Skyscrapers and Royales with cheese in Cape Town

The modern Hamburger is believed to be an American invention inspired by the "Hamburg steak" which sailors brought with them from Germany - a type of meatball, which was popular in this European port city. With a steady rise in the amount of 'gourmet burgers' that appear on restaurant menu's lately, the days of bland patties and soggy tomato on stale bread rolls, fortunately seem to be over. But what makes a good burger? In my opinion the patty - preferably medium rare and flavourful - probably plays the most pivotal role, although various other ingredients are essential too. One that should definitely not be undervalued, is the hamburger roll: it should be fresh and soft but sturdy enough to support the patty and it's trimmings, and be topped with lightly toasted sesame seeds. And then there's the toppings which can include anything from the classic onion rings and tomato sauce, to chutney, mushrooms, guacamole, sour cream, bacon or a variety of cheeses. In Cape Town, the gourmet burger is almost enjoying celebrity status and can even be found on menus across the city. At the quirky Royale in Long Street, a wide variety of gourmet burgers are served in such inspiring variations as ostrich patties with beetroot relish, chicken breast with brie and cranberries, or even the plain 'Royale' with caramelised onions and garlic aioli. The house speciality of sweet potato chips served with sour cream and chili jam adds a delicious twist. The meanest burger on the menu at the trendy Cafe Caprice in Camps Bay, is also called a 'Royale', but here it's done with bacon, cheddar, chilli and onion rings - with an added bonus of consistently good looking client