As Memorial Day approaches, many Americans look forward to firing up their grills. Paul Wahlberg, the executive chef of Wahlburgers, shares that the best burgers are often the simplest. This holiday reminds him of family cookouts during his childhood in Massachusetts.
Wahlberg recalls his father as the quintessential dad who took charge of the grill during summer. “My dad manned the grill,” he shared, describing the joy of backyard meals that inspired the Wahlburgers chain, which he started with his brothers Mark and Donnie in 2011.
“Burgers are a true summer meal, especially at home,” Wahlberg said.
With summer kicking off unofficially, Wahlberg offers some straightforward rules for grilling burgers. This starts with using high-quality beef, emphasizing simplicity in burger preparation.
On burger toppings, Wahlberg prefers the classics: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and Wahlburgers’ own “Wahl Sauce.” This setup reflects American taste, he noted.
“Burgers are like pizza,” he said. “You can customize them any way you want.” He suggests not complicating things, believing that the simpler, the better.
According to Wahlberg, burgers have maintained their popularity due to their unifying power at family cookouts and their adaptability to different tastes. “It always seems to start with burgers and dogs,” he observed.
For Wahlberg, food bridges emotional moments, especially during family gatherings and holidays. “Food can put you in a very specific time and place in your life,” he stated, highlighting how flavor evokes past memories.
Memorial Day serves not only as a moment of grilling joy but also as a time to honor those who enable American celebrations. Wahlberg says it’s a day to remember “all of the people [who] make it possible for us to be Americans and to be happy.”
Peter Burke, lifestyle editor at Fox News Digital, specializes in food and drink topics. He regularly writes on lifestyle issues, providing insights that enhance readers’ experiences.
How a Chef is Helping Families Make Affordable, Healthy Meals 
Popeyes Collaborates with The Surf Lodge for a Unique Food Experience 
The Collaboration of Polly Wales and Castro Smith in Jewelry 
Best Breathable Work Boots for Hot Weather 
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Commemorative Products 
Embrace Nature: The Touch Grass Challenge