I love burgers ever since I was still a kid, when burgers were just made of simple fried burger patties, topped with slices of tomatoes and onions, then spattered with catsup and mayo.

Back in the day, I have always enjoyed eating burgers either at Merco in Bolton Street, Goody-Goody in Aldevinco, or even just my mama’s version at home where we just use regular buns bought in local bakeries. Jollibee and McDonald’s, as well as those ready-to-cook burgers, were still unheard of then.

There’s just something about this ol’ American fastfood icon that I just can’t seem to resist.

Recently, my love affair with burgers became even more intense when burger houses started grilling them, filling them with more interesting and unusual toppings, and making them look more gourmet than fast-food staple.

After the buy-1, take-1 and giant pizza craze, there is now a spate of curiously oversize burgers offered in some restaurants in the city. I just wonder if those burger houses are now making a payback at all the fitness centers that have drawn some now-healthy food-loving Dabawenyos away from their sinful, calorie-packed menus. Or maybe they just want to make flab fab again. Well, then, I’m now part of the “in” crowd.

One of these restaurants that have caught my attention is Riley Simon’s Grilled Burger and Ribs, located along Mabini Extension corner V. Mapa Street, which I discovered through a friend’s Facebook page.  Now what really caught my attention were the humongous burgers (with more than 6 inches in diameter) that they serve, loaded with all the toppings that I love.

I tried to check-out the place twice, but it seems that it is always jam-packed with diners especially during lunch and dinner time. So, my friends and I visited Riley Simon’s one time an hour before lunch and another time around mid-afternoon to avoid the throng of diners.

For snacks, we sampled their RS No. 6 (grilled burger topped with tomato, lettuce, cucumber, cheese, mayo and bacon for PhP 180), RS No. 8 (topped with tomato, lettuce, cucumber, mayo, cheese, caramelized onion and sautéed mushroom for PhP 195), and RS No. 10 (double grilled burger with tomato, lettuce, cucumber, mayo and lots of bacon for PhP 235).

Now, don’t be alarmed with the price. Their burgers can feed 4 to 5 hungry burger-loving diners, thus, it will actually turn out to be more practical – although I swear I can consume one huge burger all by myself. I’m sure you’re not surprised.

For lunch, we tried their Grilled Ribs (1/4 kg, served with rice for PhP 140), Grilled Bacon Strips (served with egg and rice for PhP 125), and Tender Grilled Pork Steak (250 g, served with rice for PhP 135), all of which were just as equally tasty and sinful.

Aside from burgers and ribs, they also have other “less” sinful items in their menu. Well, it’s time to make another visit and check them out as well. I will try my very best not to be lured by those yummy massive burgers. And If I do get tempted, which is most likely, well, I am only human. Nice excuse, eh?