Burger Conquest

Friendly’s – Build A Bearger

Posted on 05/12/2012 by Rev

Friendly’s
http://friendlys.com/
445 E. Main St
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

THE CONQUEST
When people are down they need a pick me up and that was what happened in 1935 when Presley and Curtis Blake served their first double-dip Ice Cream Cone. It was the height of the Great Depression and the 2 brothers were serving the Cones out of their flagship store in Springfield, MA for only 5 cents. 7 decades later and several owners later and there are 380 stores in 16 different states. Friendly’s is still best known for their Ice Cream but they also serve a full menu including Breakfast, Sandwiches, Salads, Soups, Munchies and Dinner entres. Friendly’s chains are popular with many walks of life due to their simple menu, affordable prices and family friendly dining rooms.

While recently visiting my cousin in the hospital upon the birth of their two beautiful twin baby girls, my wife and I took their proud pappy out for a bite. Our only two choices were the hospital cafeteria or the Friendly’s across the street. Friendly’s hardly seems like the kind of place that a Fresh, never Frozen, Hamburger obsessed junkie would flock to but after a quick Google search revealed that Friendly’s proudly boasts exactly that with their “Big Beef” Burgers, the decision was made.

THE BURGER
We started off with an order of Mac N Cheese Bites. As I posted on my Foodspotting profile; “I’m not sure Mac N Cheese needs to be fried but I did know I needed to try it.” Take your standard grocery store boxed Mac N Cheese, insert it into a Breaded Shell and deep fry. Imagine a Chicken Nugget, sans Chicken, filled with said Mac and that’s what you get. I would rate them more as fun or novel than I would good but given the celebratory nature of our moods, they did the trick.

When it came to selecting my Burger from the menu, instead of creating my own, I ordered the Vermonter: “A Big Beef burger, melted Vermont White Cheddar Cheese, Maple Pepper Bacon, Lettuce and Mayo, on a Toasted Ciabatta Roll. This was not a bad Burger. Everything about the sandwich defined what I think Burger means to most people in this country. The patty tasted like your average store bought and fried burger patty. It’s not really greasy nor is it too salty. I enjoyed the toasted Ciabatta which was neither too thick, too thin, too under or over toasted. It was just right. The Lettuce was fresh, the Bacon tasted like Bacon (although I couldn’t detect and Maple or Pepper flavors) and the Cheddar tasted exactly as I picture a middle of the road slice of Cheddar Cheese. The French Fries could’ve been left in the frier another 45-60 seconds but were otherwise good. I wouldn’t call this a great Burger, nor would I call it a bad Burger and in fact, I must admit, for what it was, I did enjoy it!

7 out of 10 Ounces
-Rev

CONGRATS EVELYN & JORGE!!

– I call rights to the twins’ first Burger Conquest!!

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
504 Burgers

May 11, 2012 – 7:25 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.

Friendly’s 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 Burgers, Hamburgers, New York | Tagged best burger nyc, big beef burgers, burger conquest, cheese, ciancio, french fries, friendly's, hamburger, ice cream, Mac N Cheese Bites, mt. kisco, new york, ny, nyc, rev, review, the rev meter for social community, the vermonter | 1 Comment

Growler Bites & Brews – 5 Boro Bark Tour

Posted on 05/07/2012 by Rev

Growler Bites and Brews
http://www.thegrowlernyc.com
55 Stone Street
New York, NY 10004

THE CONQUEST
New York is often referred to as the city that never sleeps because you can do just about anything you want here any time of day you want it. But with every rule, there is always an exception to that rule that proves the rule. In the case of the above, that exception is ride your bike on 6th Avenue, the FDR Highway, the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and the Verrazano Bridge with NO vehicular traffic. That my friends, only happens one day a year and it’s known Bike New York’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour.

The “5 Boro” as most riders refer to it as, takes place every year on the first Sunday of May. It starts in the early AM hours at Battery Park in Fidi and takes a 40+ mile path on a bikes-only, car free adventure that hits all 5 New York City Boroughs, ending at a big festival in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. What makes 32,00 people ecstatic to take part in this annual event?

Is it crossing the QueensBoro Bridge … IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR LANE?

Is it so we can see just how insensitive people can be by shoving their pooch into a bag, slapping it on their back and riding 40 plus miles?

Is it the ability to ride all 4,260 feet of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge sans traffic? (Maybe, but it’s definitely NOT to be dumped off in Staten Island!)

Is it Cheesy Crackers they hand out near the end of the ride (a personal fave)?

Is it a super fun, awesome day, spent with your friends doing something you can’t do on any other day of the year?

Do people go on the 5 Boro Bike Tour so you and you’re super rad group bike game entitled “Metal Mania” can get their instagram photo featured on Gothamist? (Yeah, that happened.)

Truth be told, it’s all these reasons and more. Regardless, it’s a terrific way to spend a Sunday and see parts of New York you would never see otherwise and certainly not in this fashion. I could not endorse this wonderful event more although I would definitely serve up a MASSIVE complaint about this year’s redemption process. In year’s prior, they mailed you your registration. This year, they made EVERY SINGLE RIDER report to the New York Bike Expo at Basketball City in the 3 days before the ride and pick up their packet. It was a super, pain in the butt and I, along with all my friends, would’ve gladly paid extra to have our packets shipped to avoid this mess.

But I digress..

Not only is Bike New York’s TD Five Boro Bike Tour one of the best days of the entire year and amazing kick off the summer, but also a great way to start off National Hamburger Month! Read my posts from 2010 & 2011 for more on the ride.

THE BURGER
Located on the tiny stretch of land known as Stone Street in New York, you’ll find a number of pubs, restaurants and bars that split a great location for outdoor dining. In the warmer months, it’s a mob scene trying to get a table, much like it is every day when the Financial dudes and dudettes spill out of Wall Street and into the various Stone Street locations looking to take a load off their day trade with some eats and drinks. Among them you’ll find the Dog themed Gastro-Pub, Growler Bites and Brews. Serving up an interesting array of constantly changing Craft Beers, including a few house specialties, only available at the Growler. Not a Craft Beer fan (see a doctor), check into their Canine themed Cocktail menu or their make your own Bloody Mary bar, available during weekend Brunch. Stop on in for a selection of Artisan Sausages with the option of Hawaiian or Chicago style toppings, Pub Snacks like Deep Fried Pickles and Mini-Corn Dogs or Sandwiches which include Berkshire Pulled Pork, Grilled Cheese or the Growler Burger.

It’s the ladder that lead me and my Biker Gang to the Growler post epic Bike ride…that and the awesome selection of Craft Beers. Unfortunately it was a little too chilly to sit outside, so we nabbed a table on the inside and quickly started scarfing down “Bites & Brews.”

The Growler Burger comes with a 6 ounce, grass fed, American Kobe, Ground Beef Patty and is served on a Pretzel Brioche with Lettuce, Onions, Pickles & Tomatoes. You can opt to add NY State Vintage Aged Cheddar or Nueske Thick Cut Bacon. It comes with a side of the Growler’s Homemade Spicy Potato Chips. The Burger has a deep, real Beef taste that just melts in your mouth. Be sure to do the lean when eating, this is one juicy Burg and guaranteed to drip into your lap if you aren’t careful. The Pretzel Brioche does a great job of catching most of it but almost too good at times. It’s a great Roll, that’s for sure, but it’s a little too Bready and gets in the way of tasting the Beef. But that’s just being nit-picky. I ordered mine sans Tomatoes & Pickles (ICK!) but with the Aged Cheddar which adds a nice savory, creamy, yet subtle approach to the palette. Be sure to add some of their delicious spicy Mustard to the Burger but not too much!!! It’s got a great real mustard flavor with a decent kick but applying too much will overtake the sandwich. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to slather up a Mini-Corn Dog in it!

The Growler Bites and Brews “Growler Burger,” is without a doubt the best Burger I’ve had on South Street and a great way to round up a massive, 40+ mile, 5 Boro Bike Ride with your friends.

8 out of 10 Ounces
-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
503 Burgers

May 6, 2012 – 4:35 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.

Growler Bites & Brews scores a 3 on The Rev Meter.

Posted in Bar, Beer, Burgers, Event, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York | Tagged 5 boro, 5 boro bike tour, best burger nyc, burger conquest, cheese, ciancio, french fries, growler bites and brews, hamburger, new york, ny, nyc, rev, review, stone street, the rev meter for social community | Comments Off

NY Burger Week 2012 – 7 Days of Awesome Burger Events

Posted on 05/07/2012 by Rev

NY BURGER WEEK 2012 IS HERE!!

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 you will want to first sign up for Thrillist Rewards. With that…

WELCOME TO NY BURGER WEEK 2012

Hashtag = #NYBW
Tweet @BurgerWeek & @BurgerConquest

BOOZE-SPIKED SHAKES & OFF-MENU BURGERS AT STAND4

Stand 4
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

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

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

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.

BEEKMAN BEER GARDEN BEACH CLUB BURGER BASH

BEEKMAN BEER GARDEN BEECH CLUB
Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/BeekmanNYBW
89 South St
New York, NY 10038

Friday, May 18, 2012
6:00 pm – 1:00 am

Price: $20

2 craft beers, such as Sixpoint & Blue Point
Pat LaFrieda blend burger w/ cheese
2 DJs and a live band to keep the party going ‘til 1a

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

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

11 Awesome Craft Beers
11 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 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

HAPPY NATIONAL HAMBURGER MONTH & NY BURGER WEEK!!!

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 american craft beer week, beekman beer garden beach club, best burger nyc, burger bash, burger conquest, burger crawl, cheese, ciancio, french fries, hamburger, iadventure, idle hands bar, Jimmy's No 43, new york, ny, NY Burger Week, nyc, off-menu, pour george, rev, review, rub bbq, stand4, that burger, the rev meter for social community, thrillist, thrillist rewards | Comments Off

Celebrate National Hamburger Month 2012

Posted on 05/03/2012 by Rev

Looking to get out there and celebrate National Hamburger Month yourself?

Be sure you subscribe to Thrillist Rewards to take part in the MASSIVE NY Burger Week. Official Thrillist Rewards NY Burger Week event tickets will go on sale on May 8, 2012. We have some INCREDIBLE events lined up so don’t hesitate to buy once they go on sale.

Here’s a great list from one of my favorite websites, A Hamburger Today.

May 6: Philadelphia Burger Brawl, taste 23 burgers from around the city to raise money for Meredith Elementary School
May 11: Riverwalk Burger Battle III, 24 burgers compete in Fort Lauderdale
May 13-19: NY Burger Week, a week of special burger-related events brought to you by Burger Conquest and Thrillist
Daily (weekday) $50 giveaways at Bill’s Bar and Burger in NYC
Month-long shakes at Shake Shack for $2 donation to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign
Month-long daily burger specials at Iron Hill Brewery in PA, NJ, and DE
Month-long daily burger specials at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT
Weekly burger specials at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville; $1 of each specialty burger sold will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team
New loyalty program from White Castle, Craver Nation

NYC

May 13-19: NY Burger Week, a week of special burger-related events brought to you by Burger Conquest and Thrillist
Daily (weekday) $50 giveaways at Bill’s Bar and Burger in NYC. Be sure to try the Meatloaf “Burger.“
Month-long shakes at Shake Shack for $2 donation to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign
Burger on Smith: Happy hour special every day from 4-7pm where you can get a grass-fed, locally sourced cheeseburger and a beer for only $12. Follow @BurgerOnSmith on Twitter for more specials.

**If you would like to have your National Hamburger Month event or promotion added to the Burger Conquest National Hamburger Month Calendar please use this Burger contact form to connect.**

If you live in Miami or South Florida in general, be sure to link up with my Burger Bud, The Burger Beast for his celebrations:

Bgr Burger Joint:
The Redneck is BGR’s Prime Beef Patty topped with slow-cooked Pulled Pork and crisp Cole Slaw.

Blue Collar:
Blue Collar Burger (with their new dry aged Steak blend) topped with Proper Sausages’ slivers, Machego Cheese and a Jalapeño Jelly.

Bourbon Steak:
BBQ “BLT” Burger topped with Neuske’s Bacon, Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese, local heirloom Tomatoes and Chef Mina’s BBQ Sauce (info courtesy of the Chowfather)

Charm City Burger Company:
The Stomach Stuffer is a 12oz Burger stuffed with Bacon & 4 Cheeses topped with Cheese and hooked up!

Cuban Guys:
Every Tuesday Fritas are $2 From 4PM to Close.

Events:

Thursday May 3rd:
Grand Opening of Latin House Burger & Taco Bar: The Madlove Burger is back with everyone’s favorite Chuchi Rice and the character that is Chef M. You’ve been missed.

Friday May 11th:
Riverwalk Trust’s 3rd Annual Burger Battle: Yes, it’s a ticketed event. Yes, it’s outdoors and Yes, it’s awesome. Come watch Ft. Lauderdale’s finest burger joints duke it for the title of Burger Battle Champ. I’m judging too!

Saturday May 19th:
Wheelin’ Dealin’ Street Food Fest celebrates National Hamburger Month! Everyone will have a burger specialty on their trucks, this includes all the desserts truck. Last year this event was the most popular one I hosted all month. I’m looking forward to the rumored Ms. Cheezious Turkey Patty Melt. A full list of participating trucks and their dishes will be released soon.

Monday May 21st:

National Hamburger Month celebration at Pincho Factory: Nedal (the Mad Scientist at Pincho Factory) and I sat down and thought, what would be a great event for a burger fan and here it is…..

Come out to Pincho Factory for this ticketed event that will see Charm City Burger Company (all the way from Deerfield Beach) & El Rey de las Fritas (all the way from Little Havana, ok so that’s not too far) in the house creating a slider and side dish alongside Pincho Factory. Yes, that’s right 3 awesome burger joints under one roof and if that wasn’t enough, each slider creation will be paired with a Beer. And to close out the night….everyone’s favorite Fireman Derek will be in the house serving up a new dessert creation. Seating is limited and all details will be released very soon!

Posted in Best Burger in New York, Event, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged best burger nyc, burger conquest, calendar, cheese, ciancio, events, french fries, hamburger, national hamburger month, new york, ny, NY Burger Week, nyc, rev, review, the rev meter for social community | 1 Comment

Bill’s Bar & Burgers – National Hamburger Month For Meatloaf Lovers

Posted on 05/03/2012 by Rev

Bill’s Bar & Burger
http://www.billsbarandburger.com
16 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019

THE CONQUEST
National Hamburger Month comes once a year and after 31 days, POOF, it disappears back into the Burgerverse. Burger purists around the globe herald this time of year as a month long Christmas for Burgers. Why May? No idea. Who cares? LET’S EAT!

All the coolest Burger joints celebrate by offering National Hamburger Month specials and one such place is B.R. Guest Restaurants Bill’s Bar & Burger here in New York. Chef Brett Reichler, a sincere fan of Meatloaf, has put together the Bill’s Bar & Burger Meatloaf Burger that will only be served during National Hamburger Month. While both Chef Brett and everyone’s Burger lovin’ pal, George Motz agree, it’s not really a Burger, it’s damn good. I was invited in to preview the Sammie and what kind of Burger freak would I be if didn’t investigate this for you?!?!

THE BURGER
The Patty on Bill’s Bar & Burger’s National Hamburger Month is literally two slices of Chef Brett’s tasty Meatloaf. It’s made from a mix of both Beef & Pork and made with a selection of secret spices. The end result, is an AMAZING piece of Meatloaf. It tasted less like the stereotypical middle America, breadcrumb and onion filled Meatloaf and more like a soft, slightly sweet Italian Meatball. On it’s own, delicious, but add on some Brown Gravy and Sauteed Onions and hooooooooo dogggie, you got yourself a great Sandwich. It’s served on a Buttered and Toasted Peppercorn Brioche that without the Lettuce makes it taste like a Dinner Roll Sandwich you would construct at the family dining table. Add on the Lettuce and you’ll notice a significant change to the palette. The Crunchy shredded Greens actually makes it feel a little more like a Burger. Be sure to ask for extra napkins because this beaut’ is a messy one!

Chef Brett’s National Hamburger Month Meatloaf “Burger” at Bill’s Bar & Burger is one Sandwich NOT to be missed. While your there, be sure to also try what I think is one of the BEST Turkey Burgers ever as well as the Bacon and Cheddar Burger served with Thick Hickory Bacon & Aged Cheddar. Ours was cooked to an absolute picture-perfect Medium-Rare. Be sure to wash it all down with a Sixpoint Bill’s Brew, an slightly filtered and Hoppy Amber, ESB style brew that’s perfect for both a hop and malt fan…or a Burger and Meatloaf fan.

For a deeper dive into the Burgers at Bill’s, read here or here.

8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
502 Burgers

May 2, 2012 – 3:25 pm

Check out the Burger Conquest Guide to National Hamburger Month!

Bill’s Bar & Burger scores a 9 on The Rev Meter.

Posted in Beer, Burgers, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York | Tagged best burger nyc, bill's bar and burger, br guest, Brett Reichler, burger conquest, cheese, ciancio, french fries, hamburger, Meatloaf Burger, national hamburger month, new york, ny, nyc, rev, review, sixpoint, the rev meter for social community | 1 Comment

Baldor Burger Battle Of The Club Chefs 2012

Posted on 05/03/2012 by Rev

Baldor Burger Battle Of The Club Chefs 2012
http://baldorfood.com

It’s the month of May and that means good-bye April showers, hello May cook-out Powers!! That also means the start of National Hamburger Month! Here in the Big Apple we are getting ready to take part in New York Burger Week from May 13-20, 2012. It’s going to be 7 glorious days of awesome Burger events happening all over town. Make sure you are signed up to Thrillist Rewards so you don’t miss when tickets go on sale for the events on May 8, 2012. There’s no better way to usher in National Hamburger Month like having an outdoor Burger Cookout especially when it’s the Baldor Foods Burger Battle Of The Club Chefs!

Baldor Foods, according to their website; “is built on sourcing the finest and the freshest seasonal product from around the globe and from local farms right here in the northeast region of the United States.” They are a large foods distributor serving the greater New York Area. If you live in the city and are at least somewhat alive, you’v surely seen their trucks all over the place bringing in fresh foods to your favorite restaurants. From the interactions I have had with them, I can only tell you that these people are passionate about fresh food and getting it to the best of restaurants and stores. This year, on April 30, 2012, the day before National Hamburger Month begins, let’s now call this New Burgers Eve, threw a massive Burger Competition outside of their culinary stadium in the Bronx.

From the press release:

“To herald the start of country club season and introduce our fabulous new Beef & Burger program Baldor has organized a charity burger competition between 6 country club chefs.

Judging honors will go to a panel of seasoned food professionals and Burger aficionados:

• Josh Ozersky, food editor for Time Magazine, founding editor of New York Magazine’s
Grub Street blog and author of The Hamburger: A History.
• Melissa Clark, current food columnist for The New York Times, former writer for Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Martha Stewart and other magazines, and author of 32 cookbooks
• Mark Rosati, culinary director of the international Shake Shack chain.

The event is being generously sponsored by Great Northern Beef, Five Spoke Creamery, Patriot Pickles, Eli and Ali Tomatoes, Guida’s Dairy, and Mann’s Packing. Each producer is donating $500 – $1000 towards a grand prize purse for the winning “burger – meister” – to be donated to the charity of their choice.

Four to six griling stations are being set up outdoors in our parking lot along with a PA system and displays of both Baldor and vendor products, weather permitting.

This event promises to be a day of music, mingling, food and fun, with the irresistibly sweet smell of smoky barbecue wafting through the streets of the Bronx. There could be no better prelude to summer.”

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend and act as a documentarian for this amazing event. Upon arrival I was ushered into the judges room. I sat while I watched Josh, Melissa and Mark effortlessly chow through 6 intensely crafted Burgers made by some of the top club Chefs in the area.

It was a blast watching them discuss the culinary aspects of each Burger that came across their plates. Josh constructed a very intricate mathematical judging system of categories for each of them to rate all of the club Chef’s Burgers.

While the judges sat meticulously writing down details of each of the Burgers they ate, attendees of the event enjoyed a selection of Food & Drinks from the event’s sponsors. This included one of my New York City faves, Esposito & Sons Sausages!!

Nick Martschenko – Winged Foot Golf Club

70/30 lean to fat ratio Patty consisting of Brisket, Short Rib & Chuck, Seasoned with Salt, Pepper, Steamed Onions & Worchestire Sauce
Homeade White Bread Bun
American Cheese
Pickled Ramp Mayo
Pepper Ketchup
Red Leaf Lettuce
Tomato
Fried Pickles
Fried Cippolinni Onions
House Made Maple Salt Cured Bacon

Keith Armstrong – The Greenwich Country Club
“Southern Burger”

Grass Fed Sirloin and Brisket Burger
House Cured Wagyu Beef Belly Bacon
Sweet Corn and Pickled Jalapeño Jam
Coffee BBQ Slaw
Clothbound Cheddar Cheese
House Made Buttermilk Brioche

Carolyn Flinn – Deal Golf and Country Club

8oz ground mix of 1/3 Short Rib, 1/3 Brisket and 1/3 Prime Sirloin
Grafton White Cheddar Cheese
Hickory Smoked bacon Weave
Sliced Heirloom Tomato
Boston Lettuce
Kaiser Roll

Carey Favreau – GlenArbor Golf Club

Black Truffle Butter Folded into the Meat
Truffled Fontina
Morels & Lardo on top
Sitting on a Toasted Brioche Bun with Truffled Aioli

Nicholas Gatti – Alpine Country Club

Sweet Buttered 6.5 ounce Beef Patty made from bench trimmings with the addition of Prime Chuck and Prime Dry Aged Loin Tails & 2 ounces of Prime Dry-Aged Loin per Patty
1/8 inch thick Leidy’s Slab Bacon
Crumbled Stilton Cheese
Red Onion
Heirloom Tomato
Lightly Buttered Martin’s Potato Roll
Sauces made with dots of straight Heinz catsup, dots of Maille Pommery mustard and dots of our own sauce consisting of Hellman’s mayo, squeezed out Gold’s Horseradish and a small amount of Sriracha sauce.

David Hutchinson – Westchester Country Club

80/20 lean to fat Ground Brisket and Short Rib Patty
Grilled Portabello Mushrooms
Freshly Gathered Ramps
Boursin Cheese
Fresh Béarnaise
Onion Brioche Roll

A bonus of sitting in the judges room was getting to try each of the Burgers myself and I can tell you this, they were all delicious and picking one over another was no simple task! After much deliberation, Josh, Melissa and Mark emerged from the judges room prepared to hand over the results. Announcements of the winners were mdae by Baldor Food’s own John Magazino.

THE WINNERS

Nicholas Gatti – Alpine Country Club
-Demarest, NJ

1st Place: $5000. To Table to Table Charity

Nick Martschenko – Winged Foot Golf Club
-Mamaroneck, NY

2nd Place: $2000. To Dana’s Angels Charity

David Hutchinson – Westchester Country Club
-Rye, NY

3rd Place: $1000. To Slow Food Farmhouse Fund & Micro Grant Program

Congrats to all the Club Chefs, Baldor Food and the judges on a spectacular and fun way to kick off National Hamburger Month on Ne Burger’s Eve!

Not included in the judging competition, but a sandwich that everyone agreed was one of the best things served, was the Esposito and Sons Grilled Sausage Patty on a squishy roll with Onions and Peppers!

-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
499 Burgers

Apr 30, 2012 – 3:08 pm

Posted in Burgers, Event, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week | Tagged baldor food, battle of the burger club chefs, best burger nyc, burger conquest, cheese, ciancio, french fries, hamburger, Josh Ozersky, mark rosati, melissa clark, national hamburger month, new burgers eve, new york, ny, nyc, rev, review, the bronx, the rev meter for social community | Comments Off

NY Burger Week is May 13 – 20, 2012

Posted on 04/30/2012 by Rev

To celebrate National Hamburger Month, Burger Conquest proudly brings you NY BURGER WEEK!

NY Burger Week is happening May 13-20, 2012.

When I came up with the idea eat 31 Burgers in 31 days to celebrate National Hamburger Month in May of 2011 I had no intentions other than to enjoy some delicious Burgers with my friends. My motto is “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing,” which probably explains the 47 Burgers I ate in 31 days to celebrate. While there were a few days when I didn’t think I would make it through the month, there were zero days that I thought it would get me on TV, let alone a spotlight on an episode of TLC’s “Cake Boss.”

With that in play, I needed to take my National Hamburger Month activities up a notch in 2012. That’s why I teamed up with Thrillist, the leading online Men’s publication and urban guide. If young, professional guys want to be the firs to know about the coolest news businesses, be it a Bourbon Bar, BBQ restaurant or Custom Tailor, subscribing to Thrillist is the best way to be in the know. If you want the best of the best of experiences in your city, sign up for Thrillist Rewards. They team up with local businesses to provide their subscribers to the coolest Food Fests, Test-Kitchen Dinners, the Best Parties, the most unique products and all kinds of great VIP experiences.

So, be sure you subscribe to Thrillist Rewards so as to not miss the big announcement. You will have limited access to a week’s worth of the premier Hamburger activities happening in and around NYC all thanks to Burger Conquest & Thrillist Rewards. Tickets to events will be limited so be sure to act fast once they are announced.

If you would like to have your National Hamburger Month event or promotion added to the Burger Conquest National Hamburger Month Calendar please use this Burger contact form to connect.

Thanks and Happy National Hamburger Month to you all!

-Rev

P.S. Sign up for Thrillist Rewards!!

Posted in Best Burger in New York, Burgers, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, National Hamburger Month, New York, NY Burger Week, Thrillist Rewards | Tagged best burger nyc, burger conquest, cheese, ciancio, french fries, hamburger, national hamburger month, new york, ny, NY Burger Week, nyc, rev, review, the rev meter for social community, thrillist, thrillist rewards | Comments Off

Wing-Off 18 – Cercle Rouge vs. Rub BBQ

Posted on 04/29/2012 by Rev

From the same people that bring you Burger Conquest, we bring you the New York City Wing-Off. A crew of men on a search for the best wing in NYC. In round 2 of the NYC Wing-Off, any Wing goes regardless of sauce, style & size. Service, ambiance, beverage selection, price and other menus have no factor but they sure do count for a good time! Also, NO WOMEN ALLOWED!!

In January of 2007, 2 men had an argument over where to get the best hot wings in New York City. The debate grew intense and while an audience watched, they agreed to battle it out, wing vs. wing, to see who was right. Some rules were established, some friends were invited and some wings were eaten. In the end, everyone had so much fun that we decided to do it again, and again and again. Thus, the NYC Wing-Off was born.

It’s been years in the making with only one goal in mind, find the best medium and hot wings in NYC. Along the way we have had some fantastic wings, we’ve seen amazing wings be defeated by slightly more amazing wings and we were even invited into a kitchen to design our own wing recipe; “Don’t Stop Believin” sauce, we’ve donated to cancer research and now we can say, we have found the best hot wings in New York City.

The bracket challenge to crown a champion for the best medium and hot wings in New York city came to a close on Saturday, September 25, 2010. On that day, Bar Coastal was crowned the winner and awarded the Burger Conquest Hot Golden Cock Trophy. The NYC Wing-Off has been reborn in 2011 but with a new twist. In the past we only judged on medium and hot wings but now, we re-start and ALL flavors are eligible for judging.

WING-OFF 18: Sunday, April 21, 2012

Cercle Rouge
http://cerclerougeresto.com
241 W. Broadway
(between Beach and White)
New York, NY 10013

Rub BBQ
http://rubbbq.net
208 West 23rd Street
(between 7th and 8th Aves)
New York‎ NY‎ 10011

CERCLE ROUGE

At this Tribeca staple, the Georges Forgeois Group bring you what most New Yorker’s define as a French Brasserie. A bistro by all definitions, Cercle Rouge is decorated with French pop culture including several movie posters. Expect white table cloths, wood tables and chairs, a mostly European staff and a very busy brunch. On their menu you’ll expect to find Frenchie faves like Steak Frites, Duck L’Orange, Escargots & Moules. Everything is prepared with care and a tradition for French cooking. The big surprise here? Google search your heart out and you’ll find nearly every review of Cercle Rouge mentions the Cercle Rouge Wings, a special house preparation of Chicken Wings.

These wings, one of the few items on the printed menu in all red text (as opposed to the black text of the of the rest of the menu) are a favorite item to many of it’s customers. They’re also the reason why the Wing-Off crew put this restaurant on our radar. The Chef deconstructs a standard wing, leaving only one bone and recreates a Chicken Wing by pushing the meat together into a ball. It’s deep fried, giving it a crispy outside and then finalized in their Sweet and Spicy Wing Sauce. The final product is reminiscent of Chicken Lollipop more so than the traditional Buffalo Wing.

In a word, unique and in another, delicious. You can literally and figuratively suck the entire thing right off the bone. The hype is most certainly warranted for this crunchy, meaty, savory Wing. If you’re a Bleu Cheese fan, you’re in luck, Cercle Rouge uses real Blue Cheese to make a very creamy and thick dipping sauce full of real chunks of Bleu Cheese. Two things to note: 1. We ordered a 2nd plate because 2 wings per person was not enough & the 2nd batch were not as good as the first. They had more dark meat & fat in them than the first batch. 1. These wings come 4 per dish at a price of $12 making each wing a hefty $3 a piece.

RUB BBQ

Rub BBQ, more formally known as “Righteous Urban Barbecue,” was started in 2005 by Andrew Fischel, a student and partner with award winning BBQ master Paul Kirk. Located in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood, this restaurant serves all kinds of BBQ specialties and comfort foods. From Ribs to Pulled Pork to Chicken to Brisket to Sausage to Frito Pie and even Roast Duck. One of Rub BBQ’s most popular specialties is their Monday Night Secret Burger. It’s 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. It is not to be missed, much like their Smoked Pastrami which if you’re asking me, is the most delicious piece of Meat on the planet.

But we aren’t here to talk Pastrami!

The Rub BBQ Chicken Wing is not the skimpy, deep-fried, Buffalo sauce doused Wing you find at every sports bar. This Wing is treated the same way as the rest of the fine Meats at Rub, as a BBQ item. The Wings are smoked and then slathered in Chef Scott Smith’s Chicken BBQ sauce. The final product comes out with a mix of Sweet, Tangy, Smokey and Pepper flavors that make it one of the most delicious and unique Wings in NYC. It’s a customer favorite and once you have some, you’ll agree too.

WING -OFF 18 OFFICIAL WINNER – CERCLE ROUGE!
In 5 years of NYC Wing – Offs, never have I seen the crew so divided. Normally everyone agrees that both Wings were great, which was certainly the case here today. But then the standard result comes down to a difficult but unanimous decision. Not the case at Wing-Off 18! The vote was nearly split down the middle with Cercle Rouge beating Rub BBQ for the final decision. Just to clarify, voting is based upon the Wing and the Wing only. Things like service, price, atmosphere, other menu items, drink selection, etc have no affect on the voting. Cercle Rouge is not the normal kind of restaurant we would send a typical Wing fan, whereas Rub BBQ would closer fit that bill, in this competition their Wing won out. So much debate was kicked up in fact while at Rub BBQ, that we ended up ordering another Frito Pie and several more Beers while debating!

Click here for the Wing-Off Historical.

Posted in Bar, Beer, New York, Wing-Off | Tagged best burger nyc, best hot wings nyc, burger conquest, cercle rouge, cheese, ciancio, french fries, hamburger, Hot Wings, new york, ny, nyc, rev, review, rub bbq, the rev meter for social community, wing off, wing-off | Comments Off

Coppelia – When Oysters Lead To Pork On A Burger

Posted on 04/26/2012 by Rev

Coppelia
http://www.ybandco.com/media/coppelia.html
207 West 14th St
New York, NY 10011

THE CONQUEST
I hate seafood. I don’t like the smell, texture, taste or anything else related to fish. It’s one of my cardinal rules of eating: I do not eat animals that live in and or breath water. I also refuse to eat anything that grows between my toes, but let’s save my hatred for fungus and Mushrooms for a different day. I do however, love passion, marketing, Food and people and when I meet people like Kevin and Rudi from Otaku Marketing, it’s easy to get me excited to talk about Seafood.

Otaku Marketing is a marketing and small business development firm built on creativity and passion. As a person with similar enthusiams, I was immediately engaged when I first met these two. The subject? The first ever NY Oyster Week! Details will be revealed soon but let me tell you, if you love Oysters, you’re going to want to be a part of what these guy roasting. We had some business to chat and as a peace offering, they suggested we meet over a Burger. That’s when I pulled up a recent post on Timeout entitled “the best new Burgers,” picked one and the lunch meeting was confirmed.

French Culinary Institute graduate and native Mexico City boy Julian Medina has been gracing the plates of New York restaurants after he was lured there by Chef Richard Sandoval. After helping to put both Maya and SushiSamba on the list of restaurants everyone knows, he opened up his first venture, Toloache, in 2007. Since then, it’s as if YB & Co, his company is spawning new restaurants as if they were Mogwais’ being sprayed by a water hose. His latest creation, the 24 hour, Latin food diner. The menu seems never ending, arguably a key aspect of a proper New York Diner, but all with a Cuban “sabor.” The Latin theme continues though Coppelia’s drink menu which offers a number of Latin Beers and inspired Cocktails.

THE BURGER
If you’re like me, you love it when a Chef gives a spin to something as classic as a Hamburger. I mean really, how many times can you be totally Burgerisfied with just a Bun, Cheese, Lettuce and Beef? At Coppelia, Chef Medina offers the “Frita Cubana” a Ground Sirloin Patty, Chicharron, Lettuce, Cheddar and ROASTED PORK! It’s hard to describe the influence here. Is it a Burger disguised a Cuban Sandwich or is it a Cuban Sandwich making sweet, sweet love to a Burger? Who cares? It’s GREAT!

What really sets this Burger apart are the Chicharron’s which you may be more familiar with as a Pork Rind. I loved the crunch it brought to the Sandwich and I have to say, it’s some next level love for Sandwich making to put them on the top while the Lettuce goes on the bottom. I’d have preferred Swiss Cheese and a shmear of Mustard on this but it certainly doesn’t need either to be good.

If you’re looking to try one out for yourself, show up any time other than Breakfast, when it’s not on the menu. If you’re Burger palette needs a Latin upgrade, be sure to try the Frita Cubana at Coppelia and be sure to order the Yucca fries over any other side Potato option.

8 out of 10 Ounces
-Rev

THE BURGER COUNTQUEST
493 Burgers

Apr 18, 2012 – 12:57 pm

Coppelia scores a 7 on The Rev Meter.

Posted in Beer, Burgers, Gourmet Burgers, Hamburgers, New York | Tagged best burger nyc, burger conquest, cheese, ciancio, coppelia, french fries, frita cubana, hamburger, julian medina, new york, ny, ny oyster week, nyc, otaku marketing, rev, review, the rev meter for social community | Comments Off

Drink.Well – Austin, Come For the Nuptials, Stay For The Food

Posted on 04/24/2012 by Rev

Drink.Well
http://drinkwellaustin.com
207 East 53rd St
Austin, TX 78751

THE CONQUEST
My beautiful wife Cara and I, recently flew to Austin, Texas to see one of my best buds, Julie marry her now husband Ethan. I’ve known Julie a decade and a half now and can honestly say there is no one I know with as much conviction, drive, intelligence, confidence and funny in the way like this vocal, hard-hittin’ Texas Lady. She picked out a man who is a kind, caring, dedicated, creative Texas Gentlemen who also happens to be HELLOVA Chef Ethan Holmes is the Chef De Cuisine at Second Bar + Kitchen, home to not only one of the Best Burgers I have ever eaten, but also holds a personal claim as one of the best meals in the world.

That aside, it was a pleasure and an honor to be a present at the wedding of two people I care for very much. But this ain’t The Knot is it? It’s a Rootin’ Tootin’ Burger Freakin’ Blog! Austin is one of the best Food towns in the world and even on a trip like this, less than 48 hours, you can bet your ass I was in search of something awesome. Thanks to Cara’s best bud Sandy and her boyfriend Rob, Burgervanna was not far of.

In Austin’s ever growing food and fun scene, the city’s North Loop district is holding strong as a fave for local businesses. Austin’s newest pride is watering hole Drink.Well. A self proclaimed “American Pub,” the Drink.Well offers unique cocktails, an interesting list of Bourbons and Whiskeys, and array of Craft Beers and a small but unique pub menu. They not only Honey & Chili Spiced Chex Mix, but also “CRACK AND CHEESE” (Pasta in a five Cheese blend with Duck Bacon & Cracklin’s) and the ever popular, daily, housemade Twinkie menu which comes in extremely limited quantities. There’s no table service so if you aren’t up for a little chatter with your local tender, you’ll have to cart your own drinks from the bar to your table. The dimly lit den of unique eats and drinks could certainly serve as a shooting location for a modern day remake of “Blue Velvet,” that is if the director could resist the temptation of a “Dead Man’s Party; Our Americana twist on a tiki classic, the ‘Zombie’. Whiskey three ways (White, Rye and Bourbon), Cherry Liqueur, fresh Lime Juice, Cinnamon Syrup and Bittermen’s Tiki Bitters.”

THE BURGER
To be honest, we popped into the Drink.Well merely to do as the name suggests but after a brunch wedding, I was getting a little noshy mid-afternoon. When the bar tender told me “I’m told our Texas Kobe Burger is one of the best Burgers in town,” there wasn’t much that could stop me from wanting to crush one. It comes “Cooked to order. Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, housemade Pickles and Smoked Onion Marmalade.” You have the choice to go “Half Hog” by adding Bacon or Pulled Pork. Can’t decide? Go “Whole Hog” and have your pork and eat it too when they add both. We decided to forgo the Swinely additions (whatever, hate all you want) in lieu of an order of Charred Brussel Sprouts made with Crispy Bacon, Sherry Vinaigrette & Sea Salt.

The Chex Mix checked out to be pretty choice and is one of those bar snacks you could paw at all night long. The charred Greens were most excellent and as a recent convert to the world of Brussels, I have to say I love it when a restaurant can keep the insides firm but crisp the hell out of the outside without burning them. Lastly, the entre du jour, the Texas Kobe Burger. We cut the sucker into 4 pieces so everyone could get a bite on this little monster. The overall taste, thanks to the Onions was a little smoky and yet also a little sour due to the Marmalade. It was an incredibly savory piece of , loosely packed Beef that was soft, consistent in texture and taste and very, very juicy. The Bun, which I could best describe as a Portugese Roll meets a Brioche was an awesome choice. Just a little sweet, but very soft in it’s sturdy like performance. The fresh Lettuce gave a nice lite crunch in the bite while the Cheddar, a salty-yet-not-so-salty-Cheese played an amazing role as the dancer who kept the overall flavor song going.

After enjoying a great Bourbon, a fresh Craft Beer and their well-designed and delicious Texas Kobe Burger, I think the Drink.Well might want to consider adding the words “And.Eat” to their name.

8 out of 10 Ounces
-Rev