Cheeseburger Sandwich with Beer Battered Onion Rings

No disrespect intended, but I the only thing wrong with a perfectly grilled, juicy cheeseburger is the hamburger bun.  Actually, I recently realized that I just don't like hamburger buns.  Generally, I find they have a weird spongy consistently and, if you dine on one of the popular packaged variety, give it a sniff when you open the package. The aroma that wafts forth can best be described as a funky foot locker with moldy overtones.  I'm sure that are bakeries out there that make the perfect soft bun complete with the appropriate yeasty smell that actual fresh baked bread should emit. However, most times, there is not.  Therefore, when most cities and towns do have a fairly reliable supply of decent, if not pretty darn good bread, why not use it?

A little toast on the grill gave these slices of Italian bread just a bit of crunchy texture and the structure necessary to stand up to the burger juices and special sauce.  No more stinky buns for me!

Obviously, nothing compliments a grilled cheeseburger quite like a light beer batter coated, crispy, sweet and salty, deep fried onion ring (except perhaps an exceptionally made french fry seasoned with vinegar and salt!). This recipe is dangerously simple and relatively mess-free which, let's be honest, is what prevents us from making fried foods everyday.