MIKE WEST, Executive Editor
Posted: Sunday, March 7, 2010 6:35 am

On Wednesdays, while many folks are at church and such, Hammerhaid spends time with his dad, better known as Pa.

Generally, they do their three favorite things: Eat, nap and watch TV. While the events don’t always come in that order, eating usually comes first.

This week was an exception. They found themselves headed to McMinnville on family business.

And McMinnville means two things to Hammerhaid at least … crazy drivers and Billy’s Burgers.

Of course, most folks have a different idea about the importance of McMinnville and Warren County. After all, Warren County is the nursery capital of Tennessee, if not the world.

And we’re not talking about “baby” nurseries. While Warren County is undoubtedly a wonderful place to raise a child, the nurseries in question are the plant kind. It’s a wonderful place to buy scrubs, trees and all sort of beautiful vegetation. Probably those lovely trees and bushes decorating your home’s exterior came from Warren County.

Now Pa has a knack of dealing with growing things, and his yard is decked out with all sorts of decorative plant life that originated in Warren County. Hammerhaid is a little different. He would rather drive on past all of those nurseries and talk about what he’s gonna do with his yard “one of these days” than dig a deep hole and stick a heavy tree in it.

Other folks that visit Warren County talk about the strong character of its native residents.

“Yup, I reckon some of the biggest characters I ever met came from McMinnville,” Hammerhaid snorted.

“Your boss is from McMinnville,” said Pa. (He wasn’t asking a question. He was making a statement.)

“T-t-t-that’s r--r-r-r-r-right,” Hammerhaid said with a grin.

After all, it was that boss that told H-man about Billy’s restaurant and the Gator Burger.

And yep, besides his other business in McMinnville, Hammerhaid had a definite hankering for a Gator Burger.

Just what is a Gator Burger?

“Heaven on a bun,” answered Hammerhaid.

More precisely, it is a double patty burger that is hand patted from fresh ground beef and grilled up to order by “Billy his own self.” It is served on a grilled bun and loaded with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and pickles and, if you want it, several slices of crispy bacon.

“It’s perfect,” he exclaimed as he stretched his mouth to take a big bite of the burger.

Pa had to agree. He had a nice, big serving of onion rings with his, while Hammerhaid held out for the traditional crinkle-cut fries. They were nice and crispy despite being near closing time.

And what did they drink?

Dr. Pepper of course. Despite having to order a Diet Dr. Pepper, Hammerhaid wracked his brain just trying to think of Murfreesboro restaurant that serves Dr. Pepper. Couldn’t think of a single one.

And did I mention the bacon?

It was thick and crunchy like bacon should be. And amazingly grease free. The H-man hasn’t had bacon like it in years.

“The last bacon cheeseburger I had you couldn’t even tell it had bacon on it ‘til you looked and saw that thin little ribbon,” H-haid confessed.

But the tomato was even better. It was bright red and flavorful and tasted home-grown. When was the last time you ate a tomato on a burger that was nice and juicy, not hard and flavorless?

That revelation reminded Hammerhaid that he always intends to order a BLT at Billy’s. But the Gator Burger always rules during his occasional visits to McMinnville.

The restaurant has a full menu of freshly cooked favorites including T-bone steaks, but H-haid is stuck on the Gator Burger.

“I wonder where they got the name Gator Burger?” Pa asked. “You can tell its 100 percent beef.”

“Don’t know, I always mean to ask, but I am usually afraid to,” Hammerhaid confessed.

“Afraid to ask?” Pa said.

“Yep, I am afraid they will tell me Billy is a Florida fan and that little bit of knowledge might tarnish that burger in my opinion,” the Tennessee die-hard said.

Actually, that is a fib. He gets so carried away with the fresh, old-fashioned food that he always forgets to ask. Just like Wednesday night.

He wanted to linger, but they had to keep moving.

Maybe on his next visit, he will order what’s apparently another house favorite, the chuckwagon sandwich.

T-t-t-t-t-that’s r-r-r-r-r-right.

In case you’re interested, Billy's Restaurant is located 2822 Nashville Highway, McMinnville, TN 37110, 931-668-9987.

It’s open seven days a week.

For the scenic route from Murfreesboro, take John Bragg Highway (70S) through Woodbury and Centertown to McMinnville.

The restaurant will be located on your left after Robinson Road and before you get to McMinnville’s bypass.

Watch for the gator sign.