The White Spot

It started with an email.

"I understand you're going to Charlottesville, VA" she wrote "when you go....you have to try The White Spot.....they have the best Gus Burger in the country."

My first reaction was, what the heck is a Gus Burger and why do I want to try one?!

After a bit of research I discovered that a Gus Burger is a Hamburger topped with a fried egg and the White Spot near the University of Virginia is famous across the country for making them.

Although I was curious and excited about trying something completely different, I was extremely hesitant. A hamburger with fried egg? Sounds disgusting.

I stumbled across The White Spot in Charlottesville without even trying. Tucked off the side of the street with a tiny entrance, The White Spot is nothing special. The dining room is more like a closet than anything else. On the right hand side is a full length grill with some seats at a bar. On the left is some additional seating. That's about it. Upon glancing around I was shocked that the restaurant was so completely simple.

The menu was on a board above the grill and it looked like it hadn't been changed in years. In addition to the "Gus Burger" they also serve breakfast items, sandwiches, subs and a couple more unusual items: Double Gus (two burger patties) and the Motor Burger (Double Gus with Ham). All of the menu items are priced between $3 - $6.

It was about 3pm and there was one employee waiting to take my order. The atmosphere inside was beyond comfortable, it was so laid back and casual it felt like time had somehow stopped. The employee didn't seem to have a care in the world, he only had one job: make Gus Burgers. However, he did tell me that they invented the Gus Burger and they're one of the only restaurants in the country that serve it.

I placed my order (one Gus Burger to go....my wife wasn't interested) and like clock work he cracked open an egg onto the flat top and put a burger patty down next to it.

A few moments later he was adding the toppings and wrapping up my very own Gus Burger for the total cost of $3.65 (take that Subway).

Although it likely will sound odd....this burger was amazing.

The egg on top made the burger even more juicy and delicious. I don't know how and I don't know why but the egg complimented the burger perfectly. Every single bite was like an unforgettable sensation.....and for $3.65 it was something I wanted to buy again and again.

I found out later that The White Spot is rated by MSN as one of the best burger joints in the country. This rating comes with good reason....the food combined with the chill atmosphere is something that simply can't be duplicated.

I don't know if you will ever make it to Charlottesville, but if you do - find The White Spot and eat there as much as you can. You will have plenty of time to give them a try....in true college spirit they are open until 3am.

If you don't ever go to Charlottesville I still encourage you to make your own Gus Burger at home for your family and friends. They will be scared at first, but I guarantee they will be overwhelmed with amazement once they try it.