Dancing Marlin Part Of 'Blended Burger Project'

FRANKFORT, IL -- One of the Lincoln-Way area's most popular restaurants is taking part in the James Beard Foundation’s Blended Burger Project, which is described as an "emerging culinary trend" that blends "finely chopped mushrooms with ground beef for burgers that are more flavorful, nutritious and sustainable."

Diners are invited to sample the Dancing Marlin's burger at the restaurant at 20590 S. Lagrange Road until July 31. It combines "finely diced maitake mushrooms, a mix of ground Angus short rib and Angus ground chuck combined with diced shallots, flavored with porcini mushroom powder (the umami) and topped with smoked gouda cheese," according to a news release on the Blend. The burger is served on a brioche bun.

Dancing Marlin Culinary Director Ed Nemec is particularly fond of mushrooms because maitake mushrooms are known as "the dancing mushroom" in Japan.

STK Chicago in Chicago's River North neighborhood is the other Chicagoland restaurant taking part in the project entering its third year.

Photo provided