The Rise of Breaking & The Evolution of Burgers
August 4, 2024 - ISSUE 4 - VOLUME 1
Welcome back to "Taste Music. Hear Food."!
This week, we’re diving into the high-energy world of breakdancing and the ever-evolving landscape of burgers. Let’s explore how these two dynamic elements of culture have grown and influenced each other!
Hip Hop Highlight:
The Emergence of Breaking
Breaking, also known as b-boying or b-girling, emerged in the South Bronx during the early 1970s. It quickly became one of the four pillars of hip hop culture. Breakdancers, or b-boys and b-girls, perform acrobatic moves, spins, and intricate footwork to the beats of hip hop music. The dance style is characterized by its energy, athleticism, and creativity. Breakdancing competitions, known as battles, became a way for dancers to showcase their skills and earn respect within the community. Iconic crews like the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers helped popularize breaking, bringing it to mainstream audiences through movies, music videos, and international tours.
Food Fact: The History and Cultural Impact of Burgers
The hamburger, a quintessential American dish, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Its origins are often debated, but it is widely believed that the modern hamburger was popularized in the United States by German immigrants who brought their tradition of minced meat patties. Over the years, the burger has evolved from a simple street food to a gourmet delight, with endless variations and toppings. Today, burgers are a global phenomenon, with each culture putting its unique spin on the classic dish. From fast food chains to upscale restaurants, burgers have become a symbol of culinary creativity and cultural fusion.
Connection: The Adaptability and Creativity in Both Breaking and Burger Making
Both breaking and burger making are about innovation and pushing boundaries. Breakdancers continually invent new moves and styles, blending athleticism with artistry. Similarly, chefs experiment with ingredients and techniques to create unique and flavorful burgers. Just as breakdancers draw inspiration from various dance forms and cultures, burger chefs incorporate diverse flavors and culinary traditions into their creations. Both are dynamic, adaptable, and constantly evolving, reflecting the vibrant spirit of urban culture.
Recipe: A Modern Twist on the Classic Burger
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
4 brioche buns
8 slices cheddar cheese
1 avocado, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup arugula
8 tablespoons chipotle mayo
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions and shape into patties. Season each patty with salt and pepper.
- Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- Toast the brioche buns on the grill for about 1 minute, until lightly browned.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Place two patties with melted cheese on top, followed by avocado slices, red onion, and arugula.
- Cover with the top half of the bun.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a modern twist on the classic burger!
Thank you for joining us for another edition of "Taste Music. Hear Food."!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the rise of breaking and the evolution of burgers. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter, where we’ll explore the role of the MC in hip hop and the cultural journey of ramen.
Reflective Question:
What are some of your favorite burger toppings or breaking moves? Share your favorites with us!
My favorite move when I first learned to break was the Uprock and drops. To me it was an explosive maneuver that could open up to so many moves. But, you had to have the count and motion precise. Once mastered, you could pop up from a drop and stack you moves. This leads me to my favorite burger topping. An extra pattie! Pat that joint down on the grill, flip it and smash it and spring it back up onto my burger! I can hear the sizzle and taste the slap as I type!
Reading your comment masked me want to both dance and grub!!!!!
It’s funny how history continues my 7 year old start out chilling and then break dance on so many occasions. This is a very creative way of amazing America’s fav. Great job Chef Porter. Never seems to amaze us on the educational aspect of Black History and great recipes.
🙏🏾
Nothing like a good burger with red onion and some A1 sauce, aside from a tight windmill or backspin.
You did it again Chef…!!!
Indeed!!!! Thank you.