Sorry guys. No post today.
But! I've got two other blogs to tell you about. Well, actually, both are tumblrs. But! Definitely worth checking out.
boatsy.tumblr.com
My good friend Norah is traveling with a theater company on a boat, performing, and she started a tumblr to post her musings and doings. It's already one of the more interesting things I've been following in the short while since she started.
ramenlady.tumblr.com
My sister Vanessa has started a tumblr dedicated to Ramen... and other things. She loves Ramen almost as much as she loves Bacon, which is about as much as I love burgers. If you love Ramen, you'll want to check in on her tumblr for sure.
Hope you all are well. I'm swamped right now, but will definitely be able to post next week! In the meantime, enjoy these two new blogs!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Steak 'n Shake
Kissimmee, FL
www.steaknshake.com
The Order: *New* Royale Steakburger. A double with American Cheese, hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a fried egg.
Side Order: Comes with fries.
$4.99
Drink Order: Vanocolate Shake (Vanilla and Chocolate Side by Side Shake)
Burger Menu Rating: 9/15
Everyone has been talking recently about the new Steak 'n Shake that opened up its doors in NYC a few months ago. I wanted to go to see what all the rage was about, but somehow I just couldn't nail down a time to go. However, I found myself in Kissimmee, Florida, where there just so happens to be a Steak 'n Shake! It was a family trip, and everybody was gung-ho about going to go try their burgers. We actually made it over there twice in a week, just to be sure that we were really getting our money's worth.
The first thing to notice about these burgers is that they're not cooked to order, and they're thin patties. They're only served medium well. That, and the decor, combined with the fact that you order with a server, puts this place into the Fast/Casual category, but it really competes more with other fast food chains. So the burger came out medium well. It was cooked as advertised, but with this burger, it's not as much a detriment. I mean, when you're ordering a burger with thin patties like this, you're pretty much always going to get medium well/well done anyways, no matter how you order it. The problem, however, was the egg. It too was well done, and a detriment to the burger. It wasn't as flavorful as I hoped it would be, probably due to it's being cooked so long. The other ingredients came together nicely, with a satisfying crunch and a softness of the lightly toasted bun, though the mayo was barely discernible and the bacon was minimally there.
The fries are extremely thin, and not overcooked: shoe-string fries. I don't like shoe-string fries because they're just so tiny and not as satisfying as their larger cut brethren, but these were delicious, salty, and simple. I found myself eating a bunch at a time to make up for their puny size and they were gone too fast. It seemed like making the fries so small was a ploy to cover up how little you're getting.
Still, the meal, overall, was a good size, especially for the price. The fact that the burger and fries is only $4.99 is the best thing going for this place, followed by the sped of service, and then the variety. As an alternative to other fast food places, I'd say this is a really good one. I'd choose Steak 'n Shake over most other chains any day.
Not cooked to order: -1
Cooked correctly: 5
Design/Ingredients: 1
Plating: 1
Value: 3
www.steaknshake.com
The Order: *New* Royale Steakburger. A double with American Cheese, hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a fried egg.
Side Order: Comes with fries.
$4.99
Drink Order: Vanocolate Shake (Vanilla and Chocolate Side by Side Shake)
Burger Menu Rating: 9/15
Everyone has been talking recently about the new Steak 'n Shake that opened up its doors in NYC a few months ago. I wanted to go to see what all the rage was about, but somehow I just couldn't nail down a time to go. However, I found myself in Kissimmee, Florida, where there just so happens to be a Steak 'n Shake! It was a family trip, and everybody was gung-ho about going to go try their burgers. We actually made it over there twice in a week, just to be sure that we were really getting our money's worth.
The first thing to notice about these burgers is that they're not cooked to order, and they're thin patties. They're only served medium well. That, and the decor, combined with the fact that you order with a server, puts this place into the Fast/Casual category, but it really competes more with other fast food chains. So the burger came out medium well. It was cooked as advertised, but with this burger, it's not as much a detriment. I mean, when you're ordering a burger with thin patties like this, you're pretty much always going to get medium well/well done anyways, no matter how you order it. The problem, however, was the egg. It too was well done, and a detriment to the burger. It wasn't as flavorful as I hoped it would be, probably due to it's being cooked so long. The other ingredients came together nicely, with a satisfying crunch and a softness of the lightly toasted bun, though the mayo was barely discernible and the bacon was minimally there.
The fries are extremely thin, and not overcooked: shoe-string fries. I don't like shoe-string fries because they're just so tiny and not as satisfying as their larger cut brethren, but these were delicious, salty, and simple. I found myself eating a bunch at a time to make up for their puny size and they were gone too fast. It seemed like making the fries so small was a ploy to cover up how little you're getting.
Still, the meal, overall, was a good size, especially for the price. The fact that the burger and fries is only $4.99 is the best thing going for this place, followed by the sped of service, and then the variety. As an alternative to other fast food places, I'd say this is a really good one. I'd choose Steak 'n Shake over most other chains any day.
Not cooked to order: -1
Cooked correctly: 5
Design/Ingredients: 1
Plating: 1
Value: 3
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Custom Burgers by Pat La Frieda and 67 Burger Redux
Queens, NY
www.lafrieda.com
www.yelp.com(reviews)
The Order: Single, with lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onions ($1), cheddar ($1), bacon ($1.5), and spicy garlic aioli.
Side Order: None
$4.75 + $1 + $1 + $1.5 = $8.25
Drink Order: Coke
Burger Menu Rating: 10.5/15
Who could be more excited than me to find out that Custom Burgers by Pat La Frieda happens to be in the same terminal from which I was flying out of NY?! Nobody. That's who. I mean, come on, Pat La Frieda provides the meat for some of the best burgers in the city, and the butcher/meat wholesaler is renowned for his custom blends and high quality meats. So a 'Fast Casual' burger place where you can customize your own burger, and the meat is guaranteed to be great quality? I'm sold. They had a few pre-designed burgers (Americana, Fat Cat, Southern Style, etc.), but the name of the place is CUSTOM Burgers... so I built my own.
So! The burger: tasty for a fast food type burger, but you can't get it cooked to order! For a place that cares about the quality of the meat, don't you think they would care that you could only get it medium/medium-well?! What a waste! They meat was on the dry side because of it. Also, the patty was strangely flat, though, with how it was put together, it had a fantastic texture, and extremely coarse grind. The spicy garlic aioli wasn't spicy at all, but added enough garlic flavor to at least be interesting. The bacon was a little soft, and undercooked, tough and not very flavorful. The bun was greasy, the same flavor and color as the bun at Shake Shack, but also added flavor and a texture that improved the overall mouthfeel. The other toppings were fresh, crisp and crunchy. They didn't split the bun, which made for awkward handling of the burger, and the presentation really left something to be desired. In such a swank terminal (and the entire Delta terminal at La Guardia is super nice), and in an eatery with such a good idea, you'd think it would be presented a little better. Actually, there was a HUGE lack of any employee presence in this place. You walk up to the counter and you order on a touch-screen terminal, then stand and wait for your burger, which is brought out from the back kitchen by.. someone. I mean, I know we're pretty technologically advanced and all, but it felt very standoffish and was a bit perturbing. I'd still come here again, despite the Overall, the burger was salty, pretty tasty, but not completely satisfying. Next time I'd go with the 'American' which is cheaper, and probably more worth it. Or I'd build my own American, and add the garlic aioli. Build your own single burgers start at $4.75.
The sides and shakes were a little pricy for me and I was looking for a light lunch, so I passed on them. They did look tasty though. Also, notice that this is the entrance to the kitchen, which is behind a wall of cows.
Not cooked to order: -1
Cooked correctly: 5
Design/Ingredients: 3
Plating: 1.5
Value: 2
So! Last Tuesday, 67 Burger in Park Slope offered a slider and beer pairing dinner orchestrated by head chef Jeff Maslanka. $20 for 20 ounces of beer (4 beers), and 20 ounces of burger (4 sliders - 3 meat, 1 veggie). That's a pretty sweet deal, and having already been to their Fort Greene location, I was eager to get a second opinion, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Joined once again by Mike and Vanessa, we snagged an 8pm seating, and were served within 10 minutes of sitting. Two of the managers each came by to see how we were doing, and explain the whole evening, plus give us a pairing menu.
But get this. Two representatives from Sixpoint Brewery were there serving us our beer, and explaining the notes about each beer, and why they were chosen to pair with each of the sliders. And then, Maslanka himself came by the table to explain the burgers and toppings, and to make sure we were all doing alright. Well, let me tell you, these burgers were delicious. The Italian Veggie burger, in fact, was fantastic (gasp!). I know! I know! What?! It's not a burger! It's a Veggie Patty Sandwich! Then there was their Greek burger, with feta, olive tapenade, and artichoke. It was perhaps my favorite of the bunch. 3rd was their 67 burger, with bacon and bleu cheese, but in slider form of course, and last was their Southwestern burger, which had roasted peppers, tomatoes, scallions, Chipotle mayo and pepperjack cheese.
They were seriously all delicious, AND, cooked a PERFECT medium rare. Maslanka, you get bonus points. But I think the best pairing was actually the 67 Burger and the Sixpoint Righteous Rye. The salty, sour and bitter tastes provided across the board really worked together to make it a difficult burger and beer to consume slowly. Enjoy the foodporn below!
The Greek Burger, cooked a pefect medium rare.
The quartet of burgers, face us is the Southwestern, to the left is the Italian Veggie and
to the right is the 67 burger.
Vanessa enjoys some fries, burgers and beers!
The Italian Veggie. Surprisingly delicious. I'm no convert, but I'd eat it again. Are you
happy, all you vegetarians out there?
Mike enjoying three burgers at once!
www.lafrieda.com
www.yelp.com(reviews)
The Order: Single, with lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onions ($1), cheddar ($1), bacon ($1.5), and spicy garlic aioli.
Side Order: None
$4.75 + $1 + $1 + $1.5 = $8.25
Drink Order: Coke
Burger Menu Rating: 10.5/15
Who could be more excited than me to find out that Custom Burgers by Pat La Frieda happens to be in the same terminal from which I was flying out of NY?! Nobody. That's who. I mean, come on, Pat La Frieda provides the meat for some of the best burgers in the city, and the butcher/meat wholesaler is renowned for his custom blends and high quality meats. So a 'Fast Casual' burger place where you can customize your own burger, and the meat is guaranteed to be great quality? I'm sold. They had a few pre-designed burgers (Americana, Fat Cat, Southern Style, etc.), but the name of the place is CUSTOM Burgers... so I built my own.
So! The burger: tasty for a fast food type burger, but you can't get it cooked to order! For a place that cares about the quality of the meat, don't you think they would care that you could only get it medium/medium-well?! What a waste! They meat was on the dry side because of it. Also, the patty was strangely flat, though, with how it was put together, it had a fantastic texture, and extremely coarse grind. The spicy garlic aioli wasn't spicy at all, but added enough garlic flavor to at least be interesting. The bacon was a little soft, and undercooked, tough and not very flavorful. The bun was greasy, the same flavor and color as the bun at Shake Shack, but also added flavor and a texture that improved the overall mouthfeel. The other toppings were fresh, crisp and crunchy. They didn't split the bun, which made for awkward handling of the burger, and the presentation really left something to be desired. In such a swank terminal (and the entire Delta terminal at La Guardia is super nice), and in an eatery with such a good idea, you'd think it would be presented a little better. Actually, there was a HUGE lack of any employee presence in this place. You walk up to the counter and you order on a touch-screen terminal, then stand and wait for your burger, which is brought out from the back kitchen by.. someone. I mean, I know we're pretty technologically advanced and all, but it felt very standoffish and was a bit perturbing. I'd still come here again, despite the Overall, the burger was salty, pretty tasty, but not completely satisfying. Next time I'd go with the 'American' which is cheaper, and probably more worth it. Or I'd build my own American, and add the garlic aioli. Build your own single burgers start at $4.75.
The sides and shakes were a little pricy for me and I was looking for a light lunch, so I passed on them. They did look tasty though. Also, notice that this is the entrance to the kitchen, which is behind a wall of cows.
Not cooked to order: -1
Cooked correctly: 5
Design/Ingredients: 3
Plating: 1.5
Value: 2
So! Last Tuesday, 67 Burger in Park Slope offered a slider and beer pairing dinner orchestrated by head chef Jeff Maslanka. $20 for 20 ounces of beer (4 beers), and 20 ounces of burger (4 sliders - 3 meat, 1 veggie). That's a pretty sweet deal, and having already been to their Fort Greene location, I was eager to get a second opinion, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Joined once again by Mike and Vanessa, we snagged an 8pm seating, and were served within 10 minutes of sitting. Two of the managers each came by to see how we were doing, and explain the whole evening, plus give us a pairing menu.
But get this. Two representatives from Sixpoint Brewery were there serving us our beer, and explaining the notes about each beer, and why they were chosen to pair with each of the sliders. And then, Maslanka himself came by the table to explain the burgers and toppings, and to make sure we were all doing alright. Well, let me tell you, these burgers were delicious. The Italian Veggie burger, in fact, was fantastic (gasp!). I know! I know! What?! It's not a burger! It's a Veggie Patty Sandwich! Then there was their Greek burger, with feta, olive tapenade, and artichoke. It was perhaps my favorite of the bunch. 3rd was their 67 burger, with bacon and bleu cheese, but in slider form of course, and last was their Southwestern burger, which had roasted peppers, tomatoes, scallions, Chipotle mayo and pepperjack cheese.
They were seriously all delicious, AND, cooked a PERFECT medium rare. Maslanka, you get bonus points. But I think the best pairing was actually the 67 Burger and the Sixpoint Righteous Rye. The salty, sour and bitter tastes provided across the board really worked together to make it a difficult burger and beer to consume slowly. Enjoy the foodporn below!
The Greek Burger, cooked a pefect medium rare.
The quartet of burgers, face us is the Southwestern, to the left is the Italian Veggie and
to the right is the 67 burger.
Vanessa enjoys some fries, burgers and beers!
The Italian Veggie. Surprisingly delicious. I'm no convert, but I'd eat it again. Are you
happy, all you vegetarians out there?
Mike enjoying three burgers at once!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Bark Hot Dogs
Brooklyn, NY
www.barkhotdogs.com
The Order: Bark Cheeseburger, medium rare. Organic Angus beef, short rib and top round, pork jowl, bark sauce, b&b pickles, lettuce and onion.
Side Order: Fries ($3)
$6.25 + $3 = $9.25
Drink Order: 12oz Bark Red Ale (made by Sixpoint)
Burger Menu Rating: 12.5/15
You thought I was going full-blown Vegan?! No burgers, my lovelies, I will never abandon you. It was just an April Fools joke I swear. No, I didn't eat any vegetables behind your back. No I'll never do it again.
On a side note, in doing more reviews with the new rating system, I've noticed a flaw that I must rectify. Somehow, I gave the Plating category 4 points, when it really should have 3, and the Design/Ingredients category 3 when it should have 4. So I'm switching them. It'll allow more room for the burger itself to shine. Hope you like it. Previous reviews will not be edited. We (I) only look forward here at Burger Menu.
I know you're thinking 'but wait, this is a hot dog place,' and you're right to be hesitant, but this is a good burger! Not exactly cooked perfectly, they usually cook the burger medium well because of the pork in the meat, but they cooked it between medium rare and medium for me, so not bad. A simple burger but with great ingredients. The flavor of the meat is perfect in tandem with the sauce and the meat flavor still shines through. This is almost a fast food burger because of its size and taste, so it competes with the likes of Shake Shack in the Fast/Casual category (as it was put to me last night), in which it definitely holds it's own. I scarfed this thing down in a second, and I wasn't even starving.
The fries are perfect and well worth the three dollars. A good amount of fries, perfectly seasoned, these are thin crunchy AND soft fries. Cooked just the right amount to get that dichotomy of texture that fries need to have.
Bark does a $10 lunch deal which includes a burger, fries and a soda. They also do a dinner deal for $11 which includes a burger, fries and a draught beer. Not bad deals at all. Bark is definitely worth the price. They have a frequent eater card, aka the Bark Executive Card, which will get you rewards, like... eat 10 burgers get your 11th free (or something similar). They also sell growlers and will do growler refills of what they have on tap!
Cooked Correctly: 4.5/5
Design/Ingredients: 3/4
Plating: 2/3
Value: 3/3
Announcing! The first Burger Menu giveaway. I just bought a groupon for Prime Burger, recipient of the James Beard Award for "America's Classic Restaurants" and recipient of AOL City's Best "Top 10 Burgers". Up to 3 people can accompany me, which means I'm covering the tab! If you come with me, you get a burger, an order of fries, and a shake. FOR FREE! So. Who's coming with me? Well what I really need is more exposure for the blog. So! The first three people to email me proof that they've shared the blog with at least 5 people (hopefully these are new people), will get to come with me on this burger adventure (unfortunately, if you live outside of NYC, you're SOL, but perhaps another giveaway will be in YOUR city). All you have to do is email the link to this blog ( http://burgermenu.blogspot.com ) and cc me on the email ( theburgermenu@gmail.com ) and you're gold! Points to whoever writes the best writeup. Go!
www.barkhotdogs.com
The Order: Bark Cheeseburger, medium rare. Organic Angus beef, short rib and top round, pork jowl, bark sauce, b&b pickles, lettuce and onion.
Side Order: Fries ($3)
$6.25 + $3 = $9.25
Drink Order: 12oz Bark Red Ale (made by Sixpoint)
Burger Menu Rating: 12.5/15
You thought I was going full-blown Vegan?! No burgers, my lovelies, I will never abandon you. It was just an April Fools joke I swear. No, I didn't eat any vegetables behind your back. No I'll never do it again.
On a side note, in doing more reviews with the new rating system, I've noticed a flaw that I must rectify. Somehow, I gave the Plating category 4 points, when it really should have 3, and the Design/Ingredients category 3 when it should have 4. So I'm switching them. It'll allow more room for the burger itself to shine. Hope you like it. Previous reviews will not be edited. We (I) only look forward here at Burger Menu.
I know you're thinking 'but wait, this is a hot dog place,' and you're right to be hesitant, but this is a good burger! Not exactly cooked perfectly, they usually cook the burger medium well because of the pork in the meat, but they cooked it between medium rare and medium for me, so not bad. A simple burger but with great ingredients. The flavor of the meat is perfect in tandem with the sauce and the meat flavor still shines through. This is almost a fast food burger because of its size and taste, so it competes with the likes of Shake Shack in the Fast/Casual category (as it was put to me last night), in which it definitely holds it's own. I scarfed this thing down in a second, and I wasn't even starving.
The fries are perfect and well worth the three dollars. A good amount of fries, perfectly seasoned, these are thin crunchy AND soft fries. Cooked just the right amount to get that dichotomy of texture that fries need to have.
Bark does a $10 lunch deal which includes a burger, fries and a soda. They also do a dinner deal for $11 which includes a burger, fries and a draught beer. Not bad deals at all. Bark is definitely worth the price. They have a frequent eater card, aka the Bark Executive Card, which will get you rewards, like... eat 10 burgers get your 11th free (or something similar). They also sell growlers and will do growler refills of what they have on tap!
Cooked Correctly: 4.5/5
Design/Ingredients: 3/4
Plating: 2/3
Value: 3/3
Announcing! The first Burger Menu giveaway. I just bought a groupon for Prime Burger, recipient of the James Beard Award for "America's Classic Restaurants" and recipient of AOL City's Best "Top 10 Burgers". Up to 3 people can accompany me, which means I'm covering the tab! If you come with me, you get a burger, an order of fries, and a shake. FOR FREE! So. Who's coming with me? Well what I really need is more exposure for the blog. So! The first three people to email me proof that they've shared the blog with at least 5 people (hopefully these are new people), will get to come with me on this burger adventure (unfortunately, if you live outside of NYC, you're SOL, but perhaps another giveaway will be in YOUR city). All you have to do is email the link to this blog ( http://burgermenu.blogspot.com ) and cc me on the email ( theburgermenu@gmail.com ) and you're gold! Points to whoever writes the best writeup. Go!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A Major Switch
Hey there everyone. Since the beginning of the year, I've been doing pretty well with the reviews. I've only missed 2 consecutive weeks, I've reviewed more burgers than I did in the same period last year, and the reviews have been getting more sophisticated as my knowledge about everything burger grows. But this is all changing. I'm not going to be reviewing burgers anymore. In fact, I'm never going to eat a burger again. As delicious as they are, burgers are killing me, and you shouldn't really be eating them either. I didn't make this decision lightly, but after reading this article, I had no choice but to change my ways.
Studies now say that eating burgers is the equivalent of eating yourself into an early grave. It increases your risk of early death by 13%. That's 13% PER hamburger. By that math, I have a 3757% of an early death. Seriously?! I'm definitely going to die young. Do I want that? No. What if I want to have kids?! The article I linked to above mentions the health benefits of going Vegan. While I think that's a little drastic for me, at least to start out, I'm going cold turkey on red meat, and sticking to poulty and fish, and hopefully within 6 months can be completely vegetarian, then within 9 months be completely Vegan.
Wish me luck. I'll continue posting reviews on here, of veggie burgers, chicken burgers, etc. Until I go full-on Vegan, at which point this will be done.
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