A Beefy New Year’s Eve.

We weren’t going to do it. But then again, it was New Year’s Eve.
And if you’re going to eat your day’s calories in 1 sitting or have donuts for breakfast, this is the day to do it.

John was a vegetarian for several years before we dated and I hardly eat meat anymore. So when we recently had a discussion about taking our commitment to a vegetarian diet even further, a last hurrah at Five Guys before the New Year struck sounded like a genius idea to us.

We fell in love with Five Guys when we lived in Portland and made a nasty little habit of going at least once a month for a hearty splurge meal. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with Five Guys. They have some of the best burgers and fries on the planet. But eating a 1/2 lb. of beef with a side of greasy fries isn’t the best thing you can do for your waste line, or your ticker.

So yesterday morning while laying in bed, before coffee and productivity commenced, John and I decided burgers for lunch it was. We headed to Lawrence in late afternoon in incredible 63* weather for our celebratory meal. We were 2 very giddy, very hungry kids.

I opted for my usual: a little cheeseburger with onion, lettuce, tomato and mustard. It’s just the right amount for a gal my size.

And John? He went all out, as you can see above. It was his last burger for a while after all. So he ordered a double bacon cheeseburger and we split a regular order of fries and a Cherry Coke. Go big or go home people. Go big or go home.

And go big, we did.

As always, it was incredible. Perfectly cooked, flavorful burgers. Crisp veggies. Gooey cheese. And super fresh sesame buns.

The fries were spot on, too. We usually add salt to our fries [wow that sounds terrible] but not so at Five Guys. Their fries are rustic cut with skin on, fried in healthier-for-you peanut oil, and seasoned to perfection.

They hardly even need any ketchup. I know. Who am I? I love ketchup.

And I also love eating my food at the right temperature. So naturally, quick pictures are a must. I think John’s finally getting used to me taking pictures of food all the time. And him. And everything interesting I see. And then asking him to take pictures of me eating.

I know. I’m a handful. Sorry babe.

Needless to say, it was a successful New Year’s Eve ‘last hurrah.’ Our meal was fabulous as always. Seriously Five Guys. I don’t know how you do it, but you do. So keep on, even if we don’t pay you a visit for a while. I promise we’ll be back when we can control our beefy cravings no longer.

But for now, we’re sticking to greens. and grains. and fruit. and asian pear and ginger kombucha. You know, hippie food.

Btw, dang. This is legit kombucha. Have you guys tried it? If not, you should. Like, now. It’s stinkin-licious. (on Amazon)

Did you do anything fun for New Year’s Eve? After Five Guys I worked and then we had some sushi and wine at home.

Happy 2012! See you again soon. xo. dana.