When I lived in Los Angeles, my friends would often speak of their wild overnight trips across the border to Tijuana.
The stories were filled with impulsive thrills and youthful adventure. They always intimidated me.
I was reminded of this the first time I ever noticed the Tijuana burger — our featured menu item in this week’s edition of “What’s for Lunch?”—on the sandwich board at Duffy’s Deli in Jamesport.
A thick juicy patty, smothered in pepper jack cheese, hot cherry peppers, avocado and lettuce and tomato ($8.49, add a pickle spear and fries for an extra $1), I was filled with salivating intrigue and spicy fear. I finally ordered one last month and found out what I’ve been missing.
Once again I was reminded of how void of avocados I’ve been for most my life. Why is it that Long Island moms of the 1980s and ’90s failed to ever include this delicious fruit in any meals?
What really makes the burger, though, is the inclusion of cherry peppers. Both sweet and hot, they set the Tijuana burger apart from any other burger on Duffy’s menu. And that list includes burgers with four other types of cheeses, bacon and even one with a fried egg.
Next time you’re in Jamesport, don’t be intimidated by a trip to Tijuana by way of Duffy’s Deli.
What’s for a lunch is a weekly northforker.com column highlighting delicious mid-day meals on the North Fork. Suggestions can be sent to [email protected].
Previously:
And here are some more burger options on the North Fork.
