DMANBURGER “Jane Restaurant”

After a burger tasting planned for a well-known burger haunt fell through, I walked aimlessly and annoyed that my burger craving was postponed and prolonged -”What else is in this area” ? I asked myself ”Minetta Tavern”, “Five Guys” ? Not willing to deal with the waiting and unsure chance of getting a table at Minetta, or needlessly following the hordes of burger reviewers that flock after Five Guys, I was lost for ideas. Reluctantly I decided to expel my idea of a burger mission, and just go to a normal brunch, perhaps giving my arteries a rest -and maybe order a salad? I noticed that there were swarms of people outside Jane, an American bistro and sister restaurant of  The Smith,  a partnership of Glen Harris and Jeffrey Lefcourt. I asked myself- “Could this have a decent burger”?  I quickly scanned the crowded room hoping to catch a glimpse of other burger fanatics nourishing themselves on my unsuspecting prey. I noticed a guy, about to devour this surprisingly gorgeous specimen, and I was sold. I approached the maitre’d and asked for her next available table, then lounged on the front bench basking in the welcomed sunlight that was beating down on the city. The menu at Jane consists of your usual brunch/lunch favorites: Caesar Salad, Eggs Benedict, BLT and Vanilla Bean French Toast, the latter of which is supposedly their signature. The decor is modern contemporary with wide panoramic windows and comfortable banquette’s along each wall, the scene is a retrospect of Soho-fashionistas meets NYC students, with some restaurant savvy tourists thrown in for good measure.

My party and I were seated in the back of the packed dining room. Excitement suddenly came over me that I had found a great new burger place, my hopes of being the first to discover this new burger find, were dashed when I noticed on my handy Google App , that every man and his dog had reviewed the place!  Happily there weren’t too many distasteful slurs, so I felt confident that we were in for an unexpected treat. The burger was slated on the menu simply as “Jane Burger” with white cheddar, double smoke bacon, special sauce and fries. After careful interrogation of the waitress, I found out that there was a creamy mayonnaise based jalapeno marmalade and tangy green pickled tomatoes hidden in there also. The burger arrived, and was gargantuan! Served on a fat brioche bun with crispy french fries and cheese oozing out the side-I was a happy camper. My first bite was powered by the smokiness of the bacon, and crispy dill flavor of the pickled tomato. This was a novel and inventive alternative, capturing the flavor of a tomato and a dill pickle together. The beef was 100% ground sirloin, that was dripping with juices which quickly ran down my hands and forearms, like a rapid river. This was good in a way, because it told me that the burger was juicy and full of flavor. However it also told me, that my last bite could likely be dry. The flavor and texture was above average and I enjoyed it immensely, savoring every bite, unfortunately the last few bites were definitely dry, and drained of  juices. This tiny detail may seem trivial, but previous giants of the burger world have been known to avoid this paltry dilemma.

Jane restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy good decent brunch fare, while shopping in Soho, or maybe before catching a frou-frou artistically saturated film at the Angelika ? On the weekend expect to wait 10-15 mins. for a table, but if it’s a nice day you can work on your tan, take your mind off the stresses of life, and gawk at the brunch searching masses walk by, undoubtedly on the hunt for something fabulous and ever so popular. Well next time you’re in Soho and on that same hunt, the DMANBURGER say’s “look no further than Jane”.

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DMANBURGER “Choptank”

On Bleecker and Grove Street in the restaurant saturated West Village, lies newly opened Choptank. Named for the river that flows into the Chesapeake Bay where the owners grew up, this upscale seafood shack is inspired by the very cuisine of that Maryland region. Native proprietor Bobby Werhane famed for other well-loved comfort spots such as Dell’Anima and L’Artusi, came together with Chef Matthew Schaefer and culinary servant Kevin Patricio, featuring a varietal menu consisting of Binkert’s German Sausage, Fried Oyster Po-boys and Fried Chicken with Black pepper honey. I was greeted by kind and gracious  Bobby Werhane who ushered me through his modern, yet contemporary maritime decorated split level restaurant, complete with a charming outdoor space where he says “We’re going to have some killer crab boils in the summer”- the sound of which made my ears perk up! Hoping for an invite to such an auspicious seasonal event, I stared and daydreamed that I was lounging outdoors slurping oysters and chomping on peel your own Gulf shrimp while downing cold beverages and enjoying witty banter with friends and passer bys…..alas not just yet ! I would be content tonight in a warm cosy nook gorging on my warm hearty burger watching pedestrians lumber along clenching their coats against the last of New York’s winter.

Before long, my lovely waitress served me some tantalizing Old Bay seasoned potato crisps, which were accompanied by a tangy smooth crab dip which was very rich in flavor and insanely tasty. The signature burger that I was to choose, featured a goliath 8oz blended patty, juicy and full of flavor slathered in rich creamy aged Wisconsin cheddar, pickled pepper mayo, fried onions and bacon-jam, all nestled on a perfectly toasted speckled sesame seed bun. I grabbed the burger like fisherman hauls a catch, trawling the sandwich into my mouth savoring the flavor as my eyes closed with content and delight. This was a good catch, not going to throw this one away! However, when practicing the same action on a lightly fried Oyster po-boy, I was greeted with an uninviting flavor which caused me to want to throw this catch back ! I was disappointed, and left the Po-Boy to revert back to my delicious burger. I chatted to a couple of regulars at a nearby table who swear by the crispy Fried Chicken, Virginia Ham, and zesty rock shrimp tacos. I was really happy with the burger and was very impressed with the friendliness of upfront and hands on owner Bobby Werhune, and his competent staff.

Choptank has various seating options such as an oyster bar, dining room and cosy window nooks. The bar is full featuring a plethora of micro brews and wines if that’s your thing, Choptank is a great neighborhood landing spot to enjoy all varietals of tasty Maryland inspired fare and one heck of-a-good burger. I’ll be checking back in when the weather’s warmer for those crab and shrimp boils, maybe you should do the same !

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DMANBURGER “Good Burger”

It was Friday and after a long arduous week readjusting into real life after the holidays, I decided to see a movie after work. The film, which will remain nameless in order to save my rugged burger man image, was very close to “Good Burger”, a small burger chain originating from the creators of Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien. With promising reviews from publications like New York Times, Daily News and Zagat’s splashed all over the, “Good Burger” was intent on selling itself.

I ordered a cheeseburger from very friendly “Good Burger” manager Mario Ottey and waited nearby listening to the bellowing voice of a burger cook sounding peoples orders out all over the room. I was surrounded by a mix of young professionals, chic university types and construction guys feasting on a bountiful selection of America’s favorite sandwich. For $6.75 I wasn’t expecting much, but what I got was a very tasty burger complete with fixings such as lettuce, tomato, mayo and onion. I gobbled up the 100% Hereford beef burger quicker than New York minute and was very satisfied with my impromptu choice of a quick burger before a movie.

The French fries were crispy and delicious served in recycled sanitary material for all you “green” friendly people out there. All the food at “Good Burger” is made to order, which makes its freshness prevalent in the taste and flavor; the burgers are sizzled on an open grill and are fresh not pre-frozen.

I thought “Good Burger” was a great quick burger fix and with the prices charged you will leave those bedraggled burger snobs behind sobbing over their high priced Kobe beef foie gras stuffed burgers.

http://goodburgerny.com/

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DMANBURGER ” JG Melon”

I remember the first time I ever went to JG Melon and being fascinated that it was the spot where Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep sat together and pondered over their marriage woes. After years of living in New York and visiting nostalgic movie locations, I was today fascinated instead by; what meat goes into a JG Melon burger ?

Not generally known for warm service, JG Melon was definitely known for their burgers, started by Shaun Young and John O’Neil, JG Melon has been serving their unique burger since 1972. I sheepishly asked the owner Shaun “what meat goes into your burgers”? His reply was gruff but friendly simply stating; “Well I can’t tell you that”!! What he was so kind to share with me is that their burgers are a special blend of several meats, one of them chuck that is double grounded by their butcher daily.

I watched the guys crammed in their small kitchen molding the patties by hand and searing them on a piping hot flat grill, whilst busy patrons waited to be seated. I was seated along the wall and immediately felt the anticipation building inside of me as I watched tasty little burgers pass me at eye level, the scent of seared meat and dill pickle fill the air, along with the sound of cottage fried potatoes frying in the background. The menu here is simple featuring hamburgers, cheeseburgers, salads and an excellent chili. I observed Upper Eastside yuppies and staunch melon loyalists, while my I waited for my burger. It arrived plump and juicy on a soft unseeded bun and was presented to me open faced and adorned with pickle chips and thinly sliced red onion.

My first bite was a dynamic collage of flavor patched together with the crisp saltiness of the pickles, seared robustness of the meat and the freshness of the bun. The thing about this burger that makes it so good is its simplicity, just great meat and a great bun. Now the perfect accompaniment to this tasty treat is JG Melon’s signature cottage fries, crispy half-dollar size potato morsels fried to perfection and served in a bowl, delightful to the last one! To be honest, friends keep telling me “you need to review a bad burger so your site will have balance”. Well sorry to say that I disappointed my friends again, because this burger was fantastic!

If you ever in the mood for a great burger and your on the Upper Eastside look no further than JG Melon, just as many New Yorkers have for the past 37 years.

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DMANBURGER “Cafe Cluny”

On the eve of my birthday I ventured out with some very close friends whom I hadn’t seen in a long time, I was cringing at the bitter cold as I walked to meet them at a Bohemian style Tea House.
Located in the West Village this vegan organically friendly cubby-hole was not what I had in mind for lunch on this day. Fortunately I persuaded my friends to forego our soy mocha chai latte’s and organic vege. sandwich’s and settle in down the street at the rather busy restaurant Cafe Cluny. I walked in and introduced myself as the DMANBURGER and was pleasantly surprised that they could accommodate us on such short notice, the manager Jeff Orban was extremely helpful and friendly and directed his staff to seat us at a table in the center of the rear dining room. This room was decorated in an entomological motif, which I was immediately intrigued by. With framed butterflies and large insect sculptures surrounding the room I gazed over the menu and engaged in witty nostalgic conversation with some of most favorite people I know.

I asked our server Oscar his recommendation for the burger; he strongly suggested the Cafe Cluny burger with bacon and Gruyere cheese. I gladly obliged his suggestion and happily went back to catching up with friends confident that I had made the right choice. The special of the day was an artichoke soup with chopped nuts, which was delivered to our table at a friend’s request; of course I tasted the creamy creation and was warmed at the complex flavor and texture. Chef de cuisine Sydne Gooden had out done herself with the perfect soup for such a cold winter day; now it was my chance to try what I was really hear for.

The Cafe Cluny burger came out rather quick which I was happy about, open faced on the plate with a mass of herb seasoned French fries, crispy bacon, creamy Gruyere and a plump slightly toasted sesame seed bun. My first bite was Smokey and deep in flavor, I still remember it being a lasting flavor that was repeated with every savored bite.
I ordered my burger medium and it was exceptionally conceived with those exact requirements, the Cluny burger was a great, solid, full flavored example of how a bistro style burger should be. I don’t claim to be a burger expert, but The Cluny burger stimulated my taste buds beyond belief and for an unexpected visit that day, my stomach thought Christmas had come again.

It was not as a surprise to me that such a restaurant had two other successful counterparts The Odeon; Tribeca’s long time trend setters haunt, and Cafe Luxembourg; an upper West side iconic favorite. With a friendly management and staff I would definitely recommend paying a visit to this West Village gem, it’s simple menu and visually pleasing surroundings makes for the perfect spot to get out of the cold and enjoy a day with old friends.

http://www.cafecluny.com/

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DMANBURGER “Old Homestead Steakhouse”

There are many historical restaurants in New York; none of them have been around quite as long as this iconic steakhouse. The Old Homestead has been serving a carnivorous dining crowd since 1868, fittingly located in the now hip and trendy Meat packing district, this classically elegant wood finished steakhouse has been owned by the Perry family since it’s conception.
The menu consists of lavish yet simply timeless dishes prepared with over a hundred years of expertise. I was greeted by a busy staff member, and was instructed that I had just missed lunch, meaning that I was obligated to order off the more expensive dinner menu, I thought this to be quite strange seeing as though it was only 1:00pm. I proceeded without a drama, opting that the reason of their strange policy was, maybe people ate dinner earlier back in the 1800’s?

There were 4 types of burgers on the menu all of them worthy of ordering, the Prime steakhouse burger, the Maytag blue cheese burger, the pepper slab bacon cheese burger and the $41.00 Kobe beef burger, the latter of which I was going to pass on, too rich for my blood. I decided on the pepper slab bacon burger and anxiously waited for mine whilst other random burgers passed me by on their way to their happy customer’s bellies.
After a while mine arrived at the table, my first thought was how am I ever going to finish this? This burger was a monster! A pure beef beast, served with lettuce, tomato, homemade pickles and Old Homestead’s signature spicy ketchup, everything else was a la carte French fries sold separately.
The first bite was a warm comforting flavor of beef, accented by a peppery salty spice of the bacon and creamy richness of the Vermont cheddar, meat juices oozed out as I was struggling to maintain correct dining etiquette, instead viciously devouring like there was no tomorrow.

The flavor was very different, as the burger is cooked under a broiler there was a pure meat flavor only, which is not a bad thing, just don’t go expecting a charcoal or grill flavored burger. My experience at Old Homestead was good, however I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed and cheated by the fact that the same burgers were featured on a lunch menu $10.00 cheaper than the dinner menu. All in all the Old Homestead pepper slab bacon burger was a rare treat and but at $27.00 in my opinion was a little over priced, and I would advise visiting before 1:00pm on the weekends to make sure they’re serving lunch which will definitely save you some cash! However I recommend picking up a bottle of their spicy ketchup if you decide to go to, this condiment was high on my scale for taste, texture and overall usefulness.

Keeping in mind, as I have been writing this blog there are many different kinds of burgers; fast food, gourmet, char-grill, diner style etc…..
I class this burger as a premier style bistro burger with a slightly better than average taste.

http://www.theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com/

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