America's Greatest Hamburger Joints

Answer me this: how is it possible that I, who love hamburgers nearly as much as Wimpy, have never even heard of - much less eaten at - Solly's in Milwaukee, whose trademark "butter burger" - a hamburger served in a pool of melted butter (above and below) - is the feature attraction at one of the eight classic burger joints featured in George Motz's new documentary, "Hamburger America"?

Solly's has been in the same spot in my hometown for over 40 years, run by the same family.

It was one of eight places that made the cut out of an initial pool of 50 restaurants chosen for evaluation by the filmmaker and his wife and co-producer, Casey Benjamin (who herself is a vegetarian).

Melena Ryzik wrote a nice story for yesterday's New York Times Dining In section about the new movie, which will be shown in New York City next Tuesday, February 1, in two screenings at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater. (155 East 3rd Street, between Avenues A and B; 212-591-0434)

Admission is $9, and includes beer and a slice of pizza from the pizza parlor above the theater.

The pizzeria owner has promised to offer hamburger as a topping for all attendees.

If you can't make it to Gotham, not to fret; the movie comes out on DVD the very same day, February 1.

It's $19.99 from Amazon or the filmmaker's website, hamburgeramerica.com.

Bon appetit.