, and tomato – because what I’d really been craving was a big, juicy burger. I didn’t come for the toppings, I came for the beef. And I was not disappointed.

This may just be the meat hangover talking, but I think this experience says something about the value of simple design. Bear with me here. (more…)