The Spotted Pig - Find What You've Been Looking For

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 - Sharing is Caring with Geoff from Thursday

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

In NYC and nostalgic for down home grub like you used to get at your mama's trailer park? No? I didn't think so. Neither, I'm guessing, do the owners of Trailer Park Lounge on 23rd st. But before you get mad at the nerve of these kitschy-chic burger slingers, with their bowling alley booths, you might want to try their food.

Burgers sloppy and tender with perfectly toasted buns sit in plastic bins NEXT to optional pickles and tomatoes(I say 'keep your sloppy vegetable juice off my burger') so you can have your food YOUR WAY, RIGHT AWAY without stooping to BK's mass-produced sadness-patties on generically-flavorless failure-buns.

But the secret weapon here is the tater tots. They taste like they were buttered and fried. No, actually, they taste like someone buttered the butter then put it on the tots and fried the whole thing in butter--- salty butter. Mmmmm. Butter.

8 out of 10 ounces
-Geoff

Arthur's Tavern - Another Beef Touchdown

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 - In-N-Out Flattery

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 "3x3" 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 - Separation of Church and Steak

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.

Saturday Night Live Whopper Virgins

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.

Shorty's.32 - A Surprise Entry into the Top 10

Shorty's.32
http://www.shortys32.com
199 Prince St
New York, NY 10012

THE STORY
What started out as a simple double date turned into a surprise Burger Conquest. But who doesn't love a good surprise? This tiny restaurant in Soho brownstone only sits 32 people and serves New American cuisine. Shorty's.32 small size gives it the appearance of some one's eclectic dining room.

THE BURGER
As I looked over the very limited menu, my friends suggested I get the burger. "Is this going to be one of those?" I asked. "Better get out your camera," I was told. With only 2 choices for cheese, I ordered a burger medium rare with cheddar, lettuce and onions. My friends, Matt and Melissa, both urged me to go outside my norm and "get the bacon!" It was the right call. The burger was fantastic; juicy, cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The bacon was salty but slightly sweet and when pressed up against some delicious cheddar cheese, made for a perfect pair. Shorty, the owner, asked me how was the burger and I told him "an instant entry into the top 10."

You gotta try this burger and while you are there, be sure you order the Macaroni and cheese. Most restaurant mac and cheese is bland and boring because we all grew up on Kraft, which is amazing. I have to hand to Shorty's.32, it's crispy on top and bursting with cheesy goodness. I had to split it with my wife (who also loved it) because it's a large portion. With all this great food, it would be easy to overlook the french fries, which were also delicious.


8 out 10 ounces
-Rev

Rossi's Bar and Grill - ChambersBurger

Rossi's Bar & Grill
http://rossiburger.com/
501 Morris Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08611

THE STORY
Rossi's Bar & Grill is located in Chambersburg, which is Trenton, NJ's "Little Italy." Rossi's is the kind of place that passes on from generation. Your parents took you there as a kid and you still go now as an adult. Friendly service, warm atmosphere and great food make for a place you can share with kids, adults, parents and friends. It's the kind place that prides itself on a great burger.

Rossi's has a bar and a restaurant area and we chose to sit in the former. I asked the bartender "can we order food at the bar?" He answered "sorry guys. We decided to stop serving food." When he paused before continuing, I looked at my friends, surveyed the room to see if others were eating and then with an extremely puzzled and probably upset look on I my face, I asked "really?" The bartender laughed, handed us menus and asked what we wanted to drink.

THE BURGER
Although Rossi's offers a full menu, it's all about the burger. I ordered a burger cooked medium rare with cheddar cheese, onions and lettuce along with a side of well done fries. It was a monster of a sandwich better eaten with 2 hands. Russ opted to cut his in half but I dove right in. It was exactly as promised and anticipated. A perfectly cooked, old-school, manly sized burger. No need for fancy toppings or specialty beef mixes, Rossi's keeps it simple. A great roll, fresh lettuce, raw onions and a nice slice of cheese helped to make this greasy burger a good one.

I like a simple burger done right and that's exactly what you get at Rossi's.

Be sure to check out the amazing looking bacon on Bram's burger!


7 out of 10 ounces
-Rev





R.I.P. Lynn - This one was warm, friendly and welcoming, just like you. Cheers.

Shake Shack - Cure the Common Hangover

Shake Shack
http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/
11 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10010

For centuries man has sought to remedy his ails. Many cures throughout the ages have been discovered, but one in particular still puzzles the species, the hangover. One this particularly cold New York City morning, I found myself searching for a similar cure.

Enter, Shake Shack, one of the most heralded and sought after hamburgers in the big apple. The Shack is located in Manhattan's Madison park where they've been serving up hand held happiness since 2004. The place has out door seating only and is notorious for long, long lines of people queuing up to get their hands on the west coast style (ALA In-N-Out Burger) and believe me, it's well worth it.

At 11:30 am on a Saturday morning in 32 degree weather, the line is pretty darn short! One large diet coke, crispy crinkle cut fries with Shake Shack's signature cheddar / American cheese sauce and one ShackBurger, hold the tomato. The secret to the Shake Shack's delicious hamburger is their meat; a concoction of 25% brisket + 25% chuck + 50% sirloin = 100% awesome! Or in this case;

Shack Lunch + Freezing air - hangover = Happy!


8 out of 10 ounces
-Rev