Commentary: Meatless Burger Exceeds Expectations
The opinion stated below is that of the writer and is not reflective of Farm Journal Media.
TGI Fridays recently announced it would expand its Beyond Meat Burger, a vegetarian option, nationwide to all 469 restaurants.
Being of curious nature, when I finally visited the restaurant I decided it was time to give this vegetarian-friendly burger a taste. After all, Beyond Meat started at my Alma matter (Mizzou), so how bad could it be?
Disclaimer: while I enjoy vegetarian cuisine I am by no means vegetarian, anti-meat or anti-meat production. I just can’t turn down a good black bean burger—or whatever this Beyond Meat burger is made from.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was TGI Fridays is clearly excited about the burger—so much so they plastered the front of the restaurant with ads and photos to entice customers. The 6-oz. patty can be substituted in any existing burger, but I stuck with the original with lettuce, cheese, red onion, tomato, cheddar and Fridays sauce.
My first and only negative comment: the burger was a little too perfect looking. Beef or pork burgers are never a perfect circle like this—nor do they have perfect grill marks like the Beyond Meat Burger. Upon first bite it revealed a reddish interior, I assume to mimic a medium-cooked beef burger.
Once you move beyond appearances the burger itself is actually really good. Is it beef, no, but if you’re not feeling like meat for the night it’s a good alternative. However, if you’re looking to cut calories skip this burger—it adds 70 calories you won’t find in beef—try their turkey burger instead to shave 160 calories.
Pro tip: Ask for extra sauce.
