Threatened Lawsuit Inspires Contest to Name the Burger at John Howie Steak

As William Shakespeare famously wrote “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”  In this case the rose is a burger – and not just any burger.  Executive Chef Mark Hipkiss recently introduced a duo of new additions to the John Howie Steak lunch menu.  One, which he impulsively dubbed the “Triple By-Pass” (after customers commented that the 5-inch high mouth-watering monstrosity might certainly contribute to the need for such surgery) has now been the cause of a threatened lawsuit.  Hipkiss, in perhaps a supreme moment of culinary insanity, sandwiched a 12-ounce prime chuck burger, tempura fried Kurobuta bacon and ONION RINGS between two grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with Tillamook cheddar and Swiss cheese.  This comes, of course, accompanied by a generous portion of crispy fries.

“The Heart Attack Grill” in Arizona somehow heard about the eye-catching and stomach-satisfying burger that was the talk of the town way up North.  Ownership of the name belonged to them.  Although Hipkiss’ burger only resembles the Arizona burger in designation and nowhere in content, he must now dub the sandwich with a new title.  After quizzing the team at John Howie Steak, nothing fitting came to mind and the menu presently reads “What’s that burger?”  Hipkiss and proprietor John Howie decided to reach out in the form of a contest and ask friends and fans alike to come-up with a new name.  The prize is a party for 6, which will include 6 of the said hamburgers and 6 pints of John Howie Steak Amber Ale.

Beginning immediately, name submissions can be made by e-mail to clalley@seastarrestaurant.com and must be received by midnight on October 30^th, 2010  Entrants must be a minimum of 21 years young, should include their name, address, and phone number along with a suggested new name for the burger.  The subject line needs to read “John Howie Burger Contest”.  A winner will be announced on November 1, 2010.

John Howie Steak is located in The Shops at The Bravern, 11111 N.E. 8^th Street, Suite 125, Bellevue, Washington  98004.  Hours are:  Monday – Thursday from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Saturday 5:00 – 11:00 pm; and Sunday 5:00 – 9:00 pm with Happy Hour on Monday – Friday, 3 – 6 pm.  Valet service or validated self parking is available in The Shops at The Bravern parking garage.  For reservations or information call (425) 440-0880.