Grand Street Alliance Grand Slam BBQ BattleMaster Challenge And Winners

Posted on 06/05/2012 by Rev

From Todd Kafner, the event organizer:
As many of you may now know, the GSA is not just about producing events, its primary objective is to develop programs to support an increase in revenues for all small businesses involved. As this objective is one that requires resources of many kinds it seems that the best place to look for those resources is with in the community that has now been created through The Grand Slam. Many of you have already “LIKED” the Grand Street Alliance Facebook page and there are still many of you that haven’t. While this may not seem significant, it actually is just the opposite. With your support by “LIKE”ing the GSA Facebook page and then suggesting it to all of your Facebook friends, it will help extend our reach in terms of identifying resources and support of other events that we hope you will be participating in.

What is the GSA Grand Slam BBQ BattleMaster Challange?

The marquee event at the June 3rd, Grand Slam in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this no-holds barred, multi category BBQ Contest will set the stage for both restaurants and individuals compete to win a $1000 cash prize presented by the Grand Street Alliance and the GSA Grand Slam BBQ BattleMaster 2012 title.

The Rules:

There are TWO main categories for entries in the contest, the first is competing for the GSA Grand Slam BBQ BattleMaster 2012 title and the $1000 cash prize presented by the Grand Street Allianceand the second category is the “Best Of Challenge”. Here is a Description and Rules for the competition.

BATTLEMASTER:
To compete in this category the competitor is required to submit one of EACH of the following:

  • Beef Entree, Pork Entree, Poultry Entree, Vegetarian Entree and Side.
  • Each submission will be judged on a scale of 1-10.
  • The judges will take many factors into consideration when voting on each dish including but not limited to; flavor, creativity, cooking method, innovation and presentation.
  • Each dish submitted will receive a total score of between 4-40 (the min/max possible combined score between all four judges).
  • Once all 5 entries from every contestant have been scored, the contestant with the highest total combined score from all 5 of their entries will be named the winner

Composition of entry for BattleMaster:

  • The contestant must prepare and submit a one pound portion of each dish.
  • Submission will occur in the following order Beef, Pork, Chicken, Vegetarian and Side.
  • Submission of the “Side” entry can be submitted with any of the other 4 entrees in a separate container (for instance when you submit your Pork entree you may also submit your Side entree)
  • The contestant submission order will be randomly be assigned at the beginning of the event

BEST OF CATEGORY

This category is open to all contestants who wish to submit entries of any of the BattleMaster entree categories however they will be judged on an individual basis and not as part of the BattleMaster Submission. Individual submissions will however be judged along with the BattleMaster contestants submission for each entree category.

Submissions for the Best Of category will be submitted at the end of each entree round of the BattleMaster competition.

  • The contestant must prepare and submit a one pound portion of their submission.
  • Submission will occur in the following order Beef, Pork, Chicken, Vegetarian and Side

BLAH BLAH BLAH! RULES WHATEVER! LETS GET TO THE FOOD PORN!

grand_street_alliance_IMG_3367

Check out all 70 + photos from the event on the Burger Conquest Facebook page.

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The Prime Burger – If Only Plutonium Was Available At The Corner Drugstore

Posted on 06/03/2012 by Rev

The Prime Burger
http://primeburger.com
5 E 51st St # A
New York, NY 10022

THE CONQUEST
Somebody get a Kickstarter campaign going while I cue Dr. Emmett Brown & Huey Lewis because I wanna build at time machine and go “Back In Time.” We’re not going to see Hendrix play Woodstock or see how the Dinosaur’s lived, nor are we going watch the Nina, Pinta or Santa Maria land at Plymouth Rock. Nope, we are going to eat a Hamburger. If you’re one of the many, many people who had a chance to eat at The Prime Burger in it’s nearly 5 decade run serving Burgers to people in New York City, you’ll surely fund the campaign.

In 1965, one of two flagship locations for a pre-war Burger chain named Hamburger Heaven, originally opened in 1938, changed it’s name to The Prime Burger and a legend was born. This luncheonette style diner has been serving New Yorkers and it’s visitors Breakfast, lunch and Dinner for 47 years. Only a few steps away from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The Prime Burger has become known for one thing above all, their Hamburger. Diners had a choice of table seating for groups in the back or single seats at the counter or in a box seat in an area knowns as “the Track.” These forward facing seats, placed 6 to an alcove, have a swinging wooden arm that’s part tray, part personal table. The charm of the place is it’s long left behind style of fast casual dining that was good for business men on their Lunch break, families stopping in for a meal or a busy commuter fueling up before a day of work.  It’s the kind of Burger and restaurant that built this fantastic city.

Sadly, that time is over.

The owners of the building have recently sold the property and the new owners have no desire to keep this time honored Burger spot alive. The story is well documented via this post on Eater, as they interview several employees who have all worked their 20 years or more. While The Prime Burger gained most of it’s notoriety for its Food, specifically the Burger, it got their by promising speedy service from a friendly staff. You were guaranteed a great Burger as much as you were a friendly hello and a smile.

THE BURGER
With only 24 hours left on the clock, my buddies JD & Nick from The Wing-Off Crew, joined me on pilgrimage to pay our Burger loving respects. The Primer Burger patty, a  1/4 LB in size, was made from freshly ground lean Chuck. Served on a White Sesame Seed  Roll, topped with Lettuce & Tomato with the choice to add American Cheese and or Bacon. They also offered Chili, Pizza Sauce or Mushrooms but the most popular order was The Prime Burger Deluxe: 2 Juicy Prime Burgers, Golden Brown French Fries, and Assorted Relishes, Cheese optional. If you happened to be there before 11 am, you had the option for a BREAKFAST DELIGHT: Primeburger & Fried Egg on Hot Buttered Toast. As this was around 5 pm,  I went with a regular Prime Burger with only Cheese and a side of Curly Fries. Bonus for offering a New York Classic beverage, a Vanilla Egg Cream (Vanilla Syrup, Soda Water & Milk.)

The Prime Burger was a juicy, savory, Cheesy Burger that pleased the palette as much as it did the soul. It’s legacy will never be forgotten and should they be able to re-open in a new location someday, the Kickstarter fund will be used to buy you all a Burger.


8 out of 10 Ounces
-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
535 Burgers

May 25, 2012 – 6:25 pm

 

 

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Grand Street Alliance Grand Slam – BBQ, Beers & Bands in Brooklyn

Posted on 05/31/2012 by Rev

YEAH!! This is going to be awesome!!!!

Join me this Sunday at the Grand Street Alliance’s “Grand Slam” Music & Food Festival in Williamsburg, Brooklyn! I’ll be judging a cook off from some of Brooklyn’s Best BBQ Restos & Chefs. If I still have room in my stomach after that, you can bet I’m gonna go kamikaze on a Williamsburger.

The Festival starts on Grand Street between Berry and Wythe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Here’s the official press release.

BBQ BATTLE SHARES HEADLINE WITH BIG NAMES FOR THE GRAND STREET ALLIANCE’S GRAND SLAM MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL IN WILLIAMSBURG

Free Music & Food Street Festival on June 3rd Expected To Be A “Mini Mooga” without the Ooga Booga!
The Grand Street Alliance has attracted the likes of Sailor Jerry Rum, Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Village Voice, Sir Kensington’s Ketchup, Domino Smart Guide, Main Drag Music and Williamsburg Greenpoint News & Arts hosting their first event of the summer, The Grand Slam. The day-long music and food festival, features a BBQ Competition, 40+ food and retail vendors and performances by 7 quickly rising bands.

Live performances headlined by experimental-psychedelic blues band Trophy Scars will kick off at
noon with Brooklyn-based Cleveland Jones, followed by all-hot-girl band Bad Girlfriend, dual-vocal, power punk Bugs in the Dark and The Living Kills, “Synth-Rock heroes” Herra Terra and underground progressive legend Jacobi Wichita. This is a serious lineup certain to draw an enthusiastic crowd Sunday near the water in Williamsburg.

Once the music is underway, Brooklyn restaurants and chefs will be firing up their grills to compete in a no holds barred BBQ Competition. Judging entries for Best Beef, Pork, Chicken, Vegetarian Entrees are Rev. Dave Ciancio of Burger Conquest, Yeah! Management and Idle Hands Bar, Pop’s of Brooklyn owner John Seymour, Todd Kanfer, founder of the Grand Street Alliance and owner of Williamsburg retail boutique Bad Wolf and Co., and Aaron Pierce, Founding Partner of The Law Offices of Aaron H. Pierce, Principal of Dragonfly Management Inc., and Owner of The Trash Bar.

While the “Best Of” winners will earn their share of bragging rights, the $1000 cash prize presented by the Grand Street Alliance and the GSA Grand Slam BBQ BattleMaster 2012 title will be awarded to the contestant with the highest cumalative score of their combine entries from all categories.

Local Williamsburg restaurants Le Comptoir, Miller’s Tavern and Williamsburger are amongst the contestants who will also offer festival goers an assortment of BBQ and non BBQ culinary treats. Some of the many other participants offering attendees smoky, meaty and creative dishes to nosh in between shopping and grooving are Village Voice “Best Bacon” Winner 2011 The Landhaus, Smorgusburg favorite The Fat Beagle will be serving up North Carolina Style BBQ, and Michelin star’d chef Saul Bolton’s Brooklyn Bangers will be “banging out” signature house-made sausages.

“We have aimed to produce an event that will offer attendees a really entertaining day filled with variety” said Todd Kanfer Grand Street Alliance Founder and President “with popular food oriented events like Smorgusburg we felt that we didn’t need to reinvent the wheel however, it was clear that combining a music and food festival model with the BBQ Battle concept, we could deliver another level of excitement, not to mention I happen to be BBQ aficionado myself!” Kanfer said with a grin.

Adding to the unique lifestyle marketplace shoppers will find imported cashmere throws from Himalayan Trading Company, herbal smoking blends and hand salves from Mullein and Sparrow and Men’s grooming products from World Famous Hawleywood’s makers of Layrite Pomade. Other vendors include American Deadstock, the Lower East Side’s Rock n’ Roll Cafe & Boutique Grit N’ Glory, cool newcomer Uye Surana and cult-favorite jewelry line Scosha.

While attending The Grand Slam visitors can take advantage of a neighborhood wide shopping promotion designed by the GSA to extend the virtual footprint of the event and stimulate sales for neighborhood merchants. The GSA’s new technology partner Domino Smart Guide www.dominobrooklyn.com will provide a free, interactive app for festival visitors to browse a growing list of participating Williamsburg retailers who will be offering a ticket for a PBR or Sailor Jerry drink with purchase, to be redeemed at participating neighborhood bars, exclusively listed in the Domino app.

Some of the retailers on the growing list of participating retailers are Bad Wolf & Co. Boutique at Eight of Swords Tattoo, Antoinette, Scosha, Sandford & Sven, Pop, Ida, Main Drag Music, Beautiful Dreamers, Fuego 718, Le Grand Strip, Whisk, Magic Cobra Tattoo, CupcakeLand, Milly & Earl , Skinny Skinny, A&G Merch and Janes Closet.

The Grand Slam, will mark the first of a series of neighborhood events planned by the Grand Street Alliance. The 2012 GSA event calendar tentatively will include a Food Truck Festival, a Hot Rod/Motorcycle Show, A Rock-n-Roll Circus and a ZombieFest in time for Halloween.

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About The Grand Street Alliance
The Grand Street Alliance is an organization dedicated to fostering, encouraging and developing a closer relationship between its members and the mercantile interests of Williamsburg and its vicinity.

For more information on the Grand Street Alliance and The Grand Slam, please visitwww.grandstreetalliance.com . Press inquiries should be directed to info@grandstreetalliance.com
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Mark – The Best Sliders In Manhattan, NY Burger Week

Posted on 05/28/2012 by Rev

Mark
http://www.stmarksburger.com
33 Saint Mark’s Place
New York, NY 10003

THE CONQUEST
When one puts together NY Burger Week, you end up eating a lot of Burgers. I had planned on attending all 7 events and indulging myself in the best Burgers NYC had to offer. As I stood around enjoying some tasty Craft Beers at the Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club Burger Bash, with my buds Nicole, Seth and George Motz from the Food Film Fest & Hamburger America, they convinced me and my friend Mike to join them for a Burger dinner. Sound crazy? I’d already been to 5 Burger events in 5 days and 2 more to go to before the week was out. Did I really need more Burgers?!??

Of course.

St. Marks Street is one of the most well known and historical streets in New York City. You might be familiar with it as as popular shopping destination especially since it’s history dates back to the early 1800s. Famous homes, churches, schools, restaurants and clubs have always been found on the street so it stands to reason that in 2012, one of the best Burgers around is here now. Amidst the two $1 Pizza shops, the 7-11, the Pink Berry and various cheap sunglass stands, you’ll find Mark.  This small Cafe with a few tables in the front, a few in the back and a long counter between them might be in the middle of the block but they have a corner on the market.

In a town filled with just about every option to every type of business available, there is one massive, gaping hole that deserves to be filled and that’s a PROPER Hamburger Slider. A Slider is a form of Burger made from a thin Patty that is flat griddle along with Onions, whose steam helps to cook the Burger. It’s served on a Squishy White Bun with or without Cheese and Pickles. When you walk into a restaurant and they have “Sliders” on the menu and all you get is a small version of a Burger, not the aforementioned style of Burger, that’s a Mini Burger, not a Slider.

A MINI BURGER IS NOT A SLIDER!! 

You can read more about that on this post about Bates Hamburgers but know that when you step into Mark, you are getting the real freaking deal. So order a glass of Wine, a Draft Beer or a Candied Bacon Shake to wash down a stack a greasy Sliders.

THE BURGER
Sit at the bar and you’ll watch the grill master slap fresh Beef onto a hot griddle, using only Salt and Pepper to spice and then topping them with Onions to help steam in the flavor. This is how it’s done folks and Mark is the ONLY place (at least that I know of) that is making a PROPER Slider. How is it? It’s awesome. When a restaurant shows appreciation & dedication to a style, they do it right. The place smells as good as it tastes and when you’ve had a couple of “pops” already in your evening, there is nothing better than a hot, juicy, fresh, properly made Slider.

Mark not only makes Sliders as they should be properly made but they serve the BEST sliders in all of Manhattan. For that reason, they are being added to the Burger Conquest TOP BURGERS IN NYC list! Congratulations and Thanks go to Mark for not only making a great Burger, but making it right!

Fitting that I would end up here not only during NY Burger Week but also during National Hamburger Month and with the Indiana Jones of Hamburgers, George Motz.


9 out of 10 ounces
-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
520 Burgers

May 18, 2012 – 11:11 pm

The Rev Meter for Social Community
“The Rev Meter” is a social community meter for assessing how optimized a bar or restaurant is with social networking. By taking what I consider to be the 10 most important social networks and creating a point system, I can accurately asses how well your business is using social networking as a tool. My goal here is to educate and assist great business to better effectively use these tools.

Mark scores a 4 on The Rev Meter.

SCORING:
4 points or less You’ve missed the 5 basics and are less than optimized
5 points You’ve covered the basics, which is better than most but far from optimized.
6 to 9 points You’re doing better than most and on your way to becoming a well respected social community whiz.
10 points Congrats on a perfect score!

 

Posted in Bar, Beer, Best Burger in New York, Burgers, East Village, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Sliders | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Rub BBQ – 2nd Annual Exclusive Off-Menu Burger Bash, NY Burger Bash

Posted on 05/28/2012 by Rev

Rub BBQ
http://www.rubbbq.net
208 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011

NY BURGER WEEK MAY 13-20, 2012

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK! NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012 to coincide with American Craft Beer Week.

Burger Conquest has teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide to bring NY 7 awesome days of Burger & Craft Beer events. To purchase tickets and offers for NY Burger Week go to Thrillist Rewards. To see all events go to the official NY Burger Week website.

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

THE CONQUEST
I get asked all the time, “what is the best Burger you’ve ever eaten?” With 500 plus Burgers reviewed on this site, it shouldn’t be a surprise to know this query is very popular in conversations with me. What should surprise you, is that I do have an answer and there is a best Burger I have ever eaten and it’s at Rub BBQ in New York City.

Rub BBQ’s Monday Night Secret Burger is something I can talk about endlessly. It’s probably one of the most heralded, talked about and anticipated burgers in all the burgerverse and it’s only available on Monday nights. Every Monday, beginning at 6 pm, Rub BBQ starts serving them but doesn’t put them on the menu. You need to know to ask and while you’re at it, there is one more thing you should know. There is always more than 1 burger.

Each week Rub offers up THE “Rub Burger” which is Burger Conquest fave but they also put forth a different specialty each week. Ever since this burger ritual began more than a year ago, Rub BBQ has NEVER repeated a special burger. While I would like to tell you i’ve eaten them all, I haven’t but spend 10 minutes with owner Andrew Fischel and Chef Scott Smith and you’ll feel like you missed out on 60-70 of the most important burgers ever made.

In 2011, I worked with them to put together an Off-Menu Burger Bash, that was one of the most awesome & filling Burger events of all times. The event sold out both seatings in about an hour. People who were lucky enough to get tickets, were treated to a menu that had 5 of Rub’s Secret Monday Night Burgers along with some sides and some Boozy Milk Shakes. Well, what would Burger Conquest’s NY BURGER WEEK without including an event at Burger Conquest? Let’s not even discuss, instead let’s talk about NY Burger Week’s Grand Finale … One of the greatest New York Burger events EVER returns!

NY BURGER WEEK EVENT

THE RUB BBQ EXCLUSIVE OFF-MENU BURGER BASH



Rub BBQ
Ticket Link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/247701
208 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011

Sunday May 20, 2012
12:00 – 2:00 pm

Price: $44.95

For our Second Annual Burger Bash Event, we are serving 4 off-the-menu Burgers from award winning barbeque-ists featuring:

  • The Mac-N-Cheese Burger: House Ground Burger topped with Deep Fried Mac N Cheese and Aioli
  • The Bacon Burger: House Ground Burger mixed with house made Bacon topped with Cheddar cheese and Pickled Red Onions
  • The Black and Blue Burger: House Ground Burger Blackened and topped with “Stinky” Blue Cheese
  • A North African Lamb Burger: House ground Beef and Lamb blend mixed with Moroccan Spices topped with a Pine Nut and Golden Raisin Relish

This flavor intensive feast includes:

  • Two Draft Craft Beers or Fountain Drinks (Soda, Tea or Lemonade)
  • Choice of 1 small order of Fries or Onion Strings

THE BURGERS
Rub’s process for Burger making is nothing short of intense. They house grind their own Meat and other than the Buns, they prep everything in house. They can’t just be whipped out or served quickly, they take time, hence the two hours it would take to eat my way through this epic Burger meal.

Rub BBQ started everyone with a choice of drinks including a selection from their craft beers on tap. While the first of the Burgers was hitting the flat iron, we had a choice of French Fries or Onion Rings. I went with the house cut whole Potato Fries, covered them up in a little vinegar and a “table mixed” BBQ / Ketchup.

Black and Blue Burger–  House Ground Burger coated in a Cajun Seasoning and then blackened & topped with a Valedon Spanish Blue Cheese and Remoulade. This was the juiciest, most perfectly executed Black and Blue Burger ever. The tastes happen in order of bite; first you taste the Blue Cheese, then the Cajun Spices and then the Beef. Chef Scott must be some kind of Wizard with his most impressive trick being able to make sure you can still taste the Beef in the middle of all the intense flavors surrounding it.


9 out of 10 Ounces

Fried Mac-N-Cheese Burger: House Ground Burger topped with home made Deep Fried Mac N Cheese and a Roasted Garlic Aioli on a Buttered Toasted Bun. Is there anything Rub BBQ can make that isn’t perfect? Not even if they were trying. Again, another perfectly cooked Beef Patty and this time topped with something that could’ve been served as it’s own dish! Mac n Cheese is awesome. When it’s deep fried, which is totally unnecessary, it makes it even more amazing. The Garlic Aioli gives a nice tangy taste to each bite and along with the juiciness of the Meat, keep it from being dry.


9 out of 10 Ounces

North African Lamb Burger: A blended Patty made from a Beef & Lamb mixed with Moroccan La Kama Spices topped with a Pine Nut, Golden Raisin and preserved Lemon Relish and a Mint Yogurt Sauce. The amount of creativity, time and execution that went into this Burger were well worth it. The North African Lamb Burger is absolutely amazing. The Relish makes all the difference here in pulling together this array of unique flavors.


8 out of 10 Ounces

Cheddar Bacon Burger: House Ground Burger mixed with ground house made, tripled smoked Bacon topped with vintage English Cheddar cheese and a Whole Grain Mustard. At this point in the meal, there was no room left in my stomach. I was filled to the brim with tasty Burgerness. BUT THAT WOULDN’T STOP ME FROM EATING THIS BURGER! In fact, World War Z could erupt and I wouldn’t make a move to evacuate NYC if this was sitting in front of me. In fact, this Burger is so fiercly packed with flavor that it might be used as a weapon to ward off the living dead. Did this need a Cheese as strong as the English Cheddar? No. Was it mandatory to add a robust Whole Grain Mustard? Not really. In fact, the Rub Burger Patty is so good that it doesn’t need the Bacon. But you know what? It wouldn’t be Rub BBQ without crossing the line of Burgery Greatness.


9 out of 10 Ounces
– Rev

Truly one of the most delicious and awesome Burger events out there in the Burgerverse. It was an awesome and appropriate grand finale to NY Burger Week. Do not miss out on the 3rd Annual Off-Menu Burger Bash at Rub BBQ in 2013. Hopefully again, during NY Burger Week.

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
534 Burgers

May 20, 2012 – 1:44 pm

The Rev Meter for Social Community
“The Rev Meter” is a social community meter for assessing how optimized a bar or restaurant is with social networking. By taking what he considers to be the 10 most important social networks and creating a point system, The Rev can accurately asses how well the business is using social networking as a tool. His goal here is to educate and assist great business to better effectively use these tools.

Rub BBQ scores a 10 on The Rev Meter!! They must’ve had some great help.

SCORING:
1 – 4 points:  You’ve missed the 5 basics and are less than optimized
5 points:       You’ve covered the basics, which is better than most but far from optimized.
6 – 9 points: You’re doing better than most and on your way to becoming a well respected social community whiz.
10 points:     Congrats on a perfect score!

 

Posted in Beer, Best Burger in New York, Burger Week, Burgers, Event, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Burger Conquest & iAdventure East Village Burger And Beer Crawl – NY Burger Week

Posted on 05/27/2012 by Rev

The Burger Conquest & iAdventure East Village Burger And Beer Crawl

NY BURGER WEEK MAY 13-20, 2012

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK! NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012 to coincide withAmerican Craft Beer Week.

Burger Conquest has teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide to bring NY 7 awesome days of Burger & Craft Beer events. To purchase tickets and offers for NY Burger Week go to Thrillist Rewards. To see all events go to the official NY Burger Week website.

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

 

THE CONQUEST
A Burger Week isn’t complete without some kind of grand event and if you know me, you know I love events. Creating one of the World’s Largest Burgers? That’s been done. A large Burger Cookout Bash? Been there, done that. Incredibly expensive, famous Chef created Burger? Too easy. How about a multi-Boro Burger adventure? That’s so last year. But it was a good idea and was only missing a couple hundred other Burger lovers.

That’s where iAdventure comes in. Since no man is a Burger Army (although I might be close),  it’s best to find like minded fun-seekers to help make an Epic Burger Adventure Happen. According to their website; “iAdventure is an innovative event company that produces unique and affordable event experiences as odes to our favorite foods, libations, traditional and out of the box holidays and charitable causes.” I called upon my friends there and asked them to help me create, the first ever, ticketed, NY Burger & Beer Crawl.

NY BURGER WEEK EVENT

EAST VILLAGE BURGER & BEER CRAWL
Brought to you by Burger Conquest & iAdventure
 

NY BURGER WEEK BURGER CRAWL
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/BurgCrawlNYBW

10 Awesome Craft Beers
10 Awesome Burgers
10 Awesome Locations in the East Village

NEW YORK’S FIRST EVER TICKETED BURGER CRAWL!!!!

Option 1: Price $40

  • 10 craft beers, incl. Smuttynose, Victory, Blue Point, Abita, Sixpoint & More
  • Paired w/ 10 Gourmet Sliders
  • 2 for 1 Craft Beers at all participating locations
  • Available from 1:00 – 7:00 pm at 10 EVill Burger joints like Stand4, Bareburger & more
  • Pick up your pass at Village Pourhouse on 3rd Ave

Option 2: Price $30

  • 5 craft beers, incl. Smuttynose, Victory, Blue Point, Abita, Sixpoint & More
  • Paired w/ 5 Gourmet Sliders
  • 2 for 1 Craft Beers at all participating locations
  • Available from 1:00 – 7:00 pm at 10 EVill burger joints like Stand4, Bareburger & more
  • Pick up your pass at sideBAR on E 15th

Option 3: Price $20

  • 10 Gourmet Sliders
  •  2 for 1 Craft Beers at all participating locations
  • Available from 1:00 – 7:00 pm at 10 EVill Burger joints like Stand4, Bareburger & more
  • Pick up your pass at Idle Hands on Ave B

THE BURGERS
On the day of the event, I joined forces with with my good bud Mighty-Mike Fox from Edit Beach, the man behind the Beer movie starring yours truly, “The Good Beer Seal,” to take on the challenge of 10 Burgers & 10 Beers in 6 Hours.

That Burger at Idle Hands Bar
That Burger: Sauteed Onions, Jalapenos & American Cheese
Beer: Victory Golden Monkey

Poco
Burger: Beef Burger topped with Pickles, Guacamole & Chipotle Mayo
Beer: Abita Purple Haze

Bareburger
Burger: Bison Burger topped with Relish, Secret sauce, Caramelized Onions & Colby Jack Cheese
Beer: Sixpoint Sweet Action

St. Marks Burger
Burger: Properly made Beef Slider with Steamed Onions & American Cheese
Beer: Blue Point Toasted Lager

13th Step
Burger: Beef Slider with Grilled Onions, Pickles & Cheese
Beer: Abita Purple Haze

Destination Bar & Grille
Burger: Beef Burger topped with Special Sauce, American Cheese Pickles
Beer: Ommegang Witte

Village Pourhouse
Burger: Beef Mini Burger with Cheese & Lettuce
Beer: Ommegang Witte

Stand4
Burger: Chicken Burger with Tartar Sauce & Fried Pickles
Beer: McSorley’s Pale Ale

University Place Gourmet
This was not included in the crawl but Mike and I had to stop to get Tums

SideBAR
Burger: Mini Beef Burger Topped with Guacamole
Beer: Butternuts Moo Thunder Stout

Little Town
Burger: Meatball Slider
Beer: Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
530 Burgers

May 19, 2012 – 1:00 – 6:00 pm

All in all, a tasty and fun day in one of the best neighborhoods in NYC. Thanks to all the Bars & Restaurants who participated, iAdventure, Thrillist Rewards and Great Brewers for helping me to put on this amazing event!

Posted in Bar, Beer, Burgers, East Village, Event, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Sliders, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jimmy’s No. 43 – A Beer & Food Nerd’s Must, New York Burger Week

Posted on 05/24/2012 by Rev

Jimmy’s No. 43
http://www.jimmysno43.com
43 E. 7th St
New York, NY 10003

NY BURGER WEEK MAY 13-20, 2012

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK! NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012 to coincide withAmerican Craft Beer Week.

Burger Conquest has teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide to bring NY 7 awesome days of Burger & Craft Beer events. To purchase tickets and offers for NY Burger Week go to Thrillist Rewards. To see all events go to the official NY Burger Week website.

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

THE CONQUEST
If there’s one thing you can count on at Jimmy’s No. 43, it’s a creative food event. If there’s another thing you can count on, it’s great Craft Beer. When I was putting together New York Burger Week, Jimmy Carbone, owner of Jimmy’s No. 43 was one of the first people I reached out to. Just like always, Jimmy delivered the goods on a GREAT concept that tied together both American Craft Beer and New York Burger Week.

If you’re a beer and or food nerd, there is no where you should have on your “to do” list above Jimmy’s No. 43. This gastropub can be found on 7th Street between the Bowery and 2nd Street. It’s downstairs in a space that looks like a medieval wine cask storage and dungeon. Once you’ve settled up to the bar or one of many wooden tables in the 3 rooms that make up Jimmy’s you’ll find a rotating beer list that is far from the norm. Jimmy himself has a wide appreciation of craft beers from around the world so expect to see everything from a Scotch Ale to American Pilsner to a French Sour or a Belgian Abbey and everything in between and beyond. But the happy mouthing doesn’t stop there. Thefood menu at Jimmy’s No. 43 is an ever changing selection of seasonal Meats, Sausages, Breads and Veggies, most of which are sourced from local farms and as organic as possible. Fans of the unique establishment also enjoy Oyster nights, Brisket Cook-Offs, Duck Dinners, Craft Beer tastings, Whole Hog participation and all sorts of foodie and beer nerd oriented Nirvana.

NY BURGER WEEK EVENT

LOCAVORE BURGER SPREAD-OFF AT JIMMY’S NO. 43

Jimmy’s No. 43

Ticket link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/247349
43 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10003

Friday, May 18, 2012
5:00 – 9:00 pm

Price: $35.00

Each year Jimmy’s No. 43 celebrates American Craft Beer Week by featuring our favorite beers from our American Craft Brewing friends. This year we’re celebrating America’s favorite beer food: the hamburger. On Friday May 18th, in conjunction with Burger Week AND American Craft Beer Week, Jimmy’s No. 43 will feature select American Craft Beers and unlimited miniburgers served with an assortment of local artisan toppings including:

It’s a burger party not to be missed!

  • Unlimited Mini-Burgers
  • Samplings of American Craft Beers (list TBA)
  • Additional beers will be available for purchase at the bar throughout the evening.

THE BURGERS
Each of the Mini Burgers were made with Willow Farms Grass-Fed Beef (a sustainable farm located in Putnam Valley, NY) and served on Circular Mini Toasts. Grass-Fed Beef, as far as serious Burger fiends are concerned, is generally less favored to regular Beef. The reason? Flavor. Generally a Grain or Corn fed Cow is fattier and more flavorful. It’s the taste most of us grew up associating with Beef Burgers. While it may not be the choice for sustainability, it usually is for taste. As I bit into my first Grass-Fed Mini-Burger, I was not expecting the intense, robust, all-natural, savory Beef flavor that the Willow Farm Beef had. I was blown away to be honest. I’ve had a few other Grass-Fed Burgers before that stood up on the palette challenge, of course one of which was at Jimmy’s No. 43 (when they were sourcing from Dickson’s Farm Stand), so I really shouldn’t have been surprised that Jimmy would find another awesome source.

Each of the 4 Burgers were then topped with a different topping or spread made by a local company; My Friend’s Mustard, High River Hot Sauce, Mama O’s Kimchi & Sir Kensington Ketchup. It was almost like a taste experiment! The constants were the Beef Patty and Bread and then each topping was the variable. I’m not much of a Kimchi fan but if I was going to eat some (and I did) it would most certainly be Mama O’s.

Likewise, Ketchup for me is something that I only put on French Fries and Egg Sandwiches. The idea of putting it on a Burger really turns off this native Detroiter (a city known for it’s loyalty to Mustard.) However, judging Sir Kensington as a product and not how it was topped on a Burger, it’s a damn fine shmear made with all natural products! If Ketchup is your thing, be sure to scoop some up.

Speaking of Mustard, I am a Michigander at heart and that’s where my loyalty is when it comes to Burger condiments. If you’re a Craft Beer fan like I am then My Friend’s Mustard is for you. It’s a Whole Grain Mustard made in Brooklyn using various beers from the Sixpoint Brewery. Top that on these tasty Burgers and you got yourself a delectable treat.

The last of the 4 Mini Burgers was topped with High River’s Helacious Hot Sauce. Created by my good buddy, Buckshot, Author of the “Mosh Potatoes” cook book. Helacious is everything Hot Sauce should be: tangy, sweet, hot, peppery and savory. It’s a perfect balance of flavor in heat. I’m not one to often top a Burger with Hot Sauce but let me tell you, in this case, it was awesome. Good on Buckshot and Jimmy for coming up with the combo.

If you’re in or around NYC this Memorial Weekend, be sure to get over to the 5 Boro PicNYC. It’s a great outdoor Food & Beer event put on by Jimmy Carbone & Food Karma presents. It’s guaranteed to be a great day of eating and drinking. While you are there, stop by the event inside the event; “Hot Sauce & Blues Music Festival”, featuring a half-dozen blues bands and hot sauce tastings Buckshot’s own award-winning High River Sauces as well as selections from NYC Hot Sauce, Sol Sauce, and others TBA. VIP tickets are available from Thrillist Rewards.


8 out of 10 Ounces
-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
517 Burgers

May 18, 2012 – 6:13 pm

The Rev Meter for Social Community
“The Rev Meter” is a social community meter for assessing how optimized a bar or restaurant is with social networking. By taking what I consider to be the 10 most important social networks and creating a point system, I can accurately asses how well your business is using social networking as a tool. My goal here is to educate and assist great business to better effectively use these tools.

Jimmy’s No. 43 scores a 6 on The Rev Meter.

SCORING:
4 points or less You’ve missed the 5 basics and are less than optimized
5 points You’ve covered the basics, which is better than most but far from optimized.
6 to 9 points You’re doing better than most and on your way to becoming a well respected social community whiz.
10 points Congrats on a perfect score!

Posted in Bar, Beer, Best Burger in New York, Burgers, East Village, Event, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Sliders, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Jimmy’s No. 43 – A Beer & Food Nerd’s Must, New York Burger Week

That Burger / Idle Hands Bar – Iron Maiden “Piece of Mind” $10 Beer Pairings w Blue Point, Victory & Smuttynose, NY Burger Week

Posted on 05/20/2012 by Rev

That Burger at Idle Hands Bar
http://thatburger.com
http://idlehandsbar.com 
25 Avenue B
(between 2nd & 3rd Streets)
New York, NY 10009

NY BURGER WEEK MAY 13-20, 2012

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK! NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012 to coincide withAmerican Craft Beer Week.

Burger Conquest has teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide to bring NY 7 awesome days of Burger & Craft Beer events. To purchase tickets and offers for NY Burger Week go to Thrillist Rewards. To see all events go to the official NY Burger Week website.

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

THE CONQUEST
Idle Hands is the bar to be at if you like Bourbon, Beer & Rock. We have one of the largest selections of Bourbon in all the city, 40+ rotating Craft Beers and 7 nights a week of Rock Music. Our signature event is the weekly Wednesday night $10 tasting. Each week we feature a different Brewery & Distillery and bring in brand managers for a 2 hour tasting event from 7 – 9 pm. The best part? It only costs $10!!!

$10 Beer & Bourbon Tastings at Idle Hands
– Hang with representatives from Breweries & Distilleries
– 1 taste of featured bourbon / whiskey
– 3 tastes of featured brewery
– 2 full pours of featured brewery
– 1 order of Tater Tots from That Burger w specially made dipping sauce made with featured brewer

To celebrate American Craft Beer & NY Burger Week, we put together a VERY special version of our weekly $10 Tasting.

Iron Maiden “Piece of Mind” $10 Beer Pairings w Blue Point, Victory & Smuttynose

Join us for a VERY SPECIAL edition of our weekly $10 Tasting event. Tonight we celebrate the 29th anniversary of Iron Maiden’s “Piece of Mind.” On this date in 1983 the leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal released what is now considered one of the most celebrated pieces of music ever. On this date in 2012 we welcome representatives from 3 of our favorite breweries to do a perfect craft beer pairing with all 9 songs on the album!

NY BURGER WEEK EVENT

IRON MAIDEN “PIECE OF MIND” BURGER & BEER PAIRING DINNER AT IDLE HANDS BAR & THAT BURGER

IDLE HANDS BAR / THAT BURGER
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/IdleNYBW
25 Avenue B, Downstairs
New York, NY 10009

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
7:00 – 9:30 pm

Price: $30.00

  • 3 full pours + 6 tastes from Smuttynose, Victory & Blue Point breweries
  • Paired to all 9 tracks of Iron Maiden’s Piece of Mind by a diehard fan
  • 4 sliders from That Burger + order of tots w/ off-menu dipping sauce
  • Rocking Idle Hands for 2 seatings only on May 16th

THE BURGER
Look, I own the place, so to post a review here could be misconstrued as unfair. That being the case, I will not do a formal review and point out something else instead. With my reputation in the Burgerverse do you really think I would want bad Burgers to be served at my bar? Instead, I offer you the Iron Maiden Beer & Burger Pairing notes:

1. “Where Eagles Dare” – Blue Point No Apologies (Draft)
**Pairing notes: “The Blue Point No Apologies Double IPA is not for the faint of heart. Or tongue. Since our very first batch, we set out to craft a big ale that would pack a punch but still leave you coming back for more. Brewed only in small batches from the finest European malts and American hops, the huge, earthy dry hop aroma of No Apologies finishes with a pleasing caramel sweetness. ” This makes it the perfect beer to be paired with Iron Maiden’s tribute to the 1968 movie of the same name about a brave soldier named Major John Smith who must lead a crack commando unit to rescue a captured solider.

2. “Revelations” Smuttynose Big A IPA (Bottles)
**Pairing notes: At the beginning of this song, vocalist Bruce Dickinson quotes English writer G. K. Chesterton: “O God of Earth and Altar, Bow down and hear our cry, Our earthly rulers falter, Our people drift and die, The walls of gold entomb us, The swords of scorn divide, Take not thy thunder from us, But take away our pride.” The thunder he speaks of is like the intense hops and malts used in the making of Smuttynose Big IPA and the pride that is taken away by drinking it would be your sobriety.
That Burger Pairing: The “Revelations” Burger: Sauteed Onions, Sauteed Jalepenos, American Cheese, Spicy Bourbon Ketchup

3. “Flight of Icarus” – Blue Point Hoptical Illusion (Bottles)
**Pairing notes: “Ancient Egyptians stuffed their pillows with fresh hops, believing the hop’s aroma brought on intense, vivid dreams. Hoptical Illusion tantalizes beer lovers’ taste-buds, while its colorful, psychedelic packaging is candy for the eyes.” Much in the same way, the desire to escape from Crete tantalized Greek Mythology’s Icarus, causing him to build wings made of wax to fly away. Unfortunately, despite warning, Icarus flew to close to the sun, the wings melted and he fell into the sea where he drowned. Take this as a warning, when drinking Hoptical Illusion, do not become to obsessed and “drown” in the beer.
That Burger Pairing: Flight of Tots with “Flight of Icarus”. Includes an order of tots and 3 dipping sauces featuring beers.

4. “Die with Your Boots On” Smuttynose Robust Porter (Bottles)
**Pairing notes: “This hearty, mahogany colored ale is brewed to evoke the dark, full-bodied ales that were a favorite of dockworkers and warehousemen (hence the name “Porter”) in 19th century London.” Much like a dedicated London “Porter,” no one drinks without their boots on!

5. “The Trooper” – Victory Prima Pils (Bottles)
**Pairing notes: When Steve Harris of Iron Maiden wrote “The Trooper” he based in on Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem, “Charge of the Light Brigade,” a tale of a failed charge  of British Cavalry the  Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. The poem gave praise to the valor of the cavalry maintained in holding their orders much like the bracing herbal bite the hops used in Victory Prima Pils Pale Lager, which is made in the tradition of the great pilsners of Europe.
That Burger Pairing: “The Trooper” Burger: Lettuce, Pickles, Mozzarella Cheese, BBQ Sauce and Mayo

6. “Still Life” Smuttynose Summer Weizen (Draft)
**Pairing notes: “Still Life” was the first song in Iron Maiden’s career to containing a backwards message. Found at the beginning of this song, drummer Nicko Brain recorded a  warning listeners; “Don’t meddle wid t’ings yo don’t understand.” The secret message in this light and tasty, summer wheat ale is that’s its only available for a limited time so get some now to “enjoy your next picnic, barbeque or Frisbee game.”

7. “Quest for Fire” – Victory Golden Monkey (Draft)
**Pairing notes”: This song is based on the 1981 film and 1911 book of the same name about a “prehistoric time when three prehistoric tribesmen search for a new fire source.” Beer is one of the oldest beverages humans have produced, dating back to at least the 5th millennium & arguably first came fire, then came beer.
That Burger Pairing:  “Quest For Fire” Burger: Sauteed Onions, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese and Hot Sauce

8. “Sun and Steel” – Victory Summer Love Ale (Bottles)
**Pairing notes: “With the sublime, earthy familiarity of noble, American and German hops backed up by fresh and clean German malts, Summer Love Ale ends with a surprising burst of lemony refreshment from fistfuls of American whole flower hops. Love Summer, now.” This beer is a tribute to the steel used to make the brew house and the inspiration of the summer sun to make the beer.
That Burger Pairing: “Sun and Steel” Burger: Lettuce, Raw Onion, Red Island Sauce and Blue Cheese

9. “To Tame a Land” – Blue Point Rastafa Rye Ale (Bottles)
**Pairing notes: This song, penned as a tribute to the 1965 sci-fi novel “Dune” pairs perfectly with Blue Point Rastafa Rye Ale, a dark amber colored beer, much like the sand on the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the “spice” melange which in the beer represents the spicy, floral characteristics of the hops.

VERY special thanks go to Sean McCain from Victory Brewing, Shane Byrnes from Blue Point Brewing and Pat Fondiller from Smuttynose Brewery. Without them, this event would’ve never happened. You guys are the best and we appreciate what you do for our bar. Cheers to beers bros!

 

Sound like fun? Make sure you are at Idle Hands on July 25th:

Join us for a VERY SPECIAL edition of our weekly $10 Tasting event. Not only is it Rev (one of the bar’s owners) birthday’s but tonight we celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell.” On July 24th in 1990 the boys from Arlington, Texas released an album that changed the face of heavy metal. On this date in 2012 we celebrate it’s release with “Cowboys From Hell” Beer pairings with Oskar Blues Brewery.

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
513 Burgers

May 16, 2012 – 7:51 pm

Posted in Bar, Beer, Best Burger in New York, Burgers, East Village, Event, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Stand4 – Red Rebel Makers, New York Burger Week

Posted on 05/19/2012 by Rev

Stand4
http://www.standburger.com/
24 E. 12th St
New York, NY 10003

NY BURGER WEEK MAY 13-20, 2012

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK! NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012 to coincide withAmerican Craft Beer Week.

Burger Conquest has teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide to bring NY 7 awesome days of Burger & Craft Beer events. To purchase tickets and offers for NY Burger Week go to Thrillist Rewards. To see all events go to the official NY Burger Week website.

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

THE CONQUEST
Stand4, the brain child of Jonathan Morr, famous for his involvement in Bond St, Union Square’s Republic, APT and more. The spacious location near NYU, serves all kinds of Burgers with beef from Pat LaFrieda and bun’s from Amy’s Bread. You can order them delivery, get them to go or dine in. Stand offers your choice of Beef, Turkey, Veggie, Chicken or Salmon burgers. They also have a decent selection of Sides, Salads, Soups and beverages from Alcohol to Craft Beer to Boozy Milkshakes. It’s a great place for lunch, dinner and otherwise.  But I’ve told you that before, so let’s talk …

NY BURGER WEEK EVENT

BOOZE-SPIKED SHAKES & OFF-MENU BURGERS AT STAND4
 

Stand4
Ticket link: http://bit.ly/Stand4NYBW
24 E 12th St
New York, NY 10003

Available all week

Price: $30

  • 3 Sliders, incl. the Bourbon St & off-menu Buffalo
  • Order of Burger Week-special “Hot” Fries + Tempura Bread & Butter Pickles
  • 2 craft drafts + stiff shake like Kahlua Vanilla or Captain Morgan Pumpkin

THE BURGER
The meal started off the house “Stand4 Red Ale.” A cold, Malty & Copper Beer was just what this hot afternoon called for.

Diners who bought the Reward had a choice of sides but if you redeemed during New York Burger Week, you could upgrade to Stand4’s Hot Fries. These are house cut French Fries topped with Jalepeño, Pepper Jack Cheese Fries & House Crushed Red Pepper. The Fries were fresh and crispy, just like they should be. The Cheese caused a little bit of clumping but that didn’t take away from the taste. Might’ve come across better if the Cheese was shredded but there were good either way.


Choice is king and with the offer you have a choice of a trio of Sliders or a number of full sized Burgers. I didn’t feel like messing around with mini Burgers as they are harder to cook properly. Instead, one of Stand4’s specialty Burgers was going to fit the moment; The Bourbon Street Burger. It’s covered with Mozzarella Cheese, Red Onion, Lettuce, Tomato and a house made Makers Mark Bourbon BBQ Sauce. It’s all gently balanced between a nice sturdy yet soft Sesame Seed Roll. The Jalapeños provide a nice kick up to the Burger but the Bun and soft Cheese help to off set the heat. Don’t be a wussy and shy away because the Jalapeños aren’t really that hot. I loved the tangy and smoky sauce which really ads a cool layer of flavor to the sandwich. The best party? The thick and fresh Ground Beef Patty is well formed, delicious and never once do the other intense flavors of the toppings outshine the robust Beef flavor of the Meat. I have to say, it’s a very well put together sando.

Not every great Burger maker can also make great Sides, Shakes and otherwise but at Stand4 you are guaranteed an all around great Burger meal.


8 out of 10 Ounces

Stand4 offers a number of fresh Gelato Shakes as well as spiked up “Stuff Shakes” created with various liquors.  The New York Burger Week Thrillist Reward came with your choice of the latter. I opted for the Rebel Reserve Bourbon Fresh Mint Shake. It was a big Shake, not too thick with a nice creamy texture. The Stiff Shake was a great end to a somewhat spicy meal, especially on a hot muggy day!


-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
509 Burgers

May 16, 2012 – 2:51 pm

The Rev Meter for Social Community
“The Rev Meter” is a social community meter for assessing how optimized a bar or restaurant is with social networking. By taking what I consider to be the 10 most important social networks and creating a point system, I can accurately asses how well your business is using social networking as a tool. My goal here is to educate and assist great business to better effectively use these tools.

Stand4 scores a 5 on The Rev Meter.

SCORING:
4 points or less You’ve missed the 5 basics and are less than optimized
5 points You’ve covered the basics, which is better than most but far from optimized.
6 to 9 points You’re doing better than most and on your way to becoming a well respected social community whiz.
10 points Congrats on a perfect score!

Posted in Bar, Beer, Burgers, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Stand4 – Red Rebel Makers, New York Burger Week

Pour George – Off-Menu, Wild-Game Pub Fare, NY Burger Week

Posted on 05/15/2012 by Rev

Pour George
http://pourgeorge.com
35 W 8th Street
New York, NY 10011

NY BURGER WEEK MAY 13-20, 2012

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK! NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012 to coincide withAmerican Craft Beer Week.

Burger Conquest has teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide to bring NY 7 awesome days of Burger & Craft Beer events. To purchase tickets and offers for NY Burger Week go to Thrillist Rewards. To see all events go to the official NY Burger Week website.

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

THE CONQUEST
New York City for decades was defined by it’s pubs and the food they served. Before there were “Top Chefs,” the Food Network & Foodies, there were pubs. The concept was simple, knock off the days toils with a Drink, a Bite and a smile from a friendly bar keep. Many of the classic NYC Pubs, most of which are Irish still exist and still serve great Pub Food. Then there is Pour George. Paying homage to a yesteryear, this West Village gastropub combines the best of what was and what is in New York pubs. The bar has a classic feel with wooden floors, tables and chairs and a charming stone fireplace. They offer the finest of unique pub fare using locally sourced ingredients where possible like Deep Fried Pickles, Wild Boar Sausage on a Pretzel Roll, Mac N Cheese, Crispy Chicken Wings and the Pour George Burger, served on Sourdough with White Cheddar and Fried Onions. Saddle up to the bar or grab a seat a table and get lost in the 70+ list of Whiskeys that Pour George stocks on their sky high reaching shelves or opt for a draft from their rotating Craft Beer selection. Chances are you’ll want to make this cozy pub one of your regular haunts for good times, good Spirits and good Food.

NY BURGER WEEK EVENT

OFF-MENU, WILD GAME BURGERS & CRAFT BEERS AT POUR GEORGE

POUR GEORGE
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/PourGNYBW
35 W 8th St
New York, NY 10011

Monday, May 14, 2012
6:00 – 9:30 pm

Price: $29.00

  • 4 sliders made out of Rare Meats: Duck & Foie Gras, Antelope, Wygu Beef & Wild Boar
  • Choice of 4 Craft Beers from Captain Lawrence, Left Hand & more
  • Order of Fingerling Frites

THE BURGERS
As NY Burger Week coincides with American Craft Beer Week, it’s only proper that the meal started off with a flight of cold Beers. I made some small talk with friendly bar tender Carla who was celebrating her birthday. You’re guaranteed a good laugh and some friendly chatter if she is behind the bar. Be warned though, Carla loves Pickle Backs.

Diners who bought the Thrillist Reward were invited to taste test a selection of off-menu & Wild Game Burgers prepared by the restaurants Chef Will Rogue. All of the meats used at Pour George are from Pino’s Prime Meats (note to self; must try Pino’s housemade Hot Dogs) who Will claims “can get any meat you ask for.” From the 4 selections, each diner would choose a favorite and submit their vote. Which ever Burger received the most votes would be added to the menu for the season at Pour George. Missed the event? No worries, for a limited time, you can still buy a Burger Fest for 2 people for 2 on Thrillist Rewards. For $39 you’ll get a choice of 2 full sized Burgers, including the XXXXX, an order of Sliders, 2 side orders and 2 flights of draft Beer.

Duck & Foie Gras Burger with Trumpet Mushrooms & Watercress
– This Burger literally melted in my mouth.  The incredibly tender Patty was light on the palette. I almost took this down in only 2 bites but reminded myself to go easy and enjoy all the little intricacies in the subtle flavors of the Meat.


8 out of 10 Ounces

Wagyu Beef Burger with Truffled Ailoi, Bibb Lettuce & a Vine Ripe Tomato
– This incredibly savory Burger had a great, all natural Beef taste.  Of the selections offered, it was the closest one to a standard Beef Burger but with much more intensity than an old school NY Pub Burger.


8 out of 10 Ounces

Wild Board Burger with Smoked Tomato Ailoi & Caramelized Onions
– Wild Boar, unlike it’s cousin, Pork, does not have a robust flavor so adding the Smoked Aioli & Onions really helped to define the overall profile of this Burger. I loved the smokiness that the Aioli brought to the table but it did drown out the flavor of the Meat to an extent. That’s what’s tough about mini-Burgers, it’s not easy to get the meat to toppings to bun ratio just right. Regardless, this was a good one.


8 out of 10 Ounces

Antelope Burger with Tomato Jam & Celery Remoulade
– This Burger definitely had the richest flavor of the four offered. The Antelope was a little gamey, in all the right ways but also just a tad on the sweet side. The Celery Remoulade was an interesting use of sauce and not sure how necessary it was to the over all sandwich.  I would want this again and again but then again, the Rev loves himself some Gamey Meats!


8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev

THE WINNER
As voted by the people, the Wild Boar, Smoked Tomato Aioli, Caramelized Onion Burger is now on the menu at Pour George and available for a very limited time only for purchase on Thrillist Rewards.

In reverse order, here’s how the rest of them lined up:

#4. Antelope
#3. Wagyu Beef
#2. Duck & Foie Gras

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
508 Burgers

May 14, 2012 – 6:48 pm

The Rev Meter for Social Community
“The Rev Meter” is a social community meter for assessing how optimized a bar or restaurant is with social networking. By taking what I consider to be the 10 most important social networks and creating a point system, I can accurately asses how well your business is using social networking as a tool. My goal here is to educate and assist great business to better effectively use these tools.

Pour George scores a 6 on The Rev Meter.
 

SCORING:
4 points or less You’ve missed the 5 basics and are less than optimized
5 points You’ve covered the basics, which is better than most but far from optimized.
6 to 9 points You’re doing better than most and on your way to becoming a well respected social community whiz.
10 points Congrats on a perfect score!

 

Posted in Bar, Beer, Burgers, Event, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Pour George – Off-Menu, Wild-Game Pub Fare, NY Burger Week