Two 8 Two Bar and Burger
http://www.two8twoburger.com
282 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11201
THE CONQUEST
4 years ago I ate some Burgers that changed my life forever. After having a great time at the Brooklyn Burger n’ Beer Garden at 4th the NYC Food Film Festival, I approached festival director George Motz and festival producer Seth Unger and offered my help. I told them how much fun I had at their events and about my background in marketing and branding. I wanted to be a part of this awesome event where you get to “taste what you see on the screen.” The very next year at the 5th Annual NYC Food Film Festival, I helped them to curate their opening event “Cheers To Burgers and Beers.” At the end of the night they asked if I could help out every night running the bar and beer program for the Festival.
Since then I’ve come on board as the festival’s official Beer Sommelier and help to oversee and run the digital and social marketing for the Festival. It’s a completely unique event that also happens annually in Chicago and Charleston. In each city we visit, we help raise money for a local Food charity. It’s a truly fantastic event to attend. I’m honored to be a part of the Festival but moreover, I’m excited to call the people behind it “family.” Seeing as how I don’t share blood relations with them and out of respect for those who do, let’s call the Food Film Festival my “Burger Family.”
One of my favorite things to do in life is eat tasty Food and the best way to enjoy it is with friends and family. The FFF crew always makes time to eat together to not only enjoy tasty Food but also enjoy each other’s company. This year, instead of reviewing the Food Film Fest on the blog, I’m going to talk about our pre-festival meal. It turned out to be one of the top 10 Burgers I’ve ever eaten in my whole life.
Where the borders of Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn & Brooklyn Heights all meet you you’ll find a bar. At first glance, it looks like any other Brooklyn bar; wooden stools, bar counter, beers on tap, liquor bottles, tables in the back, waitstaff, kitchen, etc. A closer look reveals that this is no ordinary corner tavern. Two 8 Two Bar & Burger does one thing and they do it really, really well; Hamburgers. Sourcing their meat from local butcher, Los Paisanos, where the Beef is ground fresh daily and turned into 5 ounce patties. The menu also offers Lamb, Turkey and Veggie Burgers as well as a double Patty option or the 9 oz “Pub Burger” for those with extra hunger needs. Not to be overlooked, French Friy menu at Two 8 Two is also no joke. Choose from regular or Sweet Spuds with the options for Chili and Cheese or Greek Style, with Feta Cheese and Oregano.
THE BURGER
Most importantly, the signature “two8two Burger” Hamburger comes topped with roasted Poblano Chiles. If you’ve never had them on top of your Burg, you are missing out. It’s a Southwestern specialty that adds flavors of smoke and heat to your eating experience. It’s certainly a trigger point for me and I will travel to eat them. Not many restaurants in NYC offer them and very few know how to do them right like Two 8 Two. The Burger also comes with Cheddar Cheese and two8two sauce.
After only 1 bite, I called over our waiter and immediately ordered a 2nd one. I knew there was no way I was going home without getting as many of these in my face as I could. The Beef is juicy, just a little sweet and has all natural Beef flavors. The sear on the Burger is just right adding the right amount of savory flavor to round it out. The melty Cheddar cradles the flavors and balances out the heat and smoke from the Poblanos. The two8two sauce has a nice tang to it and should not be overlooked as an important element in the overall flavor of the Sandwich.
My 2nd Burger arrived, this time with the additions of Bacon and a Fried Egg, which are two of my favorite Burger toppings. However in this case, totally unnecessary. Don’t get me wrong, it was just as excellent as the first but the signature Burger totally holds its by itself. It’s one of George Motz’s favorite Burgers in Brooklyn and it only took one bite for me to agree. When owner Billy Thanopoulos came over to say hi, I only had one thing to say;
“The signature burger at Two 8 Two Bar & Burger with roasted Poblano Chiles is one of the top 10 Burgers I’ve ever eaten.”
To everyone in this picture, especially those of you who have I’ve gotten to do this with for 3 years now, you’re the best Burger Family anyone could ever ask for. It’s an honor to work on this very special thing we have together.
THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
664 Burgers
October 20, 2013
