Showing posts with label Jake Melnick's Badass BBQ Burger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jake Melnick's Badass BBQ Burger. Show all posts

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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

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