Gene Simmon’s of the band KISS is widely known as entrepreneur who will stop at no length to leverage the KISS name and fan base to line his pockets with money. Could this one actually be true?
This fan can only hope. If so, I am ready to LICK IT UP.
Snow-B-Q
THE STORY
Fellow Burger Conquesters, Tim and Jackie, threw the BBQ to end all BBQ’s last summer at their house in NJ. Not to take their meat and BBQing lightly, they decided to have another one but this time in the winter. Thankfully mother nature cooperated and graced us with a sunny afternoon with temperatures in the 40s. Tim, Dan, Nick and Jackie had at our stomachs as though they were Knights of the Food table, jousting our bellies in order to fatten us up for 6 more weeks of winter.
The menu included:
Pulled Pork
Brisket
Mac & Cheese
Beef Kabobs
Sausage & Peppers
Skirt Steak (courtesy of Dan)
Pork Loin
Bacon
Spicy Corn Dip (courtesy of me)
the Bacon Explosion (courtesy of Chuck)
Salad
and……STUFFED MINI BURGERS!!
THE BURGER
Nick shredded mushrooms, cheddar, bacon, taylor ham, onions and spices and mixed them in with ground beef to create these mini-masterpieces. A little hard to control the cooking so my first was medium well done but after the taste sent me to heaven, I reached for a 2nd and got one just the way I like it, medium-rare. Being a self proclaimed grill master myself, I am quick to judge other’s recipes and techniques and in this case, I wouldn’t have made them any differently. Kudos to Nick, the stuffed mini-burgers were amazing and using taylor ham was true genius. You have earned yourself a seat at a future Burger Conquest!
7 out of 10 ounces
– Rev
JG Melon
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11529430
1291 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10021
THE STORY
This dingy old-school pub opened doors in 1972 is found in nearly every top 10 burger list for NYC. With 3 tables in front and about a dozen in the back, JG Melon is pretty small and the wait is really long, especially when you are a party of 6. Wooden bar, tiny flat grill, bathrooms designed for short Smurfs, tin ceiling and checkered table cloths make up the vibe in this loud and classic feeling burger destination. My friend’s Vaughn and Kenny, arguably 2 of the biggest burger fans I know, chose JG’s as our first official Burger Conquest together. They’re favorite burger in the city is PJ Clarke’s and honestly, JG Melon’s has a VERY similar look and vibe.
The Corner Bistro
http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/
331 W 4th Street
New York , NY , 10014
THE STORY
My wife and I are obsessed with the the TV sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” If you haven’t seen it, start, it’s the hilarious story of 5 friends in NYC who drink, party, and live the sometimes wacky life that most people come to this city to seek out. In the latest season (4) they had an episode entitled “The Best Burger In New York” and as you can probably guess, it’s our favorite. Today while at the apple store, I mentioned we were near the Corner Bistro (mentioned on the episdoe) and Cara, out of a curiosity built from the show, jumped at the chance to try the burger. Having been to the Bistro before, I warned her that it didn’t stand up to the hype, which the Corner Bistro is all too happy to tout themselves (see photo or front window) but was more than happy to go in honor of her curiosity.
THE BURGER
The menu at the Corner Bistro is pretty simple, burgers, BLT, chicken sandwich and fries. We bother ordered the Bistro Burger medium rare and a side of French fries. The Bistro Burger comes on a sesame seed bun with onions, pickle slices, American cheese and A LOT of bacon. They use a really delicious quality of bacon but I have to say once again, the beef was just kind of plain. It’s a good burger, don’t misunderstand, it just isn’t as awesome as people would lead you to believe. Clearly there is a lot of hype as our neighboring tables were all foreigners stopping in to try the burger. To help them on their quest, I pointed them to my favorite NYC-based Burger Site 😉 And much like the last time I was here, the server was not attentive whatsoever. I had to walk up to the bar or flag down the waiter every time I needed something.
6 out 0f 10 ounces
-Rev
The Spotted Pig
http://thespottedpig.com/
314 W. 11th Street
New York, NY 10014
THE STORY
Our good friend Mark was coming into town from the Midwest and was begging to be taken on a Burger Conquest. Being a former resident and massive fan of Australia, we combined Mark’s request and the celebration of Australia Day (their version of July 4th) with a visit to The Spotted Pig. Even though the restaurant claims it’s cuisine as “Seasonal British & Italian,” it’s rumored to have one of the best burgers this side of the Atlantic. It’s also rumored to be owned, in part, by U2’s Bono which is perpetuated by their info page under the moniker of “pals.” Need more proof? Check the last link on the lower right column.
It’s a tiny little place in the West Village with 2 floors and decor that can simply be summed up with the word; pigs. Being quite the popular destination, expect a long wait but as you are about to find out, it’s totally worth it.
THE BURGER
The “Chargrilled Burger with Roquefort Cheese & Shoestrings” comes one way and one way only, on a bun with cheese and fries. There is no lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles or as far as this occasion was concerned, fried eggs, beet root or pineapples and as our friend JJ found out, they won’t cut it in half either. (They did allow a very spicy and delicious mustard however.) I call that dedication to a craft and after I took my first bite, I understood why….IT WAS AMAZING. I immediately wanted to order a 2nd just to take home and whisper sweet nothings too. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, the meat was juicy, tender and filled with flavor. Roquefort was interesting choice, having a pungent smell and over powering taste but it really complimented the burger, much like peanut butter does to chocolate.
Side note, if they are serving their mulled wine when you visit The Spotted Pig, stop, do not pass go and order a glass. I have never had anything similar taste so good and on a cold night, it was exactly what doctor ordered.
8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
Trailer Park Lounge
http://trailerparklounge.com/
271 W 23rd St
New York, NY 10011
THE STORY
As you may already know, we LOVE The Trailer Park Lounge in NYC. Amazing burgers, unbelievable tater tots and great kitschy Americana vibe. For the full story, you an read our full review.
But today, I happened to be hanging out in the city with Geoff Rickly, lead singer for the post-punk, anthemic noisy alternative rock band, Thursday. We had some time to kill and Geoff wanted a bite to eat. Realizing we were only a couple of blocks away, I did what any self-respecting Burger Conquester would do for a friend, suggested we go to the Trailer Park Lounge.
THE BURGER
I had to make a pretty strong case to get Geoff to choose tater tots over sweet potato fries, which are his favorite, but Geoff was very happy with his selection. As always, my medium-rare burger with American cheese was served just right. It was full of flavor, nice and juicy and with just the right amount of cheese. The Trailer Park always has really fresh, green lettuce for the burger and on a traditional sesame seed bun, it all comes together so nicely. Add on a side of the DEELISH mac and cheese and you have a meal fit for a King, or moreover, the King.
Thursday have a new album entitled “Common Existence” due out on February 17th. Check out some grea new music at www.myspace.com/thursday
8 out 10 ounces
-Rev
8 out of 10 ounces
-Geoff
Arthur’s Tavern
http://www.arthurstavern.com/
237 Washington St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
THE STORY
Arthur’s Tavern is a neighborhood steak house located on Washington Street, the main drag in Hoboken, NJ. The steak here is decent but for fan’s of Burger Conquest, it’s the Arthur’s burger that was the main influence behind the creation of the website. It’s our rated #1 Burger to beat. A good friend recently begged us for a return and what kind of burger blog would be to say no to the best burger?
THE BURGER
You’ll be glad to know that the $6.25 – 10 ounce monster that jump started the best burger website in the world, can still score a beef touchdown! Served on a very simple roll, the same kind the deli serves with a bacon, egg and cheese, that’s slightly charred, the burger at Arthur’s is delicious. It’s a juicy, perfectly cooked, old-school beef burger. Nothing fancy, no frills, just a burger. Unfortunately I tried to step out of the norm with pepper jack cheese and instantly regretted not ordering American or cheddar cheese. It just didn’t add the flavor I was looking for. Be sure to team up your burger with an order of “Arthur’s Famous Potatoes,” well-done. Honestly, they’re just chunk style burned hash-browns but they are damn good. The wedge salad was nothing to write home about but helped me from ordering a 2nd burger.
Go to Arthur’s. Order the burger. Love life.
9 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
Blue 9 Burger
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/35693528/new_york_ny/blue_9_burger.html
92 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10003
THE STORY
Uprooted Californians’ in NYC are always talking about how much they miss In-N-Out Burger. In-N-Out are a West Coast based fast food burger chain with a simple menu and fresh not frozen burgers. Complete with a not-so-secret menu, In-N-Out have established themselves as an institution. If you’re in New York and looking for something similar, stop on into Blue 9 Burger. Located new NYU and served at affordable NYU Student Prices, Blue 9 is the closet to In-N-Out you’ll find. While they don’t serve a “3×3” or “animal style” you can order them in that fashion along with a couple of their own creations. They also have fresh smoothies but why on Earth would you go to a greasy burger joint for that?
THE BURGER
I asked “what comes on a Blue 9 Burger”? I was told 2 burgers, cheese, lettuce, onions, tomato and 1000 Island Dressing. I said “I’ll take one medium rare please,” but found it odd that it wasn’t labeled as “special sauce” or “Blue 9 spread” or anything other than admitting a chincy skimp on quality. They make the burgers to order, unlike your typical pre-cooked fast -food patty which is certainly a bonus and difficult premise for a small fast food joint. The burger came up quickly (I was the only one there) and looked really good. The bun was a standard white bun and barely held the very sloppy burger together. The sauce was uninspiring much like the weak bun. The burger itself was nice and juicy and cooked well. It had a good flavor and in general, I enjoyed the sandwich.
In-N-Out should feel flattered but remain confident.
7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
BLT Burger
http://www.bltburger.com/
470 6th Ave
New York, NY 10011
THE STORY
Chef Laurent Tourondel prays to a meat god. He likes meat so much that he has 11 meat oriented restaurants under the “BLT” moniker in 8 different cities (at the time this was written). In fact, he loves meat so much that even though the main dish at BLT Burger is self in it’s namesake, you can choose from 5 different meat varieties and 2 vegetarian options as well. But it doesn’t end there. The menu includes fries, rings, starters, salads, a wide variety of beers and many a shake selection including spiked options! So settle yourself into the South-Western vibe, complete with a stuffed bull’s head and choose a combo.
THE BURGER
As a first timer, the waiter suggested I go with the classic “BLT,” 7 ounces of certified Angus beef, double wood smoked bacon, lettuce and their signature burger sauce. Add a slice of American, along with some waffle fries (my fave!) and Shlitz and I was ready eat. The sesame seed bun had a nice subtle sweet flavor and held up through the burger. The sauce had a nice tangy zest to it and the cheese was just right. At 7oz, it’s just about the perfect size. More than 8 and you are risking the ability to cook it right, fit in on a bun and score a beef touch down. The burger had a nice taste and was sufficiently greasy.
BLT Burger didn’t live up to my amazing experience at it’s bigger brother BLT Prime, but it like the Alamo, it won’t soon be forgotten.
7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev
P.S. Quick note of apology, I forgot my regular camera and had to rely on my blackburgery.
Many burger pureists are finding frustrating with Burger King’s repeated attempt at comedy and shock marketing. Seems like the writers at Saturday Night Live agre!
Check out the HILARIOUS SNL “Whopper Virgins” parody from the January 10, 2009 episode.
