April 13th, 2010
Eat a Burger
Dear America, I’d like to personally thank you for the burger. It’s one of your greatest culinary creations and contributions to the food world. No outsourcing the burger. For the real deal, you must come to our homeland. China can’t touch it. India wouldn’t even think of going there. And, we’ve managed to create something that even the French could love! Now, I’m not going to get all Food Inc. on you. This isn’t about the Golden Arches, mass production, and garbage food that creates obesity. I’m talking about Good Food. Artisanal burgers, the kind made from and with only the finest of ingredients. The burger that is brought to us by the growers of fresh produce, the dairy farmers and cheese makers, the bakers, and the ranchers whose cows roam and graze. And, of course, the chefs, cooks, and grill masters that bring it all together and lovingly put it under a bun of pure goodness. God Bless You, America. And, God Bless the Burger!
My Best Burger List (So far…)
The Foundry on Melrose, Los Angeles
7463 Melrose Avenue, LA, CA 90046
The Foundry is a posh little spot located in the heart of LA on Melrose. I recently came here to try the famed “Patio Burger.” Served on and under a group of four King’s Hawaiian small rolls, it is quite possibly the best burger patty that I’ve ever tasted. Grilled to perfection at medium rare, this slice of heaven had me singing the yum hum. The burger is served with cheddar cheese and the following accruements: house made mayo, oven dried tomatoes, arugula, and bacon-pineapple relish. I enjoyed a few bites with and without all of the additions. It’s so good plain too! This is a big bigger, and I only ate half so it’s definitely large enough for two to share. The next time we go, we’re thinking of just ordering one as an appetizer and splitting them up like little sliders which is so easy to do since they are essentially under four buns of bread. There are tons of great items on their menu so we’d like to save room to try some more. Another must have, that we did try, are their homemade tots.
Dukes, Huntington Beach
317 Pacific Coast Highway, HB, CA 92648
Forget the main dining room, and head on over the the Barefoot Bar for the best burger in Orange County. This great pleasure is served on a King’s Hawaiian bun topped with either blue cheese or white cheddar, thousand island dressing, and your standard lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the side. If you’re lucky enough to be able to make it there during the week, the burger is 1/2 off from 3:30-6:30. And, on Friday night (all night), the Mai Tais are only $4. However, we seem to go most often on Saturday afternoons, for the best people watching and to get our vacation vibe on.
Balboa Cafe, San Francisco
3199 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94123
The legendary Balboa Cafe (Est. 1913) is a true San Francisco gem. This neighborhood saloon is always packed full of people in jovial moods, who come to enjoy Balboa’s tasty libations or dine. We usually do both. The first time I had one of their burgers it was fantastic! The second time, New Year’s Day, not as good. But I will blame that on the fact that it was a major holiday and the place was slammed full of drunks and drunk diners. (Yes, New Year’s Day, not hung over people but drunk people.) They offer two versions of the American classic. The Balboa Burger is served up on a baguette and comes with house made pickles. The Old Fashioned Bar Burger comes on a round bun and you can add on your choice of cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and avocado for an additional $1. If you’re making your way to SF anytime soon, check it out.
Burger Joint, Le Parker Meridian, New York
119 W. 56th St. New York, NY 10019
I did a lot of burger research before a trip to New York City a few year’s ago, and this joint seemed to have the most raves. And, it also seemed like it would be an adventure to find! Hidden in the lobby of the swank Le Parker Meridian hotel is a curtain. Behind that curtain is a tiny little nook of a restaurant, with just a few tables, that serves up grilled burgers, shakes, sodas, fries, and beer on draft. If you want anything else, well you’re out of luck. During a weekday lunch hour, it was packed full of New Yorkers who were pretty surprised that we’d found the place. There are other “Burger Joints” in the city, but this is the one! Cash only.
I’ve yet to try a burger in Chicago, but on my next visit, definitely want to try one at the Rosebud Steakhouse. Have a favorite in your city? Do tell!
