Mr.Fables Olive Burgers and Onion Rings

[Mr. Fables]

From Wikipedia-

"Mr. Fables grew from Kewpee Beefburgers founded in 1929 [in Grand Rapids, MI]. Two brothers formed the chain after taking over the Kewpee Beefburger stand from their fathers. The name "Fables" was the result of putting together the last names of the two brothers: Faber & Boyles. At its peak in the late 1980s, the chain had 15 restaurants mostly in Grand Rapids. They were known for the "Mr. Fabulous", a double patty beefburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, Mr. Fables mayonnaise, and chopped olives. They were also well known for their batter-dipped onion rings."

People have been looking for the recipe for Fables' "olive sauce" and onion ring batter since the chain went out of business. However, the recipes are owned by another restaurant owner who may use them in the future.

Here are restaurant-tested recipes for both; everyone who has tried them say it hits the original almost perfectly. I've even gotten comments that they are even better than the originals. Of course, the chain has been gone since 2000, so the rose-colored glasses effect may apply here.

Mr. Fables Double Olive Burger with cheese
makes 2 burgers
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1 lb 81/19 ground chuck
3 tbsp chopped green salad olives with pimento (about ten whole olives)
2 tbsp Helman's Mayonnaise (MUST BE Helmans)
2 tsp olive juice
2 pieces iceberg lettuce (not the white part; must be green, and not the very-outer green part)
2 slices of tomato, large enough for one to cover bottom of bun
2 slices Kraft american cheese
2 white buns

Heat griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees. Mix the olive juice with the mayo. Split the chuck into 4-4oz VERY FLAT patties and FRY them (not charbroiled) to desired temperature. Place a slice of cheese on two patties and top with the other patties, like you would two double cheeseburgers. Place buns in the microwave for ten seconds to warm (do not toast or grill the buns). Stack each bottom bun with one slice of the lettuce leaf, one tomato, a tbsp of the mayo, and a tbsp of the chopped olives. Place burgers on top of the condiments, top with the top bun, and enjoy!

Mr. Fables Onion Rings
yield varies
--------------------------
3 large yellow onions, peeled
5 1/2 cups Drakes Crispy Frymix
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 qt water
Deep fryer or pan with foodservice frying oil (can be found at any foodservice warehouse or provider)

Heat deep fryer or pan with oil to 350 degrees. Slice onion into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rings, removing the centers. The rings should be at least 2 inches in diameter. Mix paprika into Drakes mix and add water. Mix well. Dip onion rings into batter and add to fryer one at a time, making sure that the rings are completely covered. The handle of a teaspoon works well for this purpose. Fry rings until golden brown. Enjoy!

[Kitchen Witch]

Welcome and thank you for sharing!

[Donna543]

hi, i don't really know how to use a forum and may not be asking in the right place but maybe you can help.
i copied the recipe for "Caramel Braised Pork w/ Pineapple and Black Pepper from P*ong (NY)" from my email andsomehow lost the part where the sweet potato comes in. do you know where i can find a copy of the recipe or maybe you have one also and can tell me about the sweet potato. i'm putting in an email addy for myself because i don't think i'll be able to find your answer if you were to post one.
thanks in advance for any help.
donna
snail1@myway.com

[zuvman]

You forgot one very important thing. You have to lightly make the burger into a ball and let it heat for a couple minutes and then slam it flat with the spatula. I dont know, it might be my head but it seams to make it taste little more like the origianal. Thanks again for the recipe. I really miss that place. Wish the guy who bought the recipes would open a place!