Hoggs Gourmet Grill is one of those little restaurants that may be easily overlooked. That would be a mistake. It's tucked away in the back corner of a shopping center right off the 60 Freeway in Moreno Valley.
Their cuisine is incredibly rich, smoky, and original. That is a winning combination in a culinary world dominated by chain restaurants and mass-produced foodstuffs.
This place is exceptional for the Inland Empire because it actually offers an eating challenge. A few others have popped up lately, but Los Angeles and San Diego counties are still locally dominant.
It's not especially difficult, either. You need to put away a 2.5 lb Quad Hogg Burger with a side of fries during your visit to get your picture on the wall. There's no time limit, and in the words of the incredibly friendly owner Jeff, "about 700 people have done it."
No kidding. A plethora of photographs covered one corner of the restaurant's interior wall. It's like playing Where's Waldo. Good luck finding your photo in the sea of faces.
As for the burger, it was easily one of the best I've ever eaten. You get your choice of cheese, so I went with pepperjack to give it a kick. It was greasy and good.
But... I question whether it really weighs in at 2.5 lbs. After devouring the burger in 4:30, it felt like I could have fit in a couple more. The house record is 2:17, set in November 2010.
I finished the whole combo in 7 minutes, but it didn't matter much since the restaurant doesn't keep time. Just a personal thing.
Afterward, the owner invited me to return one day to attempt the consumption record: two 5-patty Hoggs with a side of chili cheese fries. That's supposedly around 7 lbs of food. I don't think it's impossible! Seems like a video-worthy event.
Thanks again to Donsturdy.com for supporting me on this challenge. It was one of the most delectable as of late.
Here's to the Inland Empire! May their future always be bright.
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