When I was growing up in New Jersey we would frequently go to the Palace Diner that was within walking distance of our house. My favorite thing to order was their California burger and fries. A California burger consists of a burger patty and bun plus mayo and ketchup, tomatoes, raw onion, and lettuce.

In looking up why this is called a California burger I find that in mid-20th century, fresh produce was not available year-round in many parts of the U.S. Having tomato and lettuce on your burger was not common. In California itself they would put on avocado slices instead of the onion. I find that avocado on a sandwich makes it too slippery so I stick with the East Coast version. I am just a Jersey shore girl enjoying the bounty of California.

John did a perfect job grilling the burgers. Being from the mid-west he eschews the lettuce and tomato and just goes for mayo and ketchup. Sarah puts blue cheese on hers. We are definitely an ALL-American family.