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Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
"Dutch beef tastes different than what we are used to here in the states. But that stands to reason: they drink different water, they eat crops that grow in different soil. Maybe they even feed them the flower that made the Netherlands famous, the tulip."
Or, you know...grass instead of corn.
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
Aside from the all-too-frequent overcooking problem, the Bowery's burger is absoultely in the ballpark of those places. Do I rank it *higher* than Lucky Devil's, Umami, or Comme Ca? No, but it's also not spam on a bun. I do prefer the Bowery to 25 Degrees, which is all style, little substance. It's hands down better than Boho, and, though I live upstairs, and enjoy getting a cocktail there, I don't even consider the burger at Hungry Cat anymore. It's simply impossible to eat with one's hands, and more about the secondary ingredients than the actual burger.
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
In fairness, you ordered the onions and a coke (at a BAR).
Cost of a cheeseburger and fries before tax+tip:
Bowery: $13.50
Lucky Devil's: $14.50
25 Degrees: $14.50
Boho: $15
Comme Ca: $16
Hungry Cat: $16
Umami is $12, but they have no liquor license. The cost is pretty standard or below for this type of burger artound town. That said, I'm over it because they overcook it EVERY single time.
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
Awesome work, Kenji.
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
"Dutch beef tastes different than what we are used to here in the states. But that stands to reason: they drink different water, they eat crops that grow in different soil. Maybe they even feed them the flower that made the Netherlands famous, the tulip."
Or, you know...grass instead of corn.
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
Aside from the all-too-frequent overcooking problem, the Bowery's burger is absoultely in the ballpark of those places. Do I rank it *higher* than Lucky Devil's, Umami, or Comme Ca? No, but it's also not spam on a bun. I do prefer the Bowery to 25 Degrees, which is all style, little substance. It's hands down better than Boho, and, though I live upstairs, and enjoy getting a cocktail there, I don't even consider the burger at Hungry Cat anymore. It's simply impossible to eat with one's hands, and more about the secondary ingredients than the actual burger.
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
In fairness, you ordered the onions and a coke (at a BAR).
Cost of a cheeseburger and fries before tax+tip:
Bowery: $13.50
Lucky Devil's: $14.50
25 Degrees: $14.50
Boho: $15
Comme Ca: $16
Hungry Cat: $16
Umami is $12, but they have no liquor license. The cost is pretty standard or below for this type of burger artound town. That said, I'm over it because they overcook it EVERY single time.
Prime Meats Burger: One Step Away from Greatness
LOL, oops - there it is. No more posting before finishing my coffee. Sorry!
Prime Meats Burger: One Step Away from Greatness
Agree that the burger in that photo does not look medium. And it would have been nice to have a photo or two of the bun, it being your biggest complaint, Ed.
California Dreaming at The Golden State in Los Angeles
Finally got over to try the burger tonight, and found it to be a disappointment. The bun, while not too sweet, was on the verge of being stale. I liked the cheese, didn;t find the bacon to be overhwelming, and was pleased they decided to leave out the tomato, but there was way too much arugala, which, as noted, adds little. Most significantly, if found the buger to be majorly lacking in juiciness (especially for a 78/22 grind), and beefiness.
I suspect this burger would have benefited greatly from griddling as opposed to grilling. I'd really like to see a burger shop offer otherwise the same burger prepared in either method. Then both the proprietor and patrons would be able to make an educated decision as to which way is better.
A Family Friendly Burger at Dish in La Cañada Flintridge, California
Yeah, you copy and pasted the Desert Rose's address into the box.
Bob & Timmy's Is the Fifth Best Pizzeria in the U.S.?
Funny, the Rhode Island hamburger he included in his "20 burgers you must eat before you die" list a few years back (from the Spiced Pear in Newport) was also undeserving. I had that burger earlier this summer and would include it on my list of "20 burgers I would not wish upon my worst enemy."
Hole in Wall Burger Joint in West Los Angeles
I was working in CC today, so I fought the Obama motorcade traffic and stopped in. I wanted to like this place, but ultimately, there were just too many missteps. First off, it ain't cheap. 8 bucks, plus, $2 for fries and $1.50 for a can of coke before tax when you're eating on a plastic chair out of a paper bag behind a strip mall featuring a donut shop is a bit much.
Damon's complaints about the bun were right on, plus, it;s just too big for the patty (which I watched them pull out, and looked very robitically pre-formed). They claim their default (medium) is pink, but mine came out medium well. Also, it seems like they slapped the cheese on at the last second, because mine was not melted. Also, parking is a bitch, and seems like it would be so even if the President were not in town.
I did like the pickles and the other veggies. There was a bit too much lettuce, but I just removed a bit. As for the fries, I absolutely disagree with Damon. These were top notch spuds in every way - would eat again.
R.F. O'Sullivan's Burger Throwdown
I'd like to point out that when Kenji took that shot of the "plastic" cheese, it did not go unnoticed within the bar, and I experienced more than a small bit of fear for my personal safety.
Hamburger America: Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor, Michigan
I HATE that man/woman/Pat cook. Its act is not funny, cute, or endearing.
Where to Get Boston's Best Burger
Okay, it's on! I just sent you an email. We'll squash this beef (ha!) like gentlemen tomorrow.
Where to Get Boston's Best Burger
What would you like me to say, that they DO use salt and pepper? Is that going to sway you to my point of view? RF's uses high quality beef, which I believe it grinds itself. The grind is course, they don't smush the patty, my burger has always been cooked medium rare. I like the soft sesame bun, the iceberg lettuce is crisp, pickles available...it's simply a juicy, flavorful, fresh, and well-executed burger.
All you've heard from Kenji is a bald assertion that it's underseasoned - an assertion with which I vehemently disagree.
Where to Get Boston's Best Burger
I'm not going to continue the Tupac vs. Biggie debate, Kenji. Having lived in New York, L.A., and Boston, I absolutely take issue with your characterization, but we'll have to agree to disagree.
As for RF's, you are dead wrong. I will be in Boston tomorrow, and I will be driving over to RF's for lunch at 1pm to reconfirm my opinion that this is thew best burger in Boston, grilled though it may be. I challeng you to a burger-tasting throwdown.
My Baby Blues BBQ in West Hollywood
Damon, I appreciate the effort, but I think it might make sense for your reviews not to be of brand new places - especially those that don't profess to be burger specialists. Personally, I wouldn't expect Baby Blues to have a good burger, so validating that expectation is not terribly helpful.
I would love to see in-depth reviews from you of the burgers at places like the Bowery, Lucky Devil's and Comme Ca.
My Year in Hamburgers
I've really enjoyed your work, Nick. Thanks!
Where to Get Boston's Best Burger
For a burger expert, he did a really crappy job with this article. What is this nonsensical and unattributed assertion about "east-coast" vs "west-coast" styles? Because the west coast has in-n-out, that's what all burgers are like? I think not. Isn't the Counter partially responsible for the burger renaissance in this country? Is father's office's burger "fast food style"? Aren't most of the heralded burgers in NYC griddled (Shake Shack, Burger Joint, Melon's, etc.)?
Also, leaving out Bartley's and RF O'Sullivan's? Cmon.
Discovering the Fifth Taste at Umami Burger in Los Angeles
I went last week, and whiule I was a skeptic beforehand, I'm now a believer. I think this is on the very short list for best burger in L.A (with the Kobe at Lucky Devil's being my other current favorite).
A couple of gripes:
1) As at Lucky Devil's (and Father's Office), the "pre-packaged" burgers get in the way. I frankly didn't want either the "Umami" burger OR the "SoCal" burger - but instead just a burger, medium rare, with cheese so as to be able to judge the burger on the taste of the base components, and not accessories. I felt compelled to order the SoCal burger, but next time I will request the butter lettuce, sauce, etc. to be left off. I don;t think they brought much to the table.
2) The fries, the fries, the fries. Maxcriden, your pictures indicate that at least for a little while they ventures away from the ultra-thick fries. I wish they had continued that experiment. I don't 4 or 5 "fries" that taste more like mashed potatoes with a crispy covering. This place really needs some version of traditional fries. Why is it such a problem? Not everything on the menu needs to be groundbreaking.
3) No wine and beer/corkage. I'm sorry, but the 5 dollar corkage needs to go if they're not going to have wine or beer available. If you're bringing a $40 bottle of wine to a steakhouse, which already has its own wine list, $5 corkage would seem like an excellent value, but this is a burger joint, and all I want is a glass or two of beer or wine. If I need to go across the streeet to buy a beer, I shouldn't have to pay an additional $5 to drink it. That's just ridiculous.
Grand Opening of Flip, a New Burger Joint in the Manhattan Bloomingdale's
Well, I went this weekend. I ordered the "wagyu," medium rare, with american cheese on the plain brioche. I skipped the fries because I really shouldn't have been eating so close to my dinner reservations.
I thought it was well seasoned, perfectly-cooked, and juicy. Actually among the very best burgers I've had in New York City. The burgers are somewhat expensive, but not out of line with other sit-down joints. In fact, the import drafts were only $7, and appeared to be about 20 ounces.
I recommend people give it a shot before passing judgment. I was pleasantly surprised.
Seriously Delicious Super Bowl Party Giveaway: Snow's Barbecue Brisket
we call not to change
true loves of forty-three's home
smoked beef and pigskin
Inauguration Dinner: 'Hawaiian' Pizza
Mozza doesn't call it a Hawaiian Pizza but "Pizza alla benno," which adds speck, pineapple, and jalapeno to the Margherita. The pinapple is sliced paper thin and covers the jalapeno, and it's actually fantastic.
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
Surely, you were sent this idea from god???
My Baby Blues BBQ in West Hollywood
So, for the record, I have never met or corresponded with Damon Gambuto (but, I would love to!). Also, for the record, I had Baby Blues delivered a few weeks ago, and had an extra-ordinary experience - story to follow.
To all the folks who are upset that Damon did not review the BBQ at Baby Blues, from what I can tell Damon Gambuto is a Los Angeles based burger correspondent, and he is great at what he does. Sometimes BBQ joints can offer up a good burger. In fact, Damon recently reviewed three burgers at Zeke's Smokehouse, which is directly across the street from Baby Blues. It is a great write up, and you can search for it on this site.
I went to Zeke's Smokehouse last night based on Damon's review and I loved it, and commented earlier today on that piece - thanking him, because the burger was so tasty. Damon gave baby Blues the same shot, and didn't love the burger. Oh, well. Get over it. At least he was brave enough to give that combination of flavors a fair shake.
BTW - I once had a a grilled veal chop topped with melted brie and lingonberries that was exquisite. Perhaps the burger would shine if the blue cheese and bacon stood out more and the sauce had whole berries rather than being more of a pureed sauce. It would probably require arugula to balance the sweet, salty and pungent with some peppery goodness. But, as a purist, I would still prefer a good, quality burger without all the hoopla and dressy fanfare. That's just how I roll.
I am assuming Lincolnberry is an Ebonics-esque play on lingonberry. If you are truly curious, give Baby Blues a call.
My experience at Baby Blues? My husband and I wanted beef ribs, and when I asked the gal on the phone how many came with the order she replied, "one - it's like a big steak." We decided to give it a shot, and each ordered one, which came with a choice of two sides. I opted for collards and mashed potatoes, hubby had corn and cole slaw. The sides were delish, but one of the ribs was burnt and less than half the size of the other rib.
I let my honey have the good rib and insisted he eat it while I called, because I am sweet like that (and we had just moved into our new place and he had been doing hard physical labor and desperately needed the fortification). The hostess got the manager who apologized profusely and asked if I wanted another rib. I did. Forty minutes later, the manager showed up at the door and told my hubz he cooked it himself. Maybe it was my sultry phone-sex voice, but I'd like to think it was solid dedication. Anyways, it was nice. A chuck blade, essentially. It didn't rock my socks off, but it was a good chuck rib weighing in at 16 ounces or more, and it was properly (lovingly?) cooked. The sauce was not my favorite, as it was a bit sweet and overly tart with vinegar for a tomato based sauce, and the XXX sauce was a bit salsa-like for my taste. The service, on the other hand, made a strong, favorable impression.
Thanks for the well-written review, Damon. As I left Zeke's last night, I glanced across the street and wondered if Baby Blues had a decent burger. Now I know what to expect.
Maack out.
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
P.S. - I am blind for not seeing the links.
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
THANKS! I will let you know!
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
@jpacella
Thanks!
There's a link at the top and bottom of the stories that leads to a separate page with the full recipe for both the patty and the bun.
Let me know if it works out!
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
Kenji, this whole post just reeks of AMAZING. The part that has me just DROOLING is the bun. You went over the "basically", but would you be able to post an actual recipe for the bun? Thanks!
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
Ridiculously awesome. Thanks for the post Kenji!
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
DANG.
Dang.
Man, I am so happy that you have come to reside at Serious Eats.
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
I'm at a loss for words at how awesome this sounds.
The Burger Lab: Bacon Attack!
Kenji - for your leftover patty, make a nice half pound burger and top with cheese and the bacon patty for the ultimate bacon cheeseburger.
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
@JimInHolland: Spill now about the burger joint! I was just having this discussion with friends: I have yet to be convinced that they can make a good burger in Holland. (if you send me the name of your place, I'll give it a go!) I have not been to this Burgermeester place yet, but I am skeptical. Meanwhile, we are continuing to try and perfect smashed burgers at home instead.
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
That's an awesome review! I know this place (how couldn't I, i live down town Amsterdam) and go there at least once a week. I've visited similar burger-places in like London, San Fran, NY, but also Australia and New Zealand, but have to say the one around my corner rules. The freshness is unrivalled as far as I know, and they DO cook everything ready to order. They must because of their open kitchen.
Everybody enjoy your burger today, where ever you are...
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
forget about hash and eggs...maybe hash and burgers..lol
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
I own a cow in the Netherlands. Ok, not really, but we sponsor a koo, they have this program where you basically sponsor a cow and get updates on the cow...well until they go where good cows go. And you can visit the farm and visit your koo and the kindly Dutch farmer will serve you tea and you will awkwardly sit in the kitchen cause you don't speak Dutch.
Anyway, my friend who lives in Amsterdam gets the updates and says she takes her nieces and nephews to see the cow...and then they go to Burger King for a meal. Too funny.
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
@diearzte2 LOL
gotta love the urgency in serious eaters. :)
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
What!!!! TELL ME NOW!!! If you email it to me I promise I won't tell anyone.
Burgers with Pancetta from Burgermeester in Amsterdam
And it's not even the best burger in Amsterdam - I know a place that's cheaper, juicer, closer to US-style and damn, damn tasty. That one, I keep a secret.
For now...
Hole in Wall Burger Joint in West Los Angeles
Spot on review....Damn fine beef...deal killer of a bun......you forgot to mention that the homemade ketchup is simply pig awful--watery, bitter---it resembles chunky bile. DO NOT WANT
California Dreaming at The Golden State in Los Angeles
great review! finally got to try the burger out last week and i thought it was definitely one of the top five burgers i've eaten.
if you haven't yet, you must try the sweet potato fries! i'm usually not even a fan of sweet potato fries, but the golden state's are thick cut and really delicious. love this place.
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
can you really take a burger served with an english muffin seriously?
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
Get the mussels next time. They are really good.
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
@millions isn't actually comparing the burger you get at bowery to the one you get at Lucky Devils, 25 Degrees, Comme Ca or Hungry Cat are they? well... in my book it can only be "compared" to those others when it comes to price... to imply by this price comparison that it also "compares" in quality and taste... well, that is a bit of a stretch (to say the least)...
that said, i rarely go to those other places either (for burgers) for the very reason that they are overpriced, despite the fact the ones i mentioned make a damn good burger... i'm sorry, i may just be a bit of a tightwad, but there are just too many good burgers under $9, even under $6, in this town to overpay and not have the burger taste that much better...
A New York-ish Burger at The Bowery in Hollywood
I know I am going to get killed on this, but personally, I really like a properly toasted English muffin with a burger. Better than a perfect bun? No, but when the burger tends to the thinner variety rather than the thicker, and the condiments are limited to raw red onion and mustard, well, I like it. Green's Pharmacy in Palm Beach will do this for you, and I have been eating this there for 30+ years. It really is good. Oh, and burgers run, at the most, $8, and you have to work to spend this much. Most run about $6. As a bonus, the malts and the onion rings are the real deal, too. I guess I have to make a run up there this weekend, effete or not.
Discovering the Fifth Taste at Umami Burger in Los Angeles
Just perfect---the meat to bun ratio is ideal to the last bite. I had the Manly Burger, and the porkbelly was a perfect addition. The ketchup was heavy on the anise, but the burger didn't need it. This is my favorite burger next to the one at Olives in Las Vegas at the Bellagio and the one at the Left Bank at the On The Ave hotel in NYC's Upper West Side. Umami is my new "go to" burger in LA.
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Awesome work, Kenji.