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An Ordinary Burger at Ford's Filling Station in Culver City, California
I don't particularly remember the food at Ford's, though I do recall that I found the atmosphere pleasing. I would choose something other than shredded lettuce, but I guess that is in sync with the Route 66 / Cali burger identity. And despite your passing grade in this iteration, blue cheese on a burger still worries me a bit.
A slight pattern emerging in some of your recent posts: Hollywood game-changing father spawns restless, creative chef who falls in love with the simplicity and complexity of serving burgers. What do you think?
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
Yummmmmmmmmmmm. West side, here I come. I'm also into the diversity of Evan's background!
Another great review Damon. (Watch out though, it looks like some one up there might be avidly vying for your job. Ha.)
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
Great review. I am excited to try this place. Such a rare blog browsing occurence in my day-- finding depth and deliciousness and humor in one spot. I actually feel like I've read something! Hope you had a happy day Damon. Looking forward to next Wednesday...
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A Barbecuer's Cheeseburger at Zeke's Smokehouse in West Hollywood, CA
That Zekeburger looks excellent-- and I fully support the no condiments choice. I would never have considered this place before, but think my next trip to Target just got a bit more exciting. Thanks Damon.
An Ordinary Burger at Ford's Filling Station in Culver City, California
I don't particularly remember the food at Ford's, though I do recall that I found the atmosphere pleasing. I would choose something other than shredded lettuce, but I guess that is in sync with the Route 66 / Cali burger identity. And despite your passing grade in this iteration, blue cheese on a burger still worries me a bit.
A slight pattern emerging in some of your recent posts: Hollywood game-changing father spawns restless, creative chef who falls in love with the simplicity and complexity of serving burgers. What do you think?
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
Yummmmmmmmmmmm. West side, here I come. I'm also into the diversity of Evan's background!
Another great review Damon. (Watch out though, it looks like some one up there might be avidly vying for your job. Ha.)
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
Great review. I am excited to try this place. Such a rare blog browsing occurence in my day-- finding depth and deliciousness and humor in one spot. I actually feel like I've read something! Hope you had a happy day Damon. Looking forward to next Wednesday...
A Burger (P)review of Dish in Malibu, California
What an interesting find. Or perhaps burgers are finding you these days? I love spicy mayo-- a perfect compliment to the texture/flavor of a bbq'd patty.
A Disappointing Classic at Rick's Drive In and Out in Silver Lake, California
I don't understand... wasn't that the whole intro and main point of this post-- that he had heard that it had really good burgers???
And I for one am surprised to hear that it was a let down-- people go nuts for this place. My expectations were much higher than those of a standard "fast food" burger, so I'm happy to have fair warning-- thanks!
A Balanced Burger at Reservoir in Silver Lake, California
I found this place to be quite charming. We ordered the burger (in addition to a variety of other fresh, pleasing dishes) and I have to applaud her for the choice of bun. For me, it not only had the right about of sweetness, but also a surprising and perfect pliancy. As the burger spent more and more time in my hands, the bread contracted into a somewhat firm and exacting mold of deliciousness around the patty and toppings. Yum.
Aloha Reservoir burger.
A Bland Burger at The Stand in Encino, California
The Stand bills itself as a classic American restaurant-- it's not just a hot dog place. Regardless, the idea that you can't get a good burger anywhere (let alone a place that specializes in another meat/bun/condiment iteration) seems mindless. And I like many of these reviews for that very reason-- they often lead me to the non-obvious places and sometimes, the non-obvious burgers are the best.
A Professional Burger at Nick & Stef's Steakhouse
Great review and really nice photos Damon.
I love a good, slick, steakhouse meal at lunch. (I know we're technically here for the burgers, but holy BBQ shrimp cocktail! That looks delicious.)
A Burger Affair at BoHo in Hollywood
The interior of that place is exactly as I would choose not to design my restaurant. I know that many people appreciate the Boho style, but whoa, not for me. It makes it look dirty and itchy in there.
I will say though that your pictures make that burger look delicious-- particularly the cross section one-- so it's too bad to discover that it's not the case. I heart the Oinkster 4eva.
Paradise Lost at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu, California
@BigWoollyMammoth
Well said. I momentarily lost sight of the celebratory nature of this beautiful, burger blogging. Cheers.
Paradise Lost at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu, California
Damon specifically didn't whine about going to Cleveland. Rather, he pointed out that kind whining by someone from the coasts is a tired rhetorical technique and then he pointed out that he wasn't going to do the opposite and be obsequious. I think I figured this out when I read:
"Okay, normally this is the time when the coastal blogger either fortifies his snark credentials by eviscerating an easy target with worn clichés about a metropolis in peril or, alternatively, curries favor with an Middle American audience by communicating surprised delight at a resurgent city."
He was introducing his review by being self conscious about his status as a coastal writer and visitor in a city that would traditionally be bashed on the one hand, or over-served praise on the other, by someone like him. He then goes on to say that he's specifically not going to take either posture in his piece. I think I figured this out when he wrote: "I'm not going to assume either posture."
Rather, he mentioned it because it was relevant to an event in his life that would come up again later when he was strolling on the beach. It's a storytelling technique deployed to communicate his experience of having the burger in Malibu. Still with me?
Being put off by people who whine about Cleveland doesn't mean you have below grade level reader comprehension ability. It's the criticizing a person for doing something that he was EXPLICITLY not doing that means you have poor reading comprehension skills.
You are right, as for your skin tone in relationship to sun exposure, I can make no assumptions and it's beside the point.
Does this seem clear? Maybe ask a friend from an interior locale for further help.
Paradise Lost at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu, California
Sometimes I'm still really surprised by the range on the idiot meter for blog commenting. (I'm looking at you anysuchname, aargh and oneiron. Though I kinda fantasize about you all being repressed teenage boys, pale skin glowing in the light of your screen, high fiving each other back and forth over the ether with useless commentary.) I guess reading can be really hard sometimes. All of those nouns. All of those verbs. All of that stringing of those nouns and verbs together in new and interesting ways. Sigh. I feel tired.
Per usual, I enjoyed the thoughtful post. For me, it makes me feel like I actually get to read something smart and insightful during those small windows of time that I routinely spend on the internet these days.
Van Nuys, Calif.: All Nostalgia at Beeps Fast Food
Too bad about the lackluster burger-- they actually make a pretty mean BLT.
My Baby Blues BBQ in West Hollywood
Next time: Grilled Shrimp PO'BOY!
Culver City: Burger Hunting at Gyenari
I'm into this burger fusion equation. I too am a genuine fan of the cheeseburger at said neighborhood taco stand and think that it must be the shared cooking space with all of the other delicious meats and onions and such that gives that little (somewhat grayish) patty so much kick.
The Working Lunch at Lemon Moon in Los Angeles
Occasionally I feel conflicted as to whether or not lettuce of the "mixed green" variety belongs on a hamburger. Without engaging the Father's Office Burger Is Not A Burger burger argument, I sometimes think that some spinach or the like would be nice on my hamburger. Think is the key word here, as I often just return to a standard crisp, green leaf lettuce, but it crosses my mind nonetheless. I also have to mention that I really dislike the thick, white ridge of a romaine heart and hate it when that is the primary lettuce on my burger. Hate it.
Checking One Off the List at The Bucket in Eagle Rock, California
I'm finding this post particularly germane as it was just a few weekends ago that I discovered this place (as one often does in LA, flying past it in my car.) It was a sunny Sunday afternoon-- one of the first hits of spring-- and I just happened to be driving down Eagle Rock. That weathered sign immediately caught my attention and the place was super lively and filled with bikers. My curiosity was immediate and I promised myself that I would remember to go back. Though it sounds like the fare is just so-so, I'm excited to hear that it is as friendly as it seemed from afar. Is that cabbage on the Julio btw?
My Burger Has a First Name at Damon's Steakhouse in Glendale, California
Those burger shots are great and dramatic. I can totally get into the look/feel/sense of an old school restaurant- even on a sunny day- and your images relay that feeling nicely. And great call on Taylor's. It's been a while since I've been there and you've inspired me to go back. Do they have a burger on the menu there? I can't recall. In regard to the salad I do have a legitimate question: Have you considered Ranch dressing? It's the best IMHO.
Nice review Damon.
Behind the Orange Curtain at Ruby's Diner, Newport Beach, California
Wow. @NotGonnaTakeIt, go off your meds much? As usual, really enjoyed the post Damon.
Overdoing It at Laurel Tavern in Studio City
Bummer about the overcooking. I have to say that I was a little turned on by the Old School Burger when I first scanned your photos. (Which are nice by the way.) Maybe it's exactly as you say-- I'm getting tired of hearing about all of the onion, fancy cheese, spinach, various sauce iterations on the burger. Juicy meat, soft bun, ketchup-- I had high hopes. Alas, sorry that it didn't add up. As a child, my standard was a cheeseburger with mayo only. Haven't ordered that way in ages, but your post has inspired me to give it a shot again.
Remembering The Original Tops in Pasadena
I feel your pain with the lettuce and the tomato on the bottom! Totally irksome.
Taking Comfort In The Kitchen in Silver Lake, California
Normally I am weary of Focaccia and what I feel are its many loose interpretations, but the bread in that pic looks lovely. So much so, that I kinda just want to smear it with butter and a dash of salt and get to it.
I too have recently gone to this place and think that you did a nice job of capturing its appeal. It's a great neighborhood spot. I would never have thought to order the burger. Ditto on the bread substitute. I'll report back!
Triumph of the New At Rowdy Red Wine & Burger Bar In Los Angeles
Would it make you laugh to think that you have quickly become an arbiter of all things burger for me? I'm way guilty of falling into the food/music/art blog vortex and have to remind myself from time to time to lift my head up for the air of what exactly it is I am interested in consuming. And (paradoxically I suppose) with your posts, I'm often most interested in the words that you, ahem, serve up. Not words that somehow legitimize a burger or my knowledge of a certain burgers existence, but words that incite my curiosity of place. Maybe it's easy to say that because it will eventually be washed down (I'll stop) with a tasty (medium-rare, american, hold the mustard, pickle and raw onion) burger, but anyone can throw up a macro image and say some good and some bad about a place and the food it serves. It's your narrative that keeps me tuning in. Rock on.
By the Time I Get to Arizona: Delux Burger in Phoenix
This type of burger story is the kind that you tell back to yourself, even as time marches on and you no longer remember what it first felt like to speak the words. I love that we all have a say in shaping what will become the larger burger project.
Beautiful (burger) blogging Damon. Thank you. Mtc.
A Barbecuer's Cheeseburger at Zeke's Smokehouse in West Hollywood, CA
I've often overlooked the burger choices at high quality BBQ joints simply because the traditional pork BBQ or brisket there is so good. But it stands to reason that such an outfit has considerable meat knowledge that will be put to good use when grilling a burger.
A Barbecuer's Cheeseburger at Zeke's Smokehouse in West Hollywood, CA
I second the motion on a visit there this weekend. Hmmm... perhaps a Meetup group could be in the making based off your burger reviews! If hotjog happens to have their username tattooed to their forehead and I happen to pull my face away from a Zekeburger in time to catch it I'll float the idea. If that doesn't work I'll just start stalking you, Damon.
As someone looking for a new cult to join if you told me a cow pie nestled between two buns was tasty I'd try it... without the veggie "huddle in the corner of the plate" of course.
A Barbecuer's Cheeseburger at Zeke's Smokehouse in West Hollywood, CA
Diagnosis? Delicious! I'm headed there this weekend thanks to your review. Wow that looks amazing. I miss my KC bar-b-que so I can "compromise" and eat the burger at the LA bar-b-que joint.
A Barbecuer's Cheeseburger at Zeke's Smokehouse in West Hollywood, CA
Damon those o-rings look badass!!! I would kill for a place that served good homemade onion rings around here. Next time get a side of those instead of fries.
My Burger Has a First Name at Damon's Steakhouse in Glendale, California
I love the stuffed baked potatoes and the garlic bread
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
Sadly, this burger is nowhere near being worthy of the attention or the price tag. This evening's rendition was absolutely insipid. The beef added nothing but bulk to the dish--no satisfying crust, no rich, no seasonings in or on, no aged beef funkiness, and the grind was fine enough to make it resemble baby food in both taste and texture. The bun would really work with a flavorful version of this burger. The dough was worked just a touch longer than a proper scone, which meant that the gluten strands were sufficiently short as to not create a chewy product. This yielded a perfect, but bland mouth feel. One should definitely pass on the rings. The rings were greasy to the touch and greasier in the mouth--"crunchy, oil sponges" comes to mind.
It is no wonder that not a single staff member asked our table how our food was (during and after the meal)--the answer would have been "disappointing." So it goes...I'm sure that other menu items at Tavern, are wonderful (the heirloom tomatoes were very nice), but I would not recommend this burger to any of my friends.
An Ordinary Burger at Ford's Filling Station in Culver City, California
Blue Cheese - no thanks you!
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
This was so much fun to read! I'm glad you had so much fun eating the burger. I'm a cook there and was wondering if you can email the group shot you took.
About the bacon, we recieve the bacon whole, and break it down into squares before we cook it - it would be too hard to cut, it would also mean we would have to cut everything at once, which would take too long and is too hard to store correctly. As far as the taste: its everything you ever wanted from bacon, but didn't know you were allowed to ask for more.
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
just lovely. look forward to trying it one day...
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
This is the best write-up I've seen on here in weeks. Great work - and what looks like a great burger. Twice-fried fries look awesome too.
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
@maxcriden - Thanks for the compliment. Even though I like the original better than the Smothered the photo of the latter gets me every time.
@williamwest - Thanks so much for the kind words.
@juliebugsmama - Ha! I think the Smothered burger is on the edge of NSFW.
@FamishedFem - Definitely a must try. Rustic Canyon is a restaurant I've really come like for many reasons. One caveat: it can get noisy when busy.
@redfish - No need to wait for heaven!
@AmazonGoddess - Thanks! Though I don't think my mother will approve at my budding "porn" career.
@alosha7777 - Thank you for the compliment!
@hookrilla - Hmm, SF? I'll be doing some burger recon there soon so I will hold off on opining. In the meantime, here is Jen Meiser's recommendation:
http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2008/09/spruce-the-best-burger-in-san-francisco-california.html
@wunami - Almost too good.
@Burger365 - I will find out for you and report back with respect to the exact preparation. As for how it ends up - the final frying crisps the bacon.
@SinoSoul - I guess my short answer is I don't think of toppings categorically, but rather assess them on a case to case basis as to how they enhance or detract from the overall enjoyment of the burger. To your specific question - Tavern vs. Rustic - it's not really apples to apples. First off I loved the quality of Tavern's toppings... I wrote in the review:
"The toppings alongside look as pristine and delectable as a high-end house salad. I sample them on their own. The pickles are perhaps the tastiest iteration I’ve come across."
What didn't work for me was how they interacted with the rest of the burger. Again, in the review I wrote:
"The burger's juiciness and fat seem out of step with the added texture (and water) of the toppings."
As for Rustic Canyon, the mass of toppings married with the burger beautifully. Above I wrote:
"The first bite is first kiss headiness: The flavor of the beef, salty and juicy, is awash in a complex of fat and sweetness that is nearly pitch perfect. Even the arugula —a lettuce choice that usually steams into mushy submission—vanquishes me. Its peppery bite, along with the pickle, cuts the sweet of the onions. The rémoulade blends into the flavor experience adding yet another layer fat and desire. The meat manages to hold its own against all these flavors; salty and wonderfully griddled, it has an intense crust that crumbles into each mouthful."
Phew... I guess that's the long answer. While I think the question you posed is answered in the reviews, the underlying question is a great one. What makes for great toppings on a burger? For me, there isn't a singular answer. I try to assess each burger on its merits while not forgetting to acknowledge my prejudices so as to give the best information.
I hope that clears up your confusion!
@carlita - Rustic is about 15 minutes from LAX... just try not to get distracted by the In-N-Out on your way.
@SAKc - Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the review!
@iheartcheese - Evan is so interesting. One little tidbit I didn't mention is that his father is an Academy Award winning cinematographer.
@dzhughes - Glad you liked the read, but in the end the real thing is where it's at. This one is definitely worth a try.
@Lvn4life - Nothing cynical about classic potato buns!
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
I was with you until you placed the egg ontop,.......The top bun is a little to fluffy for me - color me cynical for enjoying the classic potato (or even "egg") buns.
One of L.A.'s Best Burgers at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica
Wow... is all I can say. Oh and "Um... Yum..." too. Rustic Canyon is officially on my list thanks to your description which was so gastronomic I felt as though I was eating the burger right along with you. For a second I thought you went to the golf course in Moorpark to review their burger!
Don't know what the comment from SinoSoul is all about. Uh, have you had the burger at Tavern? If not, then just look at the pics of the burger from that review and compare them to the pics of this review. Now do you see? Tavern takes "run it through the garden" to a whole new level.
Paradise Lost at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe in Malibu, California
Hey dude, you got to eat at the restaurant that was next to Jim Rockford's trailer!!! That's seriously cool. I'm all over this place when I get to LA. FYI it used to be called the Sandcastle.
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
@SinoSoul - Alas, the burger deal at Rustic of which you speak is no more. Labor Day marked its end. The RC burger is back to its $16 dollar ways. Is it worth $16? I've had a chance to sample it a few times and talk burger technique with Chef Evan Funke so I'll have an answer to that question and more in next week's review.
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
$17 dollars, same price as the DBGB burger. A few miles away Rustic Canyon has $12 burger and beer nights. I can't imagine Tavern's beer (tho I love the food + ambience), being $5 + a pint of beer better than RC's.
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
do i notice a slightly diminished depth of field in your photos???
thank you for risking life and limb to open our eyes to the wonders of westside burgers....
Birthday Burger at Tavern in Brentwood, Los Angeles
@SAKSc- cadging?
Damon, your reviews are great. Keep up the good work.
A Burger (P)review of Dish in Malibu, California
I went to Malibu Lumber yard with my wife and kids last Sunday. We all ate the burgers from Dish. To be honest I think it is the best burger in LA and judging by the queue the locals agree.
The photos don't do it justice as the bun is far from dry and the patty is perfect. You can condiments or leave them off that is down to personal preference. Go try before you comment!!
A Burger (P)review of Dish in Malibu, California
@maxcriden - thank you for compliment and good on ya' for knowing the origin of that turn of phrase! I love an educated readership!
@Scoreboard44 - I have to say the bun worked with this patty. Mind you, the caveat is that it's got that meatloafy quality which (truth be told) I didn't expect to like at all.
@twoshoes - I don't know about that sirloin assessment. I've had some great (and complex) patties from steakhouses that use trimmings. Chuck will always reign supreme, but I think there is room for a alernate cuts/blends...Shake Shack's brisket and Umami's flap meat come to mind.
@SAKC - I fear you are all too correct about the price point change. I had a lovely dinner in Houston just the other night (a lovely dinner at Mockingbird Cafe) and found myself passing on a pricey patty ($32!). The premium burger movement seems comfortable dipping all five fingers into our pocketbooks!
A Burger (P)review of Dish in Malibu, California
Where else but Malibu? This sunny spot and creative chef seem a great find to me-- and fun. Alas, I doubt the $6.50 burger will follow Triplett to Bev Hills, but in the meantime, I plan to have "known him when..." (While too much messing with the meat does give me pause, the setting, $$ and your positive take make it worth a try.)
A Disappointing Classic at Rick's Drive In and Out in Silver Lake, California
@jenniferann if i weren't already married i'd proposed to you sight unseen... so loved your spirited defense of Rick's... good on ya!
A Disappointing Classic at Rick's Drive In and Out in Silver Lake, California
i don't consider pie 'n burger a "fast food" joint so much as a "historic" diner "institution"... also the burgers are priced in a way that you are paying a premium for the "history" and "reputation" of the place.... again, if i have a quick burger jones and don't want to wait 30 mins to get fed and over pay a little Rick's will still be my Northeast LA choice...
now... is Rick's "destination eating"? no. but yes... i'd rather go to Rick's than drive to Pasadena for Pie 'n Burger... for me Rick's has a warm place in my heart right there with my favorite Santa Monica drive-up, greasy spoon, Big Jo's (on Broadway @ 20th)... with the qualification that they are both my favorite examples of a certain genre of california burger within a certain price range.
A Disappointing Classic at Rick's Drive In and Out in Silver Lake, California
@HerbyN - No need to qualify. You are always allowed to take my opinions to heart. In fact, you are one of the readers I expected to hear from on this one. I just can't get there with Rick's. It's just ordinary to me. Do you really consider it the best? Better than Pie 'n Burger?
A Disappointing Classic at Rick's Drive In and Out in Silver Lake, California
just caught up with this review... i am loathe to take someone's subjective opinion to heart as i am a big believer in "different strokes for different folks"... but that said... DUUUUDE!.... rick's has got to be my favorite example of the "traditional classic california diner" burger... i just have to agree to disagree with you my friend... Rick's rocks!
p.s. and i dig the fries too.. what they lack in in-n-out fresh cut bona fides freshness, they make up for in volume... yes please... though i admit that i do take them home sometimes and give them a good shake of season salt...
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That Zekeburger looks excellent-- and I fully support the no condiments choice. I would never have considered this place before, but think my next trip to Target just got a bit more exciting. Thanks Damon.