Hiatus

n. pl. hi·a·tus·es or hiatus
1. A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break

Sincerest apologies my dearest friends, fans and followers...the Fiend will be back in September and in full force. I've been burgering with the best of 'em, and stockpiling posts, but sometimes unforeseen actions and objects do disrupt the force.

Not to worry - the Fiend shall return shortly, as well as introduce some new names to the mix.

-The Fiend

DGBG

(The Yankee)

Oh Daniel Boulud. Your culinary cleverness and authority has culminated in quite an interesting little addition to the LES.

Located in the heart of the Bowery, just down the street from the infamous remains of the punk rock mecca, CBGB, you added your own little mark to this notoriously gritty and seedy locale, aptly named: DGBG.

Staying somewhat in trend with the general mood of the area, the interior of DGBG is dark and eerie, with a vast back room and plenty of seating (even some tables on the sidewalk, but beware of crazy passersby…though that kind of comes with the nostalgia).

The menu is rather sophisticated, which the Fiend assumes is a smart yet bold marketing strategy. Classic French staples adorn the menu, such as burgundy snails, ham rillette, tripe and pate, and the Fiend offers kudos to one of the most impressive selections of sausage rarely seen outside of a high-end butcheria: a true snout-to-tail offering.

And this now brings us to the burgers that I’ve been hearing about from the lovely, sordid locals of the LES. Alongside his trusty new NYC burgering companion – the Burger Bandit – the Fiend was pleased to set out and conduct a tasting from one of the more revered chefs of our era.

In typical burgering fashion, the Fiend and the Bandit (a DGBG denizen of sorts) decided to split two of the three main burger offerings – The Yankee and The Piggy – both adding bacon and Vermont cheddar.

The Yankee was the standard offering on the menu, including iceberg lettuce, tomato and onion. One could tell there was thought put into the meat blend, though the Fiend couldn’t exactly pinpoint the cuts because on this evening the burger was seasoned a little too liberally, though traces of steak trim was detected. Cooked perfectly to medium as ordered, the Bandit vowed the Yankee is the way to go "with bacon and cheddar of course, and do not skip the fries – the combo is a must."

(The Piggie)

The Piggie was the next victim: topped with BBQ pulled pork, jalapeno mayo and mustard-vinegar slaw, the burger had a lot going on which ended up being a little messy, but still decent. The Bandit agreed it was good, but felt the concoction was a little too flavorful considering all the ingredients at play.

Overall, the burgers were good but not great. The quality and thoughtfulness was present, but by general rule the Fiend has a serious issue with high-end restaurants serving a 6oz selection at such a steep price point (average $17+).

But if it must be done, steakhouses are a great example of how to execute this in a quality fashion, typically offering a burger upwards of $20 or more. However 9 times of out 10 you know a few things will be automatic upon ordering a steakhouse burger: a) the chefs are pros with handling protein, so it will be cooked to perfection b) the quality of the meat will likely be prime and perhaps even a specialty cut or blend, and c) the patty will be at least a half-pound at a minimum, up to 10-11oz.

The Fiend is always willing to pay premium prices for a burger, regardless if it tastes bland or exquisite when it’s all chewed and done, however there’s an inherent trust going into the union that you’re getting the most for your money (let alone product costing, but let’s not even go there).

Walking away from the burgering, the Bandit offered the best summation of the experience: "I’ve definitely had more delicious burgers, but if you are looking to go on a bit of a fancier burger date night, DGBG delivers. It’s in a good area, the burgers are pretty swell and it’s a Daniel Boulud restaurant so that’s a plus."

299 Bowery (near Houston)
New York, NY
212.933.5300
www.danielnyc.com/dbgb

National Burger Month - Road Map and Specials

(photo: A Hamburger Today, SeriousEats.com)

With National Burger Month in full swing, the Fiend salutes all those out there bringing the "best in burgering" to the masses.

For those on the road or that happen to live in these cities, check out this list of top venues the Food Network put together for 2011.

The Fiend is still glad to see his favorite from coast-to-coast, Kuma's Corner, still pulling its weight in Chicago. New York, now that the weather is starting to break, prepare for some adventures.

Oh...and this just in from the fine people over at the NYC burger joint, goodburger:

In honor of National Burger Month, goodburger will be offering "Single for a $ingle" Wednesdays all through May. Apparently you can go to any goodburger location from 3:00-5:00pm every Wednesday in May and get a single burger for $1...or a bone, or a clam or whatever parlance you prefer. All toppings included. Maximum of five burgers per customer.

Have at it, fellow fiends.

Corner Bistro

The fabulous Corner Bistro neon marquee

The inaugural NYC post.

It’s only a propos that this venue would be chosen as the Fiend’s first post in the Big App, considering it’s a West Greenwich Village haven that I’ve frequented on multiple visits during the past few years.

And though I’ve been amassing quite a wicked list of burger joints to sample over the past few months, Corner Bistro is an institution that I find people recommend time and time again.

No frills, no menu (it’s on the wall) and nothing else but burgers and draught beer, the Bistro is dark, dingy and not an ounce dainty. The interior is extremely idiosyncratic: wrapped in wood from floor to ceiling, the neon lights and Euro league futbol from the only two TV screens provide the necessary lighting and soundtrack over the barfly patronage.

It is clear people come here for a handful of wonderful reasons, as aforementioned, but the major factor is obviously the burg (hamburger, cheeseburger or Bistro Burger).

The Corner Bistro Burger

One must go for the Bistro Burger, which comes with the usual garden-variety accoutrements plus a few generous strips of bacon. The burger patty itself is broiled, not grilled, in a salamander broiler, which was unsuspecting to me at first but also speaks to its extremely tasty nature (high heat forms a crusty exoskelton on the patty, leaving the center juicy and rarely overcooked). The Fiend will be commenting on this method of cooking a lot in coming posts.

The Fiend did notice that the chef on two occasions was smashing down the patty periodically, which is a major “no-no” regardless of the manner of cooking, however the final result at the Bistro is always still surprisingly succulent at medium-rare doneness.

Though the fiend is not a fan of shoestring fries, one must order a side as they are always very fresh and naturally complementary. And everything comes served on little plastic paper plates, thus adding to the general “keep it simple” experience.

A perennial powerhouse in the NYC burger scene, one must absolutely make the Corner Bistro a stop during their next Big Apple adventure. It’s nearly impossible to disappoint.

Ohhhh, and the original Magnolia Bakery is just down the street, as well as Carrie’s stoop from the SATC series…so you can always head that way and partake in the insanity or just stare and point at people in line to make them nervous. Either action is encouraged.

331 West 4th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 242-9502
http://cornerbistrony.com/

The Bad Apple

The Bad Apple

It appears the Fiend’s favorite burger joint in Chicago has met its rival.

It’s no surprise Kuma’s Corner remains to be the Chi-town institution to which the bar has been set. The affection here goes beyond simply an appreciation for the “burger” in all forms…from the quality of meat and ingenuity of its topping counterparts, not to mention the unparalleled atmosphere. The lust for Kuma’s starts as soon as you walk through the door, and continues to build into a full-blown love affair only after a four-hour massage of the senses that leaves you drunk and thirsty for more. I understand for some this might be too intense, but for others it’s pure nirvana.

However, Bad Apple – an ironic and fun (clever, perhaps?) name for a restaurant – has proven itself to be a true player in the Chicago burger universe. And boy, oh, boy does that space seem vast these days, but for what Bad Apple lacks in terms of a “complete” sensory bombardment, it makes up for it in terms of the food itself…giving Kuma’s a run for its title.

Both being slightly off the beaten path of the typically easy to navigate Chicago grid, no distance shall interfere with a gourmand’s taste for raw flesh...evident still by the ridiculous waiting times (more at the former).

Proximity aside, this trip would stand as being the Fiend’s “last burgering” before his departure for New York City, so it was only fitting that he would dine with his roommates…those of which have been on many-a-burgering excursions before “The Fiend” was only a childhood nickname.

With so multiple choices at our disposal, the crew decided to sample a few different burger offerings, such as The Belly Burger, The Frenchie, Elvis’s Last Supper and The Slow Burn.

Elvis's Last Supper

Being bold, the Fiend chose Elvis’s Last Supper, which aptly featured bacon and peanut butter at toppings. Being a fan of pretty much PB & anything, I figured this would be a knockout jab. However the taste was slightly different than expected: a little confusing almost, perhaps a little too “fatty” if that’s even possible. Perhaps a few slices of banana would have been a fresh twist to loosen up the concoction, likewise building an additional layer of texture to keep things interesting. Solid burger, but not prize-winning.

The Slow Burn

The clear winner of the day was The Slow Burn. The Fiend will venture on the edge and state this is probably the single best burger tasted in Chicago. All the pieces of the whole worked in chorus to produce a masterpiece of smell, texture and visual appeal.

Lest I forget the taste. The sandwich included sautéed spicy chiles, onions, bacon and white cheddar…well conceived ingredients that amplify the overall spectrum of flavors. It had just the right amount of spice to prick the tastebuds regardless of one’s Scoville threshold, which was really no sweat to begin with because any heat is quickly neutralized by the creamy white cheddar.

And to taste Bad Apple’s hamburger meat alone – no toppings, no condiments; an absolute must-try maneuver if you want to delineate quality – is a privilege, because you are now truly tasting greatness in the form of Pat LaFrieda sourced beef. Rich, but not opulent; savory, but not obnoxiously over-the-top. You’ll just know as soon as it hits your tongue.

LaFrieda, largely unknown in Chicago, is a New York meat purveyor icon…the current heavyweight champ of beef in the N.Y.C. It’s hard to imagine that one person’s touch to a raw substance can make that much of a difference, however look at other great alchemists of their mediums – such as the Eckhouses, Carnegie and even Mr. Issac Newton himself – and it’s not hard to imagine the possibility. Now that the Fiend is an NYC colonist, you’ll inevitably be reading about a lot more LaFrieda love in the near future.

Looking critically at the experience, pound-for-pound, the Bear king finally has a worthy adversary, yet at the end of the bout the Apple still was not his overall match. However every champion must walk the streets with a bulls-eye on his back, knowing damn well all contenders are lurking in the shadows and peering intently through focused crosshairs.

So for those lovers of ground beef on a bun, I would highly recommend making Bad Apple your next stop. If access to a car isn’t a possibility, then be brazen and plan your public transportation in advance, but don’t let the distance deter a chance to experience top-shelf material.

It’s well worth the venture.

4300 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618-1712
(773) 360-8406
www.badapplebar.com

Cortland's Garage



(Cortland Street Burger)


I’m embarrassed to say I lived in Chicago for so long and had previously never visited Cortland’s, aside from one random (and somewhat inebriated) stumble upon a handful of years ago. Voted as having one of the top burgers in Chicago by Chicago Magazine in the ’09 mega-burger breakdown, as well as possessing quite a strong WOM following, the Fiend had to make it one of the final stops in the city before jetting away.

In addition, this little venture was also quite groundbreaking as I’m pleased to introduce a Chicago burgering comrade in crime – the Burger Banshee – who is the first featured guest blogger on the Fiend.

Alas, the menu options are quite vast at Cortland’s, so it was decided beforehand that we would each pick a cut and then collectively decide upon a third to sample. The Banshee picked the 18th Street, The Fiend chose the Ashland Avenue, and the Cortland Street would prove to be the wildest of wild cards.



(Ashland Avenue Burger)


The Ashland Avenue was the first item that jumped out when I first perused the menu descriptions, however I knew from the start that I was treading in murky water with that decision. Overall it was pretty tasty, however I’ve had similar burgers with the same toppings and ingredients (BBQ pulled pork), including the infamous and beloved Led Zeppelin at Kuma’s, so the bar had somewhat been established. The Banshee agreed: “I’ve had better versions of this concept.”

The next was the 18th Street, the choice of the Banshee, which sounded amazing on paper (carne asada, pico de gallo, guac, tortilla strips, chipotle mayo, etc.), but never really followed through in execution. The Banshee exclaimed: “I liked all the ingredients, but thought that in the end there was just too much going on and the real flavor of the burger got lost in the shuffle. And it was a tad messy/hard to keep together.”



(18th Street Burger)


And the Fiend couldn’t concur more, something that’s been lamented numerous times before. So let’s take a few seconds to revisit that school of thought.

In the world of the burger patty – which let’s be honest is the reason why you’re actually eating a “hamburger” to begin with, or at least in theory should be – nine out of 10 times working with less is so much more grand and exactly why a simple burger will typically win in the end. Less confusion; pure mastication.

Driving home that point is the third choice, the original Cortland Street, which was by far the best of the three that evening – thus proving that one shouldn’t wander far from the signature sandwich upon first encounter. Especially if it’s an award winner and it’s stupidly simple (see aforementioned rant above).

The toppings of the Cortland Street (white cheddar, smoked bacon, onion strings, etc.) were fresh and perfectly in chorus, including texture. “It had a nice combo of ingredients, especially the bacon and onion rings, which gave the right balance of flavor to accompany the burger itself,” said the Banshee.

Regardless, the beef across the board is extremely good quality and the reason why Cortland’s burgers are top-shelf. Rich, velvety, seasoned to perfection – a prescription for repetitious abuse.

Ohhh, and the Banshee wanted to note that the parmesan fries were a wonderful companion to the meal. The frosty craft beers certainly didn’t hurt either.

All in all, the Fiend and the Banshee both agree...if you’re looking for a good Wicker Park watering hole and jonesin’ for a burger fix, the Garage will be there and waiting to please.

Cortland’s Garage
1645 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 862-7877
www.cortlandsgarage.com

Top 10 Burgers of Chicago

Greetings...Friends, Fiendsters, Burgerholics.

Word on the street that your affable Fiend has relocated from his Windy City stomping ground to the mean streets of Manhattan, and, well, I'm here to report the buzz is true...NYC is now currently where I lay thy head down to sleep.

So in honor of my fabulous Chicago, a city I love dearly and that truly has embraced the spirit of the Burger like very few others can compare (if at all), alas here is the Fiend's Top 10 Burgers of Chicago.

1) Kuma's Corner
2) Bad Apple
3) Duchamp
4) Naha
5) David Burke's Primehouse
6) Cortland's Garage
7) Rockit
8) Keefer's
9) Cooper's
10) Jack's on Halsted

I have to admit there are still plenty of wonderful establishments that I did not get to review during my tenure in the city and that were on my wishlist (Longman & Eagle, Yoshi's Cafe, Hot Chocolate, etc.), so this is merely a reflection of what I was able to get my paws on over the past two years. Stay tuned for two more posts (Cortland's Garage, Bad Apple) still to come, which should be up shortly.

So hats off to you, Chicago, I'm not quite done with you yet.

Not even close.

Keefer's

You can rarely go wrong with ordering a burger from a steakhouse. Let’s face it…those chefs know how to handle their meat, and likely they are also using a proprietary blend of meat too - if not blending in actual cuts of steak to round out the flavor - which is exactly the case with this delectable little treat.

The other value bonus gained from a steakhouse is that they know how to cook to your requested doneness. The Fiend prefers his burgers rare, and more often than not they come out prepared medium to medium rare, which can be fine but is not really optimal.

Needless to say, this burger came out extremely pink in the center, much to the shock and dismay of my burgering cohorts at the table. And the taste is exactly the quality you’d expect from a white-cloth napkin establishment as well: rich, velvety and perfectly spiced.

Over the years, Keefer’s has always delivered, so if you’re looking for a fantastic lunch or dinner option that won't cost you steakhouse prices, give ‘em a chance.

Keefer’s Restaurant
20 West Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.467.9525
http://www.keefersrestaurant.com/

Juliette

While wandering around Williamsburg today, with seemingly zero direction or motivation to be directed, the Fiend stumbled upon a very inconspicous restaurant after he noticed heards of people streaming to/from the spot off the main throughfare. And there I found Juliette, the current culinary vixen of my desire.

Sitting at the bar, standard op when possible, I originally was in search of a killer all-American savory brunch with toast, eggs, bacon and roasted potatoes...a vison of a perfect Sunday morning.

And then the weekend special screamed at me straight up from the menu: spicy lamb burger.

Perfectly cooked to medium rare, the lamb was extremely fresh, succulent and featured a load of ground spices and chilis that truly accented the meat, not overpowered. The 7-8oz patty was then topped with a very tasty dollop of fresh goat cheese - which is typically not my go-to, but really worked well considering the protein - and also a house made spicy garlic mayo, also which included fresh chilis.

This burger really was close to perfect...my only regret was that it was only a few minutes before Noon, and on a Sunday, so having a beer to amplify the experience just wasn't so much of an option at the time. But regardless, this was probably one of the better burgers I've had in the past few months, and that list includes both Minetta and Kuma's as well.

Needless to state, the Fiend shall return.



Juliette Restaurant/Cafe/Bar
135 N. 5th St. (Williamsburg)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.388.9222
http://www.juliettewilliamsburg.com/

2010 Burger Bash “Join the Fight, Take a Bite”

Photo Credit:  Kelli Kalish Photography (website: http://www.kellikalish.com/)

Perhaps it’s my remedial Spanish education, but when I was told I was going to be a judge at the Arboretum of South Barrington, my immediate assumption was that it was taking place at a nature conservatory with a focus on…trees. Perhaps that was just a remedial assumption in general, but I have to admit from conversations with others I was not alone in that manner of thinking.

But the Fiend was pleasantly surprised to find that The Arboretum was actually an expansive commercial shopping centre (preferred spelling) of shops and restaurants…NOT a mecca for ornithologists, herpetologists, botanists and tree specialists (arborists).

So with thoughts of giant Maples, twisting Cyprus’, happily chirping house wrens and frolicking black squirrels in mind, I actually drove right past the main entrance, laughing as I abruptly pulled into the back driveway.

The Fiend had landed. Chance of burger survival: less than 1 percent.

Upon reaching the destination, the Fiend had the distinct pleasure of judging alongside some great local food journalists in Deb Pankey of the Daily Herald, and Irv Leavitt of the Sun-Times/Pioneer Press.

The three judges were given their assignments, and then escorted across the vast Arboretum oasis of high-end retail, food and beverage. The mission was simple: taste five burgers from five of the finest restaurants in the campus (Nozumi, Cooper’s Hawk, Ruth’s Chris, L’Eiffel Bistrot and Pinstripes) and rate them based on presentation, creativity and overall taste.

Take no prisoners.

Upon tasting each of the five burgers, the Fiend was generally pleased with the overall quality and taste of each of the offerings. One would think this is probably assumed given the challenge, however I’ve masticated some massacred “gourmet” burgers in my day.

Photo Credit:  Kelli Kalish Photography (website: www.kellikalish.com)

The order of sampling started with the Japanese restaurant, Nozumi, who not surprisingly offered a wonderfully delectable Wagyu beef burger, served with grilled onions, shitaki mushrooms and a truffle demi spread. This would end up being my second favorite of the day with its beef being undeniably the best tasting of all the burgers sampled.

The second stop was at the restaurant/winery, Cooper’s Hawk, who put a twist on its burger offering by using its vineyard background to produce a Mini Zin Burger that featured red onions braised in its own signature Zinfindel. A fairly tasty burger, however it lacked some of the creativity and novelty that some of its peers embodied.

Directly adjacent was the third stop, the perennial steak/power-house, Ruth’s Chris. Generally speaking, The Fiend is a big advocate of steakhouse burgers, because you’re typically dealing with chefs that know how to handle their meat, and typically grind the proteins in house and use the trim of other cuts of meat in order to make a wonderful and extremely delicious burger blend. In this instance, The Ruth’s Chris Prime Bayou Burger was somewhat middle of the road in the Fiend’s opinion, largely due to a ton of seasonings that masked the taste. In addition, the consistency of the meat was something very different: very light, almost like a lighter protein such as chicken or ostrich. Not bad, but not great.

The fourth stop turned out to be the Fiend’s favorite, L’Eiffel Bistrot, which offered an extremely fresh and tasty Roquefort Burger. The freshness was indeed the point of difference for the Fiend, where everything from the cheese to the red wine reduction sauce to the lightly toasted bun tasted like it was sourced a minute before being served. Plus this burger offered the most original ingredient: a few little sprigs of watercress, which is a beautiful touch of creativity that only a Parisian could manifest.

The final stop was at Pinestripes, which was an impressive warehouse of mirth and culinary spirit. Nothing says fun like great bowling, bocce, burgers and beer - obviously one hell of a combo. The burger display was by far the most intensive of all the other venues, however it was very straightforward and the toppings were of your standard lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion & mustard variety. The burger itself was good, but the Fiend felt its plain Jack & Jane Americana might have been its downfall. Tasty, but too simple.

Overall it was a great experience for everyone that participated, especially for those who benefited the most from the proceeds, however now it’s time for a brief mention of how it all played out.

Drumroll…

People’s Choice Winner: Pinestripes
Judge’s Choice Winners: L’Eiffel Bistrot & Ruth’s Chris

Until the next time…keep up the good fight.

BurgerBash 2010 - Join the Fight, Take a Bite

Beee-beee-beeep. Beee-beee-beeep. Beee-beee-beeep.

News bulletin, this just in:

The Fiend is very honored to say he's been invited to be a guest judge at the 2010 “Burger Bash: Join the Fight, Take a Bite” event to be held at The Arboretum of South Barrington this Saturday, October 16.

The event is from 1:00-3:00 pm CST, is only $10 for entry and includes a taste of some of the best burger selections outside of the city...and this side of the Mississippi. Better yet, as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of the admission proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Institute at Alexian Brothers, which has introduced cutting edge technology for Breast Cancer detection.

With the purchase of a ticket to Burger Bash, those in attendance can look forward to a tour of some local hotspots on the Arboretum campus, such as Ruth’s Chris, Coopers Hawk, Pinstripes, L’Eiffel Bistro, and Nozumi, to name a few, and sample a wide variety of delectable burger offerings from each participating restaurant.

The Fiend is thrilled to be a part of the action and will be joining a great panel of judges comprised of other Chicagoland food media and gourmands.

Stay tuned for a full recap of the experience, including some thoughts on each of the tastings.

Keep it real, fellow fiends.

Best Burgers: Coast-to-Coast

Check out today's USA Today article in the travel section about the top 51 burger joints across the U.S. Some locations might surprise you as it seems quite a few are off the beaten path (Florida, New York), but hey...that's okay. Burger ingenuity has no boundaries.

It seems like day after day after day after day after day the Fiend continues to see stories about the wonderful, delicious and all-American concoction that is the burger. Physically, economically, psychologically, emotionally, fiendishly...nothing satisfies a carnivorous craving like a half pound of freshly pattied beef or bison (or lamb, ostrich, chicken, pork, salmon, etc.) grilled to a medium-rare perfection, and topped with an thick slice of aged cheese, bacon and ketchup.

Yes, that would be your stomach barking back to your brain.

So back to the USA Today piece, and being a Chicago resident and all, the Fiend can't give enough praise to the Illinois representative on the list - Kuma's Corner. Hats off and a Devil's Horns salute to you, mi amigo.

So really I truly believe this list warrants one hell of a road trip, ehh?! Anyone? Anyone?

Hey JL Beers in Fargo...I've got your number.

Uncle Mike's Hwy Pub

South of the Boarder Burger (jalepenos, bacon, pepper jack)

Raise your hand if you love road trips. Yup.

Raise your hand if you love road trips and you love to stop at roadside bars, grills and diners. Hell yup.

Well, the Fiend had the distinct pleasure of visiting Uncle Mike’s Hwy Pub this past weekend, in Kenosa, WI, and I truly believe these are the type of experiences that make life worthwhile.

The burger was damn good – hand pattied, quality beef, excellent seasoning, cooked to order – and there was multiple selections with great toppings and all very, very reasonably priced. Oh yeah...and an amazing atmosphere with more than 250 beers. Yeah. In Kenosha!?!

And like the burger, the wings were big and meaty and Uncle Mike’s special sauce is damn good. The Fiend found himself dipping his burger and killer waffle fries in the remaining reservoir o’ sauce.

So while the idea of stopping at a roadside diner or bar can often scoffed at by many as lowbrow cuisine, I typically look that adversity in the face and say: “Good. GOOD. More for you and me.”

Never underestimate the power of a good ol’ greasespoon meal. Smile from ear to ear, baby.

Uncle Mike’s Hwy Pub
6611 120th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53142
(262) 857-2392
http://www.unclemikespub.com/

Cooper's

“Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your naaaaaame.”

While that little jingle is slightly dated, it’s still exactly how I feel about Coopers. It’s not so much that everybody knows your name, it’s just that familiarity the Lakeview bar/grill bestows when you first walk through the door. It’s like the safety of your parent’s house mixed with affection of your favorite roadside grease spoon family restaurant…just with a much better patio. And beer selection. And a burger.

Which brings me to the good stuff.

Wednesday’s are half priced burger night, and the Fiend couldn’t have picked a better night to stumble in one lovely evening. The burger was extremely delectable…definitely hand-packed and with a quality chuck blend. But what separated this patty from the rest were the finely minced onions within the meat, which added a wonderful flavor profile to the standard beef puck through-and-through. It was somewhat reminiscent of the wonderful burger at Mother Hubbards in River North, which uses a family-style recipe handed down through the generation.

The burger was cooked perfectly to order, the bun was toasted nicely and the fine white cheddar was an excellent complement to the order. The fries…so-so, but I ate them all.

So the next time you’re crusin’ down Belmont and wondering what the hell to do with your evening…why don’t you stop into Cooper’s and give Woody a good ol’ tip of the hat and head out to the patio.

You’ll Fiendishly thank me later.

Cooper’s
1232 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 929-2667
http://cooperschicago.com/

Roscoe Village Burger Fest 2010 - Part Duex

I'm going to make this quick, easy and tasty. Well, sort of tasty.

So your affable Fiend attended the Roscoe Village Burger Fest a few weeks ago on a cranky and inclimate Sunday afternoon. Ready for a burgering ruckus, upon leaving the site of what should have been a haven for meat lovers at large, my temperament was actually quite on the fence.

Of the selections sampled, nothing was over-the-top amazing. However the clear winner in my mind was Bad Apple...not because it was mind blowing, but because the booth was actually using unfrozen meat patties formed on-site (in little slider form, and with some tasty toppings).

Bad Apple - White Cheddar Cheeseburger

I was astonished to witness quite a few other places throwing ice pucks on the grill, and then charging upwards of $6-$8 per selection.

While I'm sure this isn't standard protocol at the restaurant itself (please, please don't let it be true), the Fiend had to assume it was in order to quickly appease the massive lines of meat marauders looking for a quick fix. Regardless, it made a skeptic out of a super-fan and made me think twice about a few locations (Ye Old Town Inn, John's Place).

Village Tap - "Pub" Cheeseburger

The clear winners in my opinion were Bad Apple, Select Cut, Village Tap and Kuma's Corner (though they weren't there on Sunday, however I know for a fact of its quality).

Let's keep it classy, Chicago. The burger will always be the staple of your menu, so why not make it a prize winner time and time again. Make it right and make it swell, and I guarantee it will keep your business booming.

Roscoe Village Burger Fest 2010

You know what's amazing? Burgers? Yes.

You know what's even more amazing? A bunch of burgers under one roof...errr street?! Yes!!!

Done.

Helloooo, Roscoe Village Burger Fest (formerly BAM Fest), which is taking place this Saturday (7/10) and Sunday (7/11) and is shaping up to be, as stated, Patties and Music galore.

The action takes place from Noon to 10:00pm each day and is located on Belmont between Damen and Leavitt. The burger line-up looks pretty stellar too, with local joints such as John's Place, Bad Apple, Village Tap, Ye Olde Town Inn, etc., bringing their burgering best. All fest-goers will have a chance to vote for best burg too...a nice little way to give back to those who rightfully deserve some recognition.

In addition, the music is looking pretty interesting as well, with 90's perennial powerhouse acts 10,000 Maniacs and Gin Blossoms closing out Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Check out the full burger and music line-ups here at the Chicago Special Events page.

The Fiend has been especially eager to try out Bad Apple, so this should be a good adventure to chronicle. You should make it happen too.

BAM.

Park Grill Burger Fest Week

Hey there Fiends. Park Grill's Burger Fest 2010 week is upon us (and nearly half-way finished), so make sure you get over there immediately for lunch or dinner and check out one of the eight choices executive chef Bernie Laskowski has whipped up for the occasion.

All burgers come with tasty hand-cut fries or chips and offer a suggested beverage pairing of either wine or beer. There is also a turkey and salmon burger option available, if one is so inclined.

The Fiend highly recommends the "28 MPH Burger," which features a hefty 10oz. Black Angus patty, a layer of pulled BBQ pork, Ancho cured bacon (very flavorful and unique), a crisp egg and grain mustard on a pretzel roll. A further review of the burger and pictures will come shortly, however check out the Park Grill Web site for more information.

Happy Fiending.

Park Grill and The Plaza at Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave. (Between Monroe & Randolph Streets)
312.521.7275
www.parkgrillchicago.com

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Greetings fellow Fiends. It’s been awhile since I’ve graced these pages with my burgerific wisdom, but alas I’m back and as hungry as ever to share my latest and greatest endeavors.

In the eyes of some, including myself at times, hotel restaurants have had a culinary stigma of sorts; that the food will be uniformly bland and militant, but this time with your favorite celebrity chef’s name flashed alongside the marquee, a move synonymous with overpriced “gourmet” offerings.

However, I must admit I’ve witnessed a resuscitation on this front with more and more trendy hotels breaking away from the stodgy mold by offering an atypical or adventurous culinary fare – even if that 20 foot sign does feature the grinning mug of a Food Network star.

Enter: Sable, a perfect example of this revival, minus the Hollywood flare. Located adjacent to the lobby of the new Palomar hotel on Illinois and State in Chicago, Sable is exactly what other hotel restaurants should strive to be – a comfy, yet sharp atmosphere that offers a traditional, but sophisticated cuisine…and all at a great price point.

Before I get down to burger business, I have to call out a few other dishes I had the privilege to taste, all by the hands of executive chef Heather Terhune.

Somewhat in the same family of the burger brethren, and still one of my all-time favorite proteins, the bison short rib sliders were out of this world. Slow cooked to perfection, the root beer glaze added a complex and familiar flavor to the small bites.

The second and third dishes were small, but mighty hors d’oeuvres: bacon wrapped dates with ewe’s blue cheese and the unbelievable La Quercia ham and Swiss poppers. The latter, if you close your eyes, will vicariously whisk you away to the cobblestone side streets of old Madrid – a great twist on the classic croqueta.

On to the real deal though – the nucleus of the table – the Farm House Steak Burger was truly a magnificent plate. Perfectly seasoned and cooked rare as ordered, the meat was soft and velvety, yet you could taste a hint of a higher quality cut, which I suspected to be the trim or pieces of other beef beyond ground chuck or round, perhaps sirloin or brisket.

The hand packed patty was served on a pretzel bun (bonus points, ALWAYS) and had a good assortment of caramelized onions to enhance the flavor profile. A generous slice of white Wisconsin cheddar was also added to push the burger over the edge, and I would be remiss to mention the seasoned cup o’ fries that accompanied the meal.

All in all, Sable offered one of the more enjoyable burgers the Fiend has tasted in awhile. Even if you’re not a Fiend of the patty, I trust you will find plenty of other quality delights to keep your attention fixated throughout the night.

Sable Kitchen & Bar
505 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.755.9704
www.sablechicago.com

Jack's On Halsted

“Please won’t you be…my neighbor?”

In a creepy way, that’s the song that kept running through my head as I eagerly pulled my chair up to the bar last week. Honestly, how could Freddie’s immortal song not be running on repeat, if you consider the insanely close proximity the Fiend lives to the quaint Lakeview gastropub.

Having visited Jack’s a few times in the past, I couldn’t help my enthusiasm when I learned the bar’s renovation during the winter would also include a slight menu revamp…with (GASP) a full line of burgers!

And while the swanky atmosphere typically would immediately conjure images of high-end beef choices, such as Niman or Kobe, this bistro offers no-frills selections with an emphasis on unique options for toppings, a la the Kuma’s Corner of the world.

The Fiend opted for the Jack’s Burger, a hefty 9oz patty topped with barbeque pulled pork, sharp cheddar and shredded jalapeno. Ordered rare as per usual, the meat was cooked as desired inside while also keeping a well-seasoned crust on the exterior.

Two other burgers also caught my eye for further exploration: the Spicy Hot, which is brushed with a touch of Chipotle and features roasted Poblano peppers, pepper jack and bacon, as well as the Halsted Street Burger, topped with Maytag blue cheese and apple smoked bacon.

And though I did not have a chance to talk to the chef about the source and grade of the beef, the Fiend could definitely detect the quality in both the taste and texture.

This could get dangerous, as I fear rainy days and Mondays will definitely get me down…the street.

So the answer is, yes. Yes, I am proud to be your neighbor, Jack’s. And I promise not to be a crazy Marcy D’Arcy along the way either.

Jack’s On Halsted
(773) 244-9191
3201 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657-3413
www.jacksonhalsted.com

The Standard NYC

Here’s to a quick and absolutely necessary post.

Your affable Fiend was in NYC last week, and of course the hankering came around after a long night of work and drinking. Yup…burger time.

Most trips to Nueva York end up being a foodie excursion above and beyond my standard burgering across the country, but that’s mostly thanks to the fact I get to enjoy some wonderful meals as part of the city’s culinary playground. However if the Fiend had it his way (he usually finds a way), a burger is typically not too far away from his grasp.

And on this occasion, the wonderful venue just happened to be in the late night grill at the base of his hotel – The Standard NYC in the savagely chic meatpacking district. 

And this burger at The Standard is damn good. Damn good, mis amigos.

Perfectly cooked (at 3:15am!) this burger was definitely a splendid surprise and not what was expected to be available at that lovely witching hour. The Fiend is actually going on record to say it’s probably the top gourmet burger one could possibly get at that time night…anywhere in the U.S.

The meat was soft and velvety, definitely a high grade of quality meat and hand packed. The bacon wasn’t too crispy either – as it is often mal-prepared – and the white cheddar offered a creamy touch to nicely bring together the flavors. The only item that could have amplified the taste slightly more would have been a nice dollop of a compound mayo or a slice or two of jalepeno for kick...but the Fiend can't really blame hotelier Balazs for bringing forth straight-up Americana at its best - probably the most standard bet in an otherwise geniusly unstandard property.

And I would be giving the entire plate injustice if I were remiss to not mention the absolutely divine fries; wonderfully battered and lightly deep-fried…the entire table couldn’t stop raving about them.

While New York is and will always be a changing landscape of culinary madness, with an unbelievable shop or restaurant popping up every other week, the Fiend is not messing around about this one – make it happen people. The city is simply too big to be wandering around on an empty stomach, especially when you know of a gem just around the corner.

The Standard NYC
http://www.standardhotels.com/
848 Washington Street (at W 13th St)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-4646