I have been meaning to stop by Morty’s Grill in Camino for some time, but when I would get a chance it was a Monday or Tuesday, when they are closed.
Last Saturday I decided to stop by High Hill Ranch and try one or more of their donuts, specifically the new one made with blueberries. I am going to give the place a bit more attention in a couple of weeks, but I did try the Blueberry Crumb donut and thought it was a bit light on flavor.
I mentioned that to Jerry Visman, part of the four generations of George Visman’s family that own and run the place. He looked down at me and said, “That is because they are made with real blueberries, not some kind of blueberry syrup or artificial flavoring.” He is right.
With the rest of my donut saved for dessert, from there I drove less than a mile to Morty’s Grill, which is next to Gold Harvest Market – 76, in the place where Crystal Basin Bistro was located.
Morty’s serves burgers, dogs, sandwiches and more, and is known as the “Home of the Morty Burger.”
Craig Morton (“Morty”) was there loading up his food truck for a trip to a location on nearby North Canyon Road. I talked with him for a short time and then went in to check out the restaurant and order something for lunch.
The first thing I noticed was that the place was very, very clean and neat. Sure, they had only been open less than an hour, but I noticed as I ate my meal that they kept it that way.
As Craig and others walked in an out carrying items to the food truck, I talked with Brogan, who was working the counter. I don’t know why I said this, maybe out of habit, but I asked what they felt was their best burger. Of course, it was their signature “Morty Burger.”
The Morty Burger starts with two one-third hand formed char broiled patties topped with pepper jack, cheese, Cheddar cheese, a fried egg, bacon and pastrami all served on a toasted sesame seed bun. It is so large they serve it with a knife stuck through it to keep it together.
Craig mentioned that it was also available with only one patty if I thought two was too much, but after thinking about it for a minute, I went instead for the Pastrami Burger, the same kind of burger that I have tried at several restaurants. It is sort of my “comparison” burger.
Had someone been with me that day, I would have ordered a Morty and a simple cheeseburger to split and share. But, alas, I was alone.
Their Pastrami Burger has one patty, topped with Provolone cheese, pastrami and horseradish mustard, served on a grilled sesame seed.
As I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of meat and cheese only burgers, so I asked if they could add some lettuce, red onions and tomato, which Craig said they would, as he personally fixed my burger.
I know, I should stick to their recipe, but I feel better if there are some kind of vegetables in my burger. I think it covers up my “fatty meal” guilt.
It was hot, it was large (splitably large) and it was good, although the pastrami, of which there was a lot, was very lean. I think it would benefit from pickles, which they will add, and they have a list of several sauces that can also be added to their sandwiches or used as a dip for fries, for a little extra. Oh, like with all their sandwiches, there was a delicious dill pickle spear on the side.
Their menu starts with their Classic Burgers, single or double, to which you can add, for just a bit more, any of several cheeses, bacon, avocado or a fried egg.
Then there are the Speciality Burgers: the Morty, Pastrami, Ranch Hand (Cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings and barbecue sauce), Smokehouse (Cheddar cheese and sweet mesquite sauce) and Dynamite (pepper jack and Sriracha sauce). Like the Classic Burgers, the last two in the list include lettuce, tomato and red onion.
The list titled Sandwiches includes a Tri-Tip, the El Dorado (hot pastrami, hot turkey, bacon, choice of cheese, mayo and mustard), Hot Pastrami (hot pastrami, Provolone cheese and horseradish mustard), Chr-Broiled Chicken (grilled chicken breast, mayo and mustard) and the Classic Turkey, made with oven roasted turkey, choice of cheese, mayo and mustard.
Salads include a classic Caesar Salad and a Garden Salad, made with mixed greens and a variety of vegetables, topped with toasted croutons and served with your choice of dressing on the side.
Listed under Dogs & Chicken are a Polish Club, Pastrami Dog, one-quarter pound All-Beef Polish Dog, an All-Beef Hot Dog along with Chicken Tenders and Fries.
The Kids Corner listings include a Hot Dog, Hamburger, Grilled Cheese or Chicken Tenders, all served with fries and a small drink.
Sides include fries, onion rings and chips and drinks include fountain drinks, iced tea, hot coffee, hot tea, wine and on-tap and bottled beer.
Morty’s Grill is located at 3590 Carson Road and open Wednesday from 11 until 3, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 until 8 and on Sunday from 11 until 3. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information on Morty’s Grill or Morty’s Food Truck, call (530) 303-3098.
Oh, I liked Brogan’s comment when I ordered: “Will you be dining in?” Pure Class. No “Here or to-go” question.