Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Jake Melnick's


Myth has it that Lincoln Hawk walked into Jake’s two weeks ago, slithered inconspicuously into a stool at the bar, turned his trucker cap from front to back in his traditional fashion and muttered: “awl hav tha Badass burrgah, pleeze.”

And the two gentlemen sitting just an earshot away quickly gathered their belongings, paid their bill, tipped the waitress and walked away silently with their heads down.

If you don’t know Lincoln Hawk, then perhaps you should.

Inspired by the above events, The Burger Fiend twisted a few arms and brought along four of his faithful brethren to Melnick’s in honor of its “Over the Top” burger series and a chance to tackle May’s beast: The Badass BBQ Burger.

Unlike “Bull” Hurley, Lincoln proved this burger to be a worthy adversary.

The burger is an impressive 9oz. mass of beef, cheese and batter – slathered in BBQ sauce, topped with a house signature 17-hour-slow-cooked beef brisket, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a large beer-battered onion ring.

As mentioned in my previous post…the bonus is all the above comes with fries and a Great Lakes Edmond Fitzgerald Porter – for only $9.95.

Anticipation couldn’t have been higher.

Needless to say, the burg was fully embraced by the crew once it arrived in its picnic-style basin. Sounds of mirth and joy rounded the table, some devouring (read: me), some taking their time to savor the complex flavors.

Unanimously, the group agreed it was a very, very good burger. Cooked to a medium-rare perfection, the taste was as rich as its layers, but by far the brisket was the proverbial icing. And why not? Of course if you add a layer of braised brisket on top of anything else known to man it’s going to be amazing.

The genius is its simplicity…errr something.

One friend squealed in delight (male) and the other (male) couldn’t have hit it more on the head: “the only thing missing with this deal is a cot.”

Point taken. The other two could only nod in agreement (also males).

While the Badass Burger wasn’t the greatest opponent the Fiend has ever arm-wrestled, it still comes highly recommended to anyone with a bull-sized hunger. And the setting couldn’t be more conducive with its bench seating, plethora of HD flat-screens and convenient downtown locale – perfect for a summer lunch excursion, NCAA viewing party, weekend neighborhood escape or wedding reception (?!).

Unfortunately, the Fiend found himself across the street from Melnick’s not even a week later on a Thursday night, famished around 10:30pm and eager for another match, however the kitchen was only serving “real menu” items until 10:00pm. Keep that in mind if you’re in the hood and looking for a tussle.

We’ll meet again, my badass friend.

Because when it comes to the mastication of a worthy adversary, in the words of my bro Lincoln, “when the switch goes on…I feel like a machine.”




Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
41 E. Superior (corner of Wabash & Superior)
312.266.0400

Friday, May 15, 2009

Silver Cloud



I’m struggling to come up with a creative, quirky story here, so I’m going to take that as sign to instead play it straight.

What’s great about Silver Cloud is you always feel at home. Good food, good beer, good location, good music…and good tater tots.

And the burger overall was simply the same: good.

The patty was cooked perfectly on the medium-rare side and had a pleasant, tender taste. The cheddar was decent and the only real complaint was the completely overdone bacon: there is after all such a thing as too crispy.

At the end of the day, Silver Cloud will always be one of my favorite Bucktown diners and watering holes…and that’s not about to change anytime soon. Until the next time, mi amigo.





Silver Cloud
1700 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-6212

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Duchamp


And the list of burger locales in the Chi keeps growing...though this one however appears to be a must-taste.

Word on the street is buzzing over the new Duchamp burger, topped with rich havarti cheese, creamy tomato remoulade and side of savory garlic fries.

Attention: Captured. The Fiend is somewhat obessing over the thought of the havarti cheese.

Priced at only $13, the Duchamp Burger provides a decadence that is both affordable and a mouth-watering indulgence for any other Fiend on the prowl.

Moreover, Duchamp's burger will be featured in an upcoming TravelandLeisure.com piece on “America’s Best Burgers.”

The jury is still out on that claim and the Fiend is ready for duty.

Tis the Season...the "Big Timmy" and "Burker" Week

Couple of tremendous specials going on in and around Chicago...

Take a gander at these doozies below and keep an eye out for two burger reviews later this week: one from Silver Cloud and the other on the "Badass" burger from Melnick's.

Word

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"Big Timmy" Burger Challenge at Timothy O'Toole's Pubs
Now through May 31, 2009

What better time to try the "Big Timmy Challenge" than National Hamburger Month...

Chef Sean O'Brien offers a massive burger: two half-pound burger patties, cheddar, jack, mozzarella, swiss, bacon, onion straws, BBQ sauce, lettuce and red onion piled high and served with french fries and onion rings, $19.99.

For those able to polish off the platter, Timothy O'Toole's will award you with a T-shirt.

Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago
622 N. Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 642-0700
www.timothyotooles.com


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$5 “BURKER” WEEK IS BACK

David Burke Primehouse

In anticipation of BBQ season in Chicago, Executive Chef Rick Gresh is bringing back $5 Burker Week in a big way from Monday, May 25 to Saturday, May 30 during David Burke’s Primehouse lunch.

The "Burker Week" is a pretty extensive burger paradise, featuring a whole new menu of limited-edition burgers, including the signature 40 Day Dry Aged Burker for the special price of just $5.

The Burger Fiend definitely has his eye on that guy!

Other burger highlights include the Sam Adams Summer Ale Battered Chicken Burger ($5), Crab Cake Sliders ($8), Burke Castle Salad ($7), and the amazing Foot Long Black Pepper Benton Bacon Burger ($12) - BURGER FIEND...HEYYYYY!

Unique are the extras that give you the option to customize a chosen burger. To make it a "Big Pappa Burker,” decadent toppers ($3-12) include Angry Shrimp, Lobster Slaw, Fried Egg and Oscar.

Or the table can order a full plate of Ultimate Burger Toppings for only $5, which includes any and every burger need: housemade ketchup; garlic crushed mustard; red onion, jumbo dill, garlic & chili pickles; caramelized onions & mushrooms; and smoked bacon.

Side choices include Primehouse favorites like Truffle Asiago Fries ($6) and Tempura Beans ($7), and the new limited-time Salt & Vinegar Chips ($6).

There are a bevy of bevs and beers to boot, notably a selection of Sam Adams offerings such as its Summer Ale, Boston Lager, Brown Ale and Honey Porter - all for $4 each. Other bevs include the original Love ‘N Lime wine spritzer ($9 glass/$20 pitcher) and creamy Kentucky Bourbon Vanilla Milkshake ($5).

Unfortunately (or fortunately), the special Burker Week menu is available at lunch only from 11:30am to 3:00pm. Reservations are recommended.

David Burke’s Primehouse
616 North Rush
(at The James hotel)
312.660.6000

Monday, May 11, 2009

Dijon-Gate

(photo: Getty Images)

While the Burger Fiend did some tasty research this past weekend, which will be up shortly this week, this story hits way too close to home to ignore, considering both my previous "Burger on the Hill" post and my recently closed condiment poll.

Take a look...original story found in NY Mag online.

GLENVIEW, Ill./USA — May 8, 2009 —GREY POUPON has issued an open letter to President Barack Obama urging him to grant “pardons” to all Americans who have ever been criticized for their love of Dijon mustard.

“We believe that all Americans should have the option to exercise their freedom of taste,” said Christie Crouch, brand manager for GREY POUPON. “When we learned that President Obama was criticized for ordering a hamburger with Dijon mustard — now known as ‘Dijon-gate’ — we decided to take a stand by urging the President to issue ‘Pardon Me For Loving Dijon’ proclamations in support of condiment lovers everywhere.”

A copy of the letter can be viewed on the brand's microsite, where classic GREY POUPON “Pardon Me” television commercials can also be seen.

I've always preferred that spelling of "grey" too.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Burger on the Hill

(Roger L. Wollenberg-Pool/ Getty Images)




Wow...I thought this was a joke when I overheard Jimmy Fallon mumbling about this story.

But according to the Wash Post and other sources, we officially have a Fiend in Oval Office! Apparently, President Obama and Vice President Biden took a little field trip on Wednesday and ordered cheeseburgers at a nearby burger joint, Ray's Hell Burger , in Arlington, VA.

Some resturant just got a little more popular!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

JM’s Badass BBQ Burger


The Burger Fiend was recently informed that throughout May, in honor of National BBQ Month, Jake Melnick’s is rolling out the Badass BBQ Burger – the second (behind Madness Burger) of its monthly “Over-the-Top” burger series.

The 9oz. Badass BBQ Burger is slathered in BBQ sauce, topped with a signature 17-hour-slow-cooked beef brisket, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a large beer-battered onion ring.

Oh yeah…and it comes with fries and a Great Lakes Edmond Fitzgerald Porter – for only $9.95. The burger and beer combo for under $10 will remain on the menu indefinitely, each month featuring a new thematic focus within the “Over-the-Top” series.

The Burger Fiend smells a deal and the craving is kicking in hard.

Stay tuned: a review and more pictures to appear shortly.

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
41 E. Superior (corner of Wabash & Superior)
312.266.0400

National BBQ Month/Grilling Season/National Burger Month


I woke up yesterday with a big smile, because with May comes National BBQ Month and the official kickoff of grilling season during the Memorial Day weekend.

On top of everything, it's also NATIONAL BURGER MONTH according to various Internet sources. This means your affable Fiend will make it a priority this month to celebrate the heritage.

And there was much merriment from my camp.

I'm fairly certain my fellow carnivore roommate flexed in honor too.