Gyro, it is Greek for bacon!



We are not all afforded the opportunities to travel, and experience the world. However, I have learned that a penetrating way to grasp understanding of one’s culture is through music, and my favorite, food. Over the years, I believe American cuisine has evolved into a composite of different cultures. The hamburger, however, is an American staple, and every area of the United States has at least one version or another. Burger enthusiasts and purists cherish Louis’ Lunch as the birthplace of the hamburger. Despite its progression from Louis Lassen’s fresh daily, five meat variety, hand-rolled, and cast-iron grilled patty—garnished only with cheese, tomato and onion, all wedged between fresh-baked, white, thick, and toasted sandwich bread—today, the hamburger has varying elements, configurations, layers and interpretations many times dubbed as gourmet or fusion burgers. Slater’s 50/50, like Louis’ Lunch, holds a special places in burger history, and I would like to be the first to unofficially name them “Home of The Fusion Burger.”

A fusion [or gourmet] hamburger holds true to the elements of traditional burgers yet adds moxie, cultural difference, or a culinary exploration of a chef’s mind and imagination. The Gryo Burger at Slater’s 50/50 takes two very traditionally simple food concepts and combines them into a gastronomic sculpture that rivals The Discus of Thrower of Myron. It is made of seasoned Brandt beef, lamb & beef gyro, tomato, naked red onion, feta cheese, cucumber, and Tzatziki Style Greek Yogurt sauce.

The ingredients are authentic, and unoffensive. The Tzatziki style yogurt is sweeter than anticipated, but not to the point where it distracts from the traditional flavor you’d expect. I enjoyed the burger as it reminded me of great gyro sandwich from Georges Greek Cafe in Long Beach. It took me to a familiar place. The beef patty did not overpower the gyro, nor vice versa. The tomato, red onion, feta, and cucumber gave the burger its life. The gyro was thinly sliced and properly seasoned. Altogether, the burger patty, the gyro, the veggies and the sauce band, and state in unison: “Hey fella, I am a Greek fusion burger. Respect me.”

The fusion burger concept has develop, flourished and made its way into the hearts of burger enthusiast around the world. Slater’s 50/50 once again proves that they are an [if not the] authority on great, culturally-rich, fusion hamburgers.

Slater’s 50/50 Pasadena

61 North Raymond Ave.

Pasadena, CA 91103

(626) 586-1047

Hours: Sun 9:30a.m. – 11:00p.m., Mon-Thurs 11:00a.m. – 11:00p.m.,

Fri & Sat 11:00a.m. – 12:00a.m.

Breakfast is back every Sunday, starting at 9:30a.m. during regular football season!



Burger of The Month: The Gyro Burger