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AVONDALE — Longtime death metal band Jungle Rot is being commemorated at Kuma’s Corner with a new burger.
“They’ve been on our playlist here forever,” said David Bacso, the restaurant’s creative and special events director. “So for the month of September we’re featuring the Jungle Rot burger at our original 2900 W. Belmont Ave. location.”
Jungle Rot is celebrating its 25th year and released its latest self-titled album this year. The band’s name comes from the term for an infection which typically happens in a jungle when boots get wet and are left on the feet.
Kuma’s chef Mike Lundin wanted to craft a burger to honor the band’s name, so he chose tropical themed ingredients. These include al pastor braised pork, plantain pineapple salsa, cotija cheese and cilantro paired with applewood smoked bacon for the 10 oz. burger. The burger costs $18.
Credit: Image courtesy Tom Wojcik“He wanted to make something heavy and unique, like the band. So he piled it high with al pastor pork,” Bacso said. “We wanted it to be imposing, just like Jungle Rot.”
Originally formed in Kenosha, Wis. the band calls Chicago its home turf and have been a staple of the city’s metal scene. Dave Matrise, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, says he was honored when Kuma’s reached out to their label about the burger.
“I grew up with boys going to Kuma’s and seeing all these great burgers from bands that I idolized,” Matrise said. “I always said to myself I’d love to do that some day, and it finally came true.”
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