The BBC reported today of a restaurant that is requiring customers to sign a disclaimer before it would serve a hamburger less than medium in internal temperature. You've probably seen that little blurb on the bottom of menus warning you that eating raw or undercooked food exposes you to the risk of food-borne illnesses. Well, the Marriott West India Quay in east London's Docklands has taken this notion to a rather extreme place. The chairman of the local Restaurant Owner's Association, cited in the article, said he thought some corporate person had their knickers in a twist.

     It seems to me, though, that after the menu warning, diners who want a rare or medium rare burger have to accept responsibility for their actions. I like my burgers medium rare, with cheese, onion and ketchup. When I want a good burger, I always choose The Yardarm, on Route 28 in Orleans. They're big (8 oz), juicy and very tasty. They come from Dole & Bailey, a Certified Angus Beef distributor, and they are terrific. John Sully, the owner, doesn't make me sign a disclaimer, either.