Cheesy Stuffed Burgers

Albany is now home to a humble little food truck with an arsenal of flavor that is sure to give the local fast food joints a run for their money.

"Cheesy Stuffed Burger" resides in a modest little parking lot right where Highway 99E splits at the overpass. Offering car-side service with a smile, these guys deliver food in record time that will surely hit the spot, and then some.

Business Insider awarded with the title 2015's the Best Burger in Oregon, saying  "Cheesy Stuffed Burgers is just as decadent as it sounds." 

Ingredients are bought locally, and the simple, straightforward menu offers dishes that have been skillfully crafted time and again to produce an award-winning burger that you won't forget.

If you believe in the old saying "go big or go home," this is definitely the place for you. The patties are thick, juicy, and extra cheesy. A small variety of burgers are available but the options are impressive. If you like it hot, you can opt for the "Spicy Sriracha Meltdown." Or, if you've got bacon on the brain(and lets face it, who doesn't!), the "Guacamole BBQ Bacon Lover" might be just what your taste buds are looking for.

The list of premium toppings offers unique ways to customize the flavor on the "Bacon Lover" or the "Three Cheese". Options like blue cheese crumbles, jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and guacamole give you numerous possibilities for building your perfect burger.

The basic fries come in a bag that couldn't possibly contain the massive pile of potatoes that it's meant to hold. If you upgrade to the "Bacon Cheddar Fries" the thick blanket of chopped bacon resting on top might give you the impression that there is nothing but bacon in this bowl; but rest assured, there is a hearty pile of sloppy, cheese-covered fries patiently waiting for you just below. When asked what he thought about the Bacon Cheddar Fries, one customer smiled and murmured just one long word in satisfaction "baaacccooon!"

 For those out there who want a healthier option, "Cheesy Stuffed Burger" also offers a non-stuffed vegetarian burger, and kids meals are available as well.

If you're in the mood for a new cultural experience you can try a bowl of Filipino-style Lumpia.  These little rolls are similar to Chinese-style spring rolls. They are meticulously hand wrapped, deep fried, sliced, and served with a delicious semi-spicy, sweet dipping sauce. Lumpia can be done in many ways, and although this wasn't the best that I've ever had, it certainly wasn't bad.

"Big Cheesy Burger" isn't the most expensive place in town, but I wouldn't exactly call it cheap either. Diners should expect to pay a reasonable $6.79 to $8.99 for their burger, but sides and drinks are ordered separately and priced individually. Souped-up fries and Lumpia will run you anywhere from $2.99 to $4.99, so come prepared.

All in all this place really delivers. "Cheesy Stuffed Burgers" put their name on the map for their first location in Corvallis, but after only seven weeks in Albany, these guys are on their way to making this new location a hometown favorite. With friendly service and delicious food, this place is definitely a must try!

At a Glance:

• "Cheesy Stuffed Burger" is located in Albany at  815 SE 9th Ave, Albany, Ore. This  truck is open for business 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
• Their Corvallis truck is located at 1545 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330. This location is open Sunday-Wednesday 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. and Thursday-Saturday 7 p.m-2:30 a.m. 
• Check out "Cheesy Stuffed Burger" on the web at www.cheesystuffedburgers.com
• Check out the article on "Cheesy Stuffed Burger" winning "Best Burger in Oregon" for 2015 www.businessinsider.com/best-burgers-in-america-2015-12
• Try making your own cheesy stuffed burger. Here is a link to one recipe that you might enjoy grilling at home www.food.com/recipe/cheesy-bacon-stuffed-burgers-476656

Extra Help for LBCC Students and Staff

Image courtesy of www.flickr.com.

For many students, attending college is a serious financial burden, and here at LBCC there are programs designed to help relieve some of that burden.

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) offers a multitude of services to both students and staff members ranging from food boxes, through the LBCC Lunchbox program, to providing personal care items, and even diapers and wipes. Clothing racks with professional style clothing are ready to be picked through and sent home with those who might need a wardrobe boost for job seeking or work.

The only requirement for these complementary services is to show your LBCC ID card at the SLC office located at the east end of the campus courtyard, and the they will be happy to set you up with what you need. These services are designed to cover students and staff and their immediate families, so don't forget to mention the family and pick up a little extra for them as well.

Those who want to get involved in keeping these programs running are welcome to participate in campus fundraisers, like the current "Can the Dean" food drive, organized by SLC Community Outreach Coordinator Kaela Fuller, or the Thanksgiving food drive in October, headed by Chairwoman Tammi Drury, LBCC Transcript Degree Evaluator. Donations of food, personal care items, or professional style clothing can be dropped off at the SLC office any time the doors are open.

For those who aren't financially able to contribute, volunteers are also much appreciated. Proceeds from the Hot Shot Coffee House help to fund the LBCC Lunchbox program as well, so students in need of a caffeine boost can get their coffee and spread the love at the same time.

This kind of support is a wonderful gift to our campus community and their families, but can more be done?

"The SLC wants to hear from the students and the ideas that they have for offering more help," said Barb Horn, adviser to the SLC.

If anyone has an idea for a new fundraiser or service that could further help our students and staff, ideas are both welcomed and encouraged. Drop in at SLC anytime and get let your ideas meet with people who truly have a heart for building up their community.

At a Glance:

• The LBCC website is www.linnbenton.edu.

• The SLC website is www.linnbenton.edu/current-students/involvement/student-life-and-leadership/student-leadership-council.
• The LBCC Lunchbox website is www.linnbenton.edu/current-students/involvement/student-life-and-leadership/student-resources/lb-lunch-box. 

•  People interested in participating in the Thanksgiving Food drive, or want to sign up for a food box can email Tammi Drury at Tammi.drury@linnbenton.edu. 

• The SLC also offers help to offset the costs of graduation caps and gowns, and even offers loaners. For more information email Barbra Horn at hornb@linnbenton.edu.

• Common supplies needed for distribution at the SLC are canned proteins, veggies and fruits and toothbrushes.