Spring Break: A Reason to Go to In-N-Out

Yuma, Arizona. When hearing the term Spring Break, this hotbed of solar energy is more than likely not a destination that comes to mind. However, it is where I spent the majority of my off-week—a deviation from normalcy I desperately needed.   Many folks flock to beaches and touristy hipster towns, but I sought a different experience.

My trip to see family in Yuma is always centered around the same focal point: my habitual trip to In-N-Out Burger. This solitary pilgrimage is the highlight of my month, I rarely make it past the first reachable location before pulling over.

                                                                              

But Nigel, isn’t it about seeing your family? The 3x3 burger is as much a part of my familial conceptions as any person could ever be.

A lot of people would probably feel uncomfortable or awkward sitting alone in a booth at a burger joint. I fantasize about this scenario weeks in advance. After I place my order, I locate a table that will provide the ideal dining experience and perform the routine set-up. One packet of salt, two packets of black pepper, a healthy portion of ketchup, and a precautionary but not environmentally-destructive amount of napkins.

My number is called.

At the moment I hear the digits that correspond to my receipt, I feel a fluttering sensation in my stomach. The flavors I've imagined for weeks are suddenly seconds away, and I rush in a euphoric haze to swiftly reap the benefits of my longing.

The freshly-made fries are spread out evenly on the tray. Salt and pepper is applied. It is time.

                                                                       

My authentic In-N-Out experience could never accommodate the process of photography. The raw, lusty impatience to devour my burger and fries triumphs over any yearnings to provide a snapshot of the moment. Come to think of it, why would I ever want to see a picture of the perfect proportion of ground beef to cheese? This image has no value as a standalone; without the aroma of sauce and the crunch of fresh lettuce, it is nothing more than a torture device.

                                             

If I am ever captured and held hostage, don’t even waste your time with water-boarding  The photograph of a hot In-N-Out meal coupled with even the faintest possibility of realizing it would fill my body with more anguish than any man-made device could ever hope to elicit.

Perhaps my affinity for In-N-Out could be perceived as over-the-top by some.  

To me, the people of the Southwest who are fortunate enough to be blessed with this culinary mecca are grossly unappreciative of the greatness at their fingertips.