[jared515]

I went to a brew pub that had an amazing burger that I would like to try to recreate it for friends.  It started with three different cuts of beef ground up to male the patty, white cheddar on the bottom of the patty and this custom sweet butter they made.  The pairing of the cheese and this sweet butter concoction (no, it wasn't just normal sweet butter) was amazing.  I asked what it was and they said it was made with their stout beer.  I'm looking for an idea of what I can do to try and replicate this - doesn't necessarily need to be made with the stout nbeer,but something to make this a really sweet butter to go with the cheddar.

 

[mike9]

First of all stop and think about the flavors you were tasting and think about how you would go about achieving that.  Develop your pallet - it's a process of discovery and remember you are armed with the power of the internet.  Empower yourself!!

 

[koukouvagia]

If I may offer a different perspective, I enjoy the mystery of a great dish and leave it be without trying to recreate. More often than not it does lead to some frustration. Why not honor this pub and take your friends there to see for themselves how good it is. You will be patronizing the spot and garnering favor with the owners which may lead a a free drink at some point. If you want to host a dinner make something you are good at and leave this special sauce to them. Just my two cents.

 

[brianshaw]

While I tend to practice the philosophy of Koukovagia, I too am a replicator. In fact, at this moment I'm replicating one of Todd English's sauces. Mine are always good but rarely as great as the real thing. Best technique to get as lose as possible - ask the chef to share the recipe. It might take a lot of scaling for home quantities and experimentation, but better than dealing with vague suggestions and taste memories... Unless you have a "photographic" palate of course!

 

[jared515]

I am normally in agreement of visiting the place, but it's 1.5 hours away, and just not a normal area we go to.  You may  be right in leaving the specialties up to them, but I appreciate a challenge, or at least trying to put my own twist on it - but this isn't something I have tried and must need a place to start.

 

[koukouvagia]

If it's sow thing that's not easily accessible then yes, I do try to recreate. But if it's from the local pub just go to the local pub. I've tried making ramen at home and I always like the one at my favorite ramen place better. So when I want ramen I go get it and leave it to those who know what they're doing.

There's nothing wrong with trying to recreate something delicious and learn how to make it yourself. But when I try to impress my friends it's with something I know how to do, I'd rather take them to eat that burger than try to approximate it for my own sake. Know what mean?