I have no reason to doubt the veracity of the claim the CHEESEburger was invented in Pasadena.  Several reputable media sources have documented it taking place at the Rite Spot in 1924 by Chef Lionel Sternberger.  To celebrate the entire week, starting today 1/12/ through1/17/2014 is dedicated to the cheeseburger with Pasadena declaring it “Cheeseburger Week”.

Its such a big deal in Pasadena that not only did they declare it a special honorary week, but some 18 restaurants including my fave in Old Town Pasadena, Slaters 50/50 are celebrating the week with all sorts of specials.

Cheeseburger Week has a website and facebook page.

Here is the list of restaurants participating in Cheeseburger Week in Pasadena.  Click on the name and if I did it right it will take you to the web pages and menus for the restaurants participating.  If a link is broken…well I tried.

• a/k/a An American Bistro
• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
• Brookside Golf Club (lunch only)
• Cameron’s Seafood
• Central Park Restaurant
• Clearman’s Galley
• The Counter
• Crepe Studio
• Dog Haus
• Dog Haus Biergarten
• Du-pars
• El Portal Restaurant
• Gale’s (lunch only)
• Green Street Restaurant
• Haven Gastropub
• Jake’s Pasadena
• Kal’s Mediterranean Bistro
• Kathleen’s Restaurant
• Kings Row Gastropub
• La Grande Orange Cafe
• M Local Mediterranean Grill
• The Market on Holly
• McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks
• Melt It! a grilled cheese company 
• New York Deli
• Pie ‘n Burger
• Pita Jungle
• POP Champagne & Dessert Bar
• Real Food Daily
• Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ
• Slater’s 50/50
• Toro Sushi Bar and Lounge
• Trattoria Neapolis
• Twohey’s Restaurant
• Umami Burger
• Vertical Wine Bistro
• Villa Sorriso
• Yahaira’s Cafe
• ZiLin Restaurant

There you go.  I’m not a fan of PPD parking enforcement, I hold a grudge. You pay dearly for parking in Old Town so do bring lots of cash as not all places will take your debit card.  I Highly recommend for those places that are located in Old Town you take the Gold Line in and hoof it the block or two than deal with the parking.

The burger in the photo was captured with my phone.  Its the ‘frazgo special” at Slater’s 50/50 and built custom for you.  Actually, all the burgers are.  You are given a “design sheet” where you check the boxes from patty to toppings to bread and build your burger custom.  That’s half the fun of Slater’s 50/50.   The rest is enjoying one of the best burgers ever, but how can you go wrong with 50% ground beef and 50% bacon patty?