The Golden State

»Total Carnage! Gourmet Burger Battle – 26 Beach vs. Umami vs. Father’s Office vs. Golden State vs. Morton’s vs. Anisette vs. Lucky Devils vs. 25 Degrees vs. 8 oz vs. Rustic Canyon! [Review] w/ Pics!

(Formatted with All Pictures here:
http://exilekiss.blogspot.com/2010/04/total-carnage-gourmet-burger-battle-26.html

April 11, 2010 - The following is the last written account of a tragic burger expedition across Southern California by its last survivor. What started out as a fun topic over drinks, soon turned into a "Burger Throwdown" involving a bunch of L.A. foodies, which then turned into...+READ (Formatted with All Pictures here:
http://exilekiss.blogspot.com/2010/04/total-carnage-gourmet-burger-battle-26.html

April 11, 2010 - The following is the last written account of a tragic burger expedition across Southern California by its last survivor. What started out as a fun topic over drinks, soon turned into a "Burger Throwdown" involving a bunch of L.A. foodies, which then turned into a giant black hole from which no one could escape from.

I shall attempt to document the carnage and devastation left in the wake of this foolhardy and utterly stupid endeavor, in the hopes that if anyone reads this letter, that they may use this as a warning to never attempt something so ridiculous. It's a sordid tale, of massive rises in cholesterol intake, crying and weeping amidst accusations of one person causing someone else to gain weight, broken relationships, cell phones going straight to voicemail, all to track down a piece of Beef stuck between some Bread. :)


[Some Time Ago...]

It began so simply, so innocuously. Some dear (former :) friends and I were enjoying drinks when someone asked, "OK. Best Burger in L.A.?" And then the restaurant names began to fly: "Father's Office!" "Umami!" "Anisette" and after everyone started to defend their picks, we realized the only way to settle this was to have a "simple" Burger Battle. It was easy enough - or so we thought - we would simply meet up and try the ~3 - 4 places that were thrown out and vote for our favorites.

Ah, if things were only that simple. :)

I threw out one ground rule that we had to visit each place at least 3 times, to make sure of consistency, and to give each restaurant a 2nd chance in case we hit them on an "off day."

But then the list of 3 or 4 places soon grew to 11. One of my Burger Hounds quickly blurted out, "Psh! No problem! This should be fun!" And we all dove in headfirst, with none of us realizing the magnitude of what we signed up for. The first few locations were wonderful: People enjoying a burger or two, some drinks, and then off to the next place, and the next place. But one by one, people began to magically "disappear" and drop out. The next day (or two) for repeat visits yielded even fewer survivors of this absurd culinary exploration, until finally only one person remained.

29 combined visits and hundreds of miles later, I am sorry to say that this culinary battle has ended in failure: My judges have fled and dropped out, and none of us were able to complete the 33 visits. Oh if only we had a Chestnut or Kobayashi in our group! Sigh... So without further ado, I present to you the incomplete list of results:

(Note: While we all know that food is completely personal and subjective, it's even more obvious here. One person may hate Blue Cheese, while another may not like Garlic. Someone may dislike Avocados or a certain Dressing on their Burger, which all influences what your own personal favorite burger might be. So please take this with a grain of Sea Salt. :)

* 10th Place *
25 Degrees (Hollywood)


Located within the gorgeous Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, walking to 25 Degrees feels like you're traveling back in time to another era.


I've always wanted to try 25 Degrees, but hearing Woolsey, rednyellow, and numerous friends of mine warn me about various problems with this place, had caused me to never bother going, until now. (For completeness sake, most of us agreed that 25 Degrees had been talked about enough in burger discussions that it deserved a try.)


The decor in 25 Degrees is certainly unique and standout: They tout themselves as "Bordello meets Burger" and that pretty much sums up what the interior looks like. :)



Looking over the menu, it's clear that 25 Degrees is the antithesis of Father's Office in terms of Burgers: Unlike Father's Office, 25 Degrees encourages patrons to "Build Your Own Burger" with an impressive array of choices (13 different Cheeses (with choices like an Organic Red Hawk Cow's Milk Cheese, or Emmi Gruyere from the Swiss Alps), 13 different Sauces, and 13 different Extras to pile on). That's a big part of its appeal (like a "gourmet The Counter"). They also have 3 Specialty Burgers that are their own creations, which is what we went with.

"Number One" Burger (Caramelized Onion, Prelibato Gorgonzola, Crescenza, Bacon, Arugula, Thousand Island)
Price: $12
Customizable: Yes
Includes: 1 Side Order (Huge)


The first bite immediately leads to disappointment: Their Brioche Bun is extremely dry. The combination of Arugula and Bacon are great additions, but it turns out they cooked my Sirloin patty to well-done (a travesty) when I specifically asked for medium-rare. :( We also perform the mopeyboy / Harry Nile Test :) of trying the Beef itself, without any toppings, and it's surprising to see how tasteless some Burgers turn out to be. Sadly, this is one of those places, as the well-done Sirloin tasted pretty flavorless. Beyond that, there's too much Thousand Island and the combined size of the top and bottom Buns make this really hard to eat without smashing it down or cutting it into pieces. It seems like my experiences echoed that of Woolsey and other friends who warned me about this place.


The one positive is that their Burgers include 1 free Side, and it's positively Claim Jumper-esque: Gigantic! The following picture is of my 1 free Side: Half & Half of Onion Rings and Sweet Potato Fries. It's enough to feed 2-3 people (along with a Burger).


The Onion Rings turn out to be nicely seasoned with Salt & Pepper, and have a great crispy crunch. The Sweet Potato Fries, however, taste completely flat and muted; probably the worst Sweet Potato Fries I've had in the past year. :(


Finally, their infamous Service problems showed up during our visit as well: Apparently we caught our waitress just as her shift was ending (we had no idea). After taking our drink order, when she came back, we told her we were ready to order, only to be brushed off with a curt "I'm not taking your order now" (with an apathetic, slightly perturbed look on her face as she walked off). We then saw an entire group of servers start filing out of the kitchen, leaving the restaurant. Since 25 Degrees is open 24 hours a day(!), it's understandable and expected to have some waitstaff be tired or just not up to par, but her attitude was really off-putting.

Being able to fully customize your Burger with premium toppings is 25 Degrees' greatest strength. Add to that, the fact that it's open 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week, and it's probably one of the best Burger joints in L.A. at 4 a.m. by default. But serving overcooked Burgers (well-done instead of medium-rare) and having huge, dry Buns and too much sauce makes this the least favorite Burger in this battle. (It doesn't help that parking during most of the day is difficult along that part of Hollywood Blvd. But they offer valet parking for $7.)

*** Rating: 6.0 (out of 10.0) ***

25 Degrees (Hollywood)
(inside the Roosevelt Hotel)
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Tel: (323) 785-7244

Hours: Open 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week

http://www.25degreesrestaurant.com/hollywoodlocation.html


* 9th Place *
Lucky Devils

Just down the street from 25 Degrees, Lucky Devils claims to make everything from scratch.


This is another place a few of us had heard much about, but none of us had ever been. On today's visit, I had the pleasure of having my 'dachi Noah of Man Bites World join me. As we peruse the menu, I'm getting excited as I see them advertise the usage of Snake River Farms American Kobe Beef (which local Yakiniku restaurants have been using to great success), as well as Tallgrass 100% Grass-Fed, Natural Beef.

In keeping with their name, Lucky Devils has a playful devil motif running throughout the restaurant. They also offer one of the oddest menus I've come across for a Burger joint, selling BBQ Ribs, Pizza, Belgium Liege Waffles and Frozen Custards.


We decide to start off with a Ballast Point Yellowtail (California), a Pale Ale that turns out to be surprisingly bitter, although very crisp.


The Affligem Blond (Belgium) turns out to be much more refreshing and slightly sweet, bitter and citrus-y.

With 2 types of Beef patties available, we decide to start with their signature burger:

The LUCKY Burger (with Tallgrass Beef) (White Cheddar, Crisp Lettuce, Red Onion, Super Secret Sauce, 5 Pepper Green Tomato Relish, Toasted Brioche Bun)
Price: $8.50
Customizable: Yes
Includes: No Sides


The first thing we notice is the absolutely monstrous Bun. Lucky Devils' Brioche Bun turned out to be the tallest, thickest Bun out of all the finalists. Undaunted, we continued on (I personally couldn't wait to try a gourmet 100% Grass-Fed Beef Burger (the only other time I had Grass-Fed Beef was a huge disappointment)). Sadly, their LUCKY Burger turned out to be cooked until well-done! (>_< However, I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, so on a 2nd visit, I asked the waitress about their LUCKY Burger and how they prefer to serve it. She said, "Our kitchen likes to serve it medium-well(!)." Shocked, I asked why, and she said that because their patty is so thin, they can't hit medium-rare and properly cook it. Oh well. I asked this time to make a special exception and try to have them prepare a medium-rare or medium cooked Burger.


Thankfully, they were able to come through, and, now with a ~medium, almost-medium-rare Grass-Fed Burger, I gave it another try: This time, their LUCKY Burger was definitely better, juicier and more enjoyable (instead of eating well-done Beef like the 1st visit). But tasting the Beef by itself, there still wasn't any real depth of beefy flavor.

And their "Super Secret Sauce" (with Thousand Island as a base) still tasted too manufactured and composed. It just overwhelms the palate, hiding the Beef patty instead of supporting it. And their super-thick, dry Brioche Bun was still the same as last time. :(


Of the remaining 3 flavors offered, we decided to skip the stronger-flavored BBQ and Diablo flavors since we wanted to focus on the quality of the Beef, and decided to go with their:

Bacon Bleu Burger (with SRF American Kobe) (Swiss Gruyere, Bleu Cheese, Double-Smoked Bacon, Caramelized Onion, Wild Arugula, Roasted Garlic Aioli & Toasted Brioche Bun)
Price: $14
Customizable: Yes
Includes: No Sides


The Brioche Bun seemed even thicker on this Burger. :) Working through the super thick Bun, we both felt this was so-so. On paper the ingredients sound great, but in execution the Bacon Bleu comes out too saucy and wet. There's too much Roasted Garlic Aioli slathered on, and the dripping Caramelized Onions, melted Gruyere and Bleu Cheese all combine to make this one of the messiest Burgers during this Burger Battle.


Thankfully, their Kobe Burger is medium-rare, and with the Beef-Only taste test, there's a nice subtle, fragrant Beef aroma coming through, but when eaten with the 2 Cheeses, Garlic Aioli and all the other ingredients, the flavor is completely lost.


Service is pretty straightforward: You order at the counter up front, and grab an open table. Service was generally quite friendly and welcoming (the best part of our experience).

Lucky Devils seems to have all the ingredients for a good neighborhood Burger Bar: 14 Beers on Tap, Grass-Fed Beef and American Kobe (as well as Shelton Farms Turkey and Veggie) Burger options, in addition to offering some BBQ, Pizza and Liege Waffles. But their super thick, dry Brioche Bun, inconsistent cooking for their Burgers and overly complicated Sauces / Dressings undermine the overall Burger experience. But if I was hanging out with my friends in the area, I think I'd enjoy their Bacon Bleu Burger with American Kobe, with No Aioli and No Bleu Cheese; that might do the trick.

*** Rating: 6.5 (out of 10.0) ***

Lucky Devils
6613 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Tel: (323) 465-8259

Hours: Sun - Thurs, 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Midnight

http://www.luckydevils-la.com/


* 8th Place *
8 oz. Burger Bar


From Executive Chef Govind Armstrong and Chef de Cuisine Jacob Wildman comes 8 oz. Burger Bar, a casual neighborhood eatery along the most popular stretch of Melrose. As we walk in, I fall in love with their weathered, old-looking wooden sign "8 oz." and the relaxed atmosphere inside.

Their philosophy of using only hormone-free, humanely raised meats and local produce are all commendable. Their 8 oz. and Melrose Burgers use a combination of Hormone-Free Black Angus Sirloin, Chuck, Tri-Tip and Short Rib, ground in-house, and aged in their own meat locker. It sounds very promising, so we can't wait to try their version of Aged Beef.

We start with their signature Burger:

The 8 oz. Burger (House Blend, Iceberg, Pickle, Tomato, White Onion, 8 oz. Special Sauce)
Price: $10
Customizable: Yes
Includes: No Sides


I remember when 8 oz. first opened up, there were quite a few complaints about how overly thick their Burger Bun was. I didn't get a chance to try that original Bun, but this current Bun seems to be better than what people were saying (and less cumbersome than Lucky Devils' giant Bun).


The 8 oz. arrives medium-rare (joy! :), with the Bun being a bit dry, but not like 25 Degrees or Lucky Devils. The first few bites are juicy, and the Iceberg Lettuce, Tomato and 8 oz. Special Sauce (a combination of Thousand Island, Ketchup and Mustard) helps give this a "Classic Burger" taste. But sadly, there are a few pieces of gristle that are so chewy I had to spit it out. And despite claims of the House Blend Beef being Aged in their meat locker, the Beef by itself had no taste, tasting more like fresh-ground Beef instead of a true Dry-Aged or Wet-Aged Beef.


They also offer a Grass-Fed Burger on the menu, so we try that next:

Estancia Grass Fed Beef Burger (Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Charred Escarole, Roasted Mushrooms, 8 oz. Special Sauce)
Price: $9
Customizable: Yes
Includes: No Sides


I'm secretly hoping this 3rd time trying a Grass Fed Beef Burger is going to yield something distinct and different from Non-Grass-Fed Beef, and I love Mushrooms, so I eagerly dig in.


As I notice the Sesame Seed Bun quickly disintegrating, I'm suddenly hit with a nauseous wave of char. My friends do a double-take as well, and sure enough, it's the "Charred Escarole." I've had Charred Escarole with some Tasting Menus before, but it was nothing like this. This is more like "Blackened Charcoal," tasting completely, badly burnt *and* with a lighter fluid / gas tinge to it as well. But after scraping off all the Burnt Escarole, the Mushrooms and Grass-Fed Beef combine to make a much more palatable creation.

The Estancia Grass-Fed Beef is cooked to medium, almost-medium-rare, and actually has a light, subtle beefiness (finally). But with the thin, flimsy Sesame Seed Bun that turned to mush before we finished eating the Burger and completely Burnt Escarole, this Grass-Fed Beef Burger falls short.


On another visit, I decide to try their:

Melrose Burger (6 oz. House Blend, Wild Baby Arugula, Garlic Roasted Tomatoes, Red Onion Marmalade) (+ Cave Aged Gruyere)
Price: $9
Customizable: Yes
Includes: No Sides


Unfortunately, on this 2nd visit, their Sesame Seed Bun is even drier than the 1st visit. It also disintegrates faster than we can finish the burger. One of my most discerning Burger Hounds tries it, and immediately notes that the Bun "tastes like something you can buy at Ralph's." The Angus House Blend patty arrives ~medium-rare and by itself, has no taste like before. But there is a nice char on the outside (perfect), which gives it a good, light smoky, open-grill facet.

But the highlight would have to be their Garlic Roasted Tomatoes and Red Onion Marmalade, both of which really give the Burger a natural sweetness and mouth-pleasing delicious quality that stands out from other restaurants' overly complicated toppings. Delicious. :)


Service is a bit slow-moving, but decent, with our servers being generally amiable. 8 oz. also offers up the ability to completely customize your Burger with their "Make It Your Own" option, where you can choose different Sauces, Cheeses and Extras to put onto the Burger.

8 oz. Burger Bar has a nice, lively vibe with some great Burger customization options. However, their actual House Blend Beef patty disappoints, while their Estancia Grass-Fed Beef actually has some subtle beefy flavors coming through. Add their problematic Buns (dry Brioche and flimsy, fall-apart Sesame Seed) and hit-or-miss toppings (completely burnt Escarole, wonderful Garlic Roasted Tomatoes), and it makes 8 oz. a decent Burger Bar if you happen to be in the area only.

*** Rating: 6.8 (out of 10.0) ***

8 oz. Burger Bar
7661 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel: (323) 852-0008

Hours: Mon, 12:00 p.m. Noon - 11:00 p.m.
Tues - Fri, 12:00 p.m. Noon - 12:00 a.m. Midnight
Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Midnight
Sun, 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

http://www.8ozburgerbar.com/


* 7th Place *
Umami Burger (La Brea) (Original)


Here we have the (in)famous Umami Burger, which debuted with a splash, only to face a growing wave of dissenters over the past year, while still gaining popularity (it has now expanded to 4 locations in less than a year(!)).

Created by Adam Fleischman (BottleRock), they tout themselves as "fine-dining fast food," and since their debut at the original La Brea location, they've always been offering a rotating menu of specially composed Burgers, each with their own distinct flavor combinations, which is probably the biggest appeal of this restaurant. We begin with:

Port & Stilton Burger (Blue Cheese, Pocas Port-Caramelized Onions)
Price: $9
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


Umami uses a combination of USDA Prime Short Rib, Skirt Steak and Fat, ground in-house, for all their Beef Burgers. From my first visit last year, through the latest visits for this Burger Battle, each Umami Burger has always had a sweet / sugar aspect, due in no small part to their sweet, lightly glazed Brioche Buns.

For the Port & Stilton, the Beef patty is juicy, arriving medium-rare, but sadly, has no real beefy flavor (tasting the Ground Beef by itself). It also lacks any real char, for those looking for that aspect on your Burger. But the Port-Caramelized Onions are delicious, and the Stilton Blue Cheese is thankfully not very pungent in this combination.



Next up:

No. 5 Burger (Fresh Ground Pork Spiced with Chinese 5 Spice, Aged Manchego, Tomato Marmalade)
Price: $9
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


The No. 5 Burger's Pork is too finely ground, resulting in a disturbingly creamy smooth texture to the patty. The Tomato Marmalade also completely overpowers the rest of the Burger, adding a massive sugary angle to every bite. The Bun itself is consistent with the previous Burger: Soft and sweet.


One of the more controversial aspects of Umami has nothing to do with their Burgers, but with the most popular side dish for a Burger: Their Hand Cut Fries (Triple-Cooked).


For some people, only seeing ~8 - 9 Fries for an order, with a sparse Tablespoon of Ketchup (you have to pay if you want more Ketchup than what's shown in the picture) is cause for uproar. I would agree that it seems a bit paltry, but that's how Umami chooses to sell their portions. Most of my Hounds agree that a few more Fries and just a bit more Ketchup wouldn't hurt.

They also offer up Cake Monkey Desserts, and we decide to try their Red Velvet Cake.


This Red Velvet Cake tastes like it's been sitting a bit too long. It's still creamy and lush at times, but has a strange aftertaste that we couldn't quite pin down.


On my 2nd visit, we start with their signature:

Umami Burger (Umami x 6)
Price: $10
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


Their cryptic description "Umami x 6" is actually referring to the 6 Umami Flavors within this Burger: Parmesan Crisp, Caramelized Onions, Shiitake Mushroom, Oven-Roasted Tomatoes, Beef, and Special Ketchup.


On paper and in execution, those ingredients are inherently delicious, so it's a smart combination. But like before, the most important aspect - the Beef - is quite mild and flavorless. It's at least cooked medium-rare which is great, but the Burger itself is a bit underwhelming as their famous "signature burger."


Continuing on:

Casablanca Burger (Fresh Ground Leg of Lamb, Merguez Lamb Sausage, Pickled Apricots, Arugula and Pomegranate Aioli)
Price: $11
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


The initial bite imparts a nice Lamb gaminess which is immediately overwhelmed by the Pickled Apricots and Pomegranate Aioli. I have no idea what the idea was behind the Casablanca Burger, but like too many of their offerings, it's just too sweet, except this one is by far the most sugary-sweet Burger I've ever tried. To make matters worse, the "Pickled Apricots" are applied in a thick Jelly-like form, turning the Casablanca Burger into a goopey, thick, saccharin mess. :( None of us wanted another bite after the initial 1-2 bites.


To add some balance to the amount of meat being consumed, we order a Market Salad, which turns out to be fresh Mixed Greens with a lightly spicy Peanut Dressing.


On another visit we start with one of their new items:

Turkey Miso 2.0 (Fresh Turkey Patty, Roasted Baba Ganoush, Toasted Garlic)
Price: $11
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


The Turkey Burger is surprisingly aromatic and moist, with the Toasted Garlic being a great choice in this Burger (one of my friends doesn't like Garlic in general, so naturally they didn't turn out to be the biggest fan of this Burger). Unfortunately, the Brioche Bun is dry (unlike previous visits), and as before, they seem to enjoy a Sweet / Sugar angle on many of their creations: This Turkey Miso 2.0 had a thin, sweet glaze, which works in, say, Turkey Maple Sausage, but when you get a repeated sweetness flavor over and over, it becomes boring and overwhelming. Finally, there's no real Miso flavor either.


Perhaps in answer to customers' feedback, Umami recently added Thin Fries to the menu, which features many more individual Fries than the usual Hand-Cut Fries option. They turn out to be nicely crispy, but way too salty.


The next Burger comes highly recommended from our server:

Truffle Burger (Italian Truffle Cheese, Truffle Glaze)
Price: $11
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


I'm a little wary of this Burger since I'm usually not a fan of Truffle Oil (and at this price, I don't think Umami is actually using any real Truffles in the Burger :). But it turns out to be a very juicy, oozing Burger, with the Truffle Cheese melting quite nicely over the Beef. The Beef itself is medium-rare, but as before, devoid of any deep, beefy flavor. And disappointingly, there's no perceptible Truffle aroma or taste at all.


Finally, one of the newer additions to the menu has proven to be one of the most popular items:

Manly Burger (Beer-Cheddar Cheese, Smoked Salt Onion Strings, Bacon Lardons)
Price: $11
Customizable: Deletions Only. No Additions.
Includes: No Sides


This is probably their most successful Burger (for our group), despite the flat-tasting Beef, mainly due to the smoky, flavorful Bacon Lardons, Smoked Salt Onion Strings (that are crispy, greasy and bursting with flavor), and a juicy center.



While the Burgers are generally average in terms of flavor combinations, the worst part about Umami (La Brea) is their service. Over 4 visits, I've encountered some of the worst service I've had in a restaurant since the late night staff at Denny's years ago (shudder). Every visit has been marked by extremely slow, apathetic service, with 2 of the visits feeling like we were being served by a stereotypical "part-time actor/waiter," with drinks being forgotten, our sides being forgotten, and painfully slow pacing (it took them 10 minutes to get us menus on one visit).

Umami Burger (La Brea) certainly has its legions of fans. With wonderful-sounding creations on the menu, each Burger option being crafted into a distinct flavor profile (a Manly Burger, a Miso Burger, Casablanca Lamb Burger, etc.), it's easy to see its appeal. It's a way to get more than 1 or 2 fixed Burger flavors, while still taking the headache out of customizing your Burger, by offering a rotating menu of ~8-9 specialty Burger Combinations constantly being updated in a clean, stylish environment. But it falls short for most of us in the group because there's no real Beefiness to the patty itself, and an overly sweet facet seemed to permeate most of their Burger offerings.

*** Rating: 7.3 (out of 10.0) ***

Umami Burger (La Brea) (Original)
850 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: (323) 931-3000

Hours: Mon - Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun, 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

http://umamiburger.com/


*** Note: This halfway point marks a distinct jump in the quality and execution of the Burgers. I'd be glad to return to any of the places from 1st - 6th. (^_^) ***

* 6th Place *
26 Beach


I've driven by 26 Beach so many times, but never had the chance to try their menu. But after years of hearing westsidegal and Burger Boy sing its praises, and Burger Boy's enthusiastic recommendations for their Burgers, this one was definitely going on the list. :)

The interior of 26 Beach reflects the whimsical and laid-back vibe of Venice in general. During both of my visits, there's a cheery ambiance permeating the dining room.



Glancing over the menu, I'm worried since it's so expansive, but considering 26 Beach has been around for over 25 years, they've probably had sufficient time to grow their menu to this size. And considering their website shows Chef-Owner Francis Mori about to chow down on a Burger, I'm guessing that Burgers might be their specialty. (^_~) I have to start with their classic, signature dish:

The 26er (The Classic Hamburger with Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles, Mayo and our Special Dressing)
Price: $12
Customizable: Yes
Includes: French Fries or House Salad


The Burger arrives and looks impressive already. The size of the Bun looks troublesome at first, but when I go to pick it up, all my worries go out the window: Soft, fresh-baked Burger Buns, made on the premises! Wow. :)

I bite into the 26er: Juicy, clean, light, *real* beefy flavors come shining through. This tastes like a great, classic American Hamburger, nothing like the runners-up before this. There's nothing that can rival a Fresh-Baked Bun (made that day, in the same kitchen), and I can see why Burger Boy loves this Burger so much. :) Light, fragrant, soft, but still holds up to the Burger without disintegrating.


It's cooked to a perfect medium-rare, with a satisfying char from the grill. This is just a good, classic Burger. My only quibble is that the hand-formed, 100% Angus Beef's flavor is still only subtle, but that's to be expected with a fresh (non-Aged Beef).


What's even nicer, is that for the price ($12), it includes some of the most shatteringly crispy, delicious, piping hot French Fries I've had so far during this Burger Battle. Delicious. :)


But it's their next Burger that's even more impressive:

King Kobe the IV ("8 ounces of the best Wagyu Beef, married with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Imported Swiss Cheese, Baby Mixed Greens, Heirloom Tomato & Red Onion with Mayo on our Homemade Brioche Bun")
Price: $17
Customizable: Yes
Includes: French Fries or House Salad


Taking the first bite, I could tell Chef Mori knows about Burgers and how to prepare them. Unlike the travesty that is Lucky Devils' Bacon Bleu Kobe Burger, here, Chef Mori lets the subtle, delicate American Kobe Beef shine, unfettered by overpowering Sauces or unnecessary additions.

The Homemade Brioche Bun is as amazing as on their 26er, soft, fresh-tasting Bread that holds up surprisingly well to the 8 ounces of Kobe. Most importantly, the medium-rare American Kobe Beef shines here: A real, good beefiness. For Non-Aged American Kobe Beef, this is about as good as it gets. The Applewood Smoked Bacon is great and still crisp, and the gentle delicate Heirloom Tomato, Mixed Greens and Swiss actually complement the Burger instead of covering it up.

The only minor quibble to note is that the menu simply lists this as "the best Wagyu Beef", which is misleading since Wagyu is the proper, famous term for Japanese Beef from Japan. But given the price, you pretty much know it's not going to be real Wagyu Beef from Japan, but it's still the best "Kobe Burger" I've had in So Cal. :)


On my 2nd visit, I decide to start with their special Burger of the Day:

Wild Mushroom Burger (Angus Beef, Sauteed Shiitake, Crimini & Portobello Mushrooms, Grilled Onions, Swiss Cheese, Baby Mix, Tomato & Mayo)
Price: $17
Customizable: Yes
Includes: French Fries


I'm happy to bite into yet another fresh, in-house-made Brioche Bun, soft, fragrant and a great match for the Burger. I love Mushrooms as well so I can't wait for the flavors of the 3 types of Mushrooms to blend with their 100% Angus Beef. The Mushroom mix is wonderful with Shiitake and Portobellos known for their distinctive, wonderful aromas. Unfortunately the Burger arrives ~medium to medium-well (in some parts), when I asked for medium-rare. It's not well-done, but the slight overcooking detracts from an otherwise good Burger.


For fun, I remember hearing the recommendations for their Veggie Burger, so I had to try this as well:

Namaste "Veggie" Burger (Vegetarian Patty made with Grains, Legumes & Vegetables. Served with Mayo, Heirloom Tomato & Mixed Baby Greens)
Price: $12
Customizable: Yes
Includes: French Fries or House Salad


I order it with their Homemade Wheat Bun (to try the full "healthy" experience :). I appreciate that this is a homemade Veggie Patty, not a manufactured / heavily-processed Veggie Patty found in many places, but it's a little too mushy for my tastes. There are distinct chunks of Peas, Corn and a nice Grain / Wheat flavor coming through, but it's probably not going to be something I'd order again.



They provide a generous serving of their House Salad, included with the Burger. The House French Dressing is a touch too sweet for my tastes, but otherwise it's a good House Salad.


Service has been good on both visits to 26 Beach, no issues.

One of the pleasant surprises during this food crawl, 26 Beach and Chef Mori create some excellent, classic Burgers, with ingredients and toppings that support the Angus and American Kobe Beef, which help bring out some real Beef flavors, all topped with great Homemade Burger Buns made fresh daily in their kitchen. While there are other Burgers that I enjoy more, I'd be more than happy to eat a Burger from 26 Beach if I'm in the area. :)

*** Rating: 8.0 (out of 10.0) ***

26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292
Tel: (310) 823-7526

Hours: Mon - Fri, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

http://www.26beach.com/


* 5th Place *
Anisette Brasserie


By now, I'm sure you're as incredulous as I am, wondering what a French Brasserie is doing in this Gourmet Burger Battle. :) This is one of those examples of the horrific black hole that this failed culinary expedition has become. I remember 2 years ago when hrhboo was gushing over Anisette's Burger. At the time, my guests and I couldn't help but order their more classic French items (Duck Confit, their wonderful Plateaux de Fruits de Mer, Croissants, etc.) and I kept forgetting to try their Burger. But just as we were locking down the finalists for this Burger Battle, Mr. Meatballs of Man Bites World had to chime in, nonchalantly mentioning the great Burger at Anisette. Ack! (~_~) That, coupled with hrhboo's strong recommendation made me add Anisette to the pool of competitors and I'm so glad I did. :)

By now, most people have heard of Anisette Brasserie, opened by Chef Alain Giraud (of Bastide fame). It's a gorgeous location sitting near Santa Monica Beach, relaxing and inviting during the day, rowdy and crowded at night.


Sitting at their beautiful Zinc Bar, I quickly place an order for their:

Brasserie Burger (Angus Beef, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Pickled Onions, Aioli, Pomme Frites)
Price: $16
Customizable: Yes
Includes: French Fries


Ostensibly, it looks like a naked Burger, but it's precisely the simplicity of it that makes it shine. Anisette begins with USDA Prime Angus Beef. I take a bite and break through a wonderful, fresh-baked Bun by Pastry Chef Noubar Yessayan, baked on the premises daily. Like 26 Beach, there's nothing quite like fresh-baked Buns instead of having them brought in. It's not as soft as a great Brioche, but it's a substantive Bread, holding up well against the big Angus patty.


And then I break into the USDA Prime Angus Beef. Cooked perfectly medium-rare, there's a true, clean, pure Beef taste coming through. The Prime Angus is nuanced and seasoned well. Add to that a great sear and char, some fresh Butter Lettuce from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market just next door, fragrant Oven-Dried Tomatoes and just a kiss of Aioli (no ridiculous over-slathering of sauces here), and you have a celebration of Beef. It's subtle, light, beefy and it shines.

Their Pomme Frites (included with the Burger) are rail-thin, crispy with a soft interior and well-seasoned. Nothing amazing, but a good combination with the Burger.

Note: Sadly, I discovered too late that Anisette offers an *Upgraded* Brasserie Burger for Dinner Only, which includes Pancetta (mmm...!). There's also an option to add different Cheeses for $1 extra (Lunch and Dinner).


Service was excellent whenever we went to Anisette (from their Grand Opening and on), but I haven't been back for almost a full year. But during this Burger Battle, the service was spot-on, with a friendly, relaxed waitstaff.

Anisette Brasserie has always delivered some outstanding fresh-baked Pastries, good French Brasserie cuisine for Brunch and Dinner during my previous visits. Now, they have an excellent Burger that I can enjoy as well when I'm hanging out with my friends at the beach. :)

*** Rating: 8.3 (out of 10.0) ***

Anisette Brasserie
225 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 395-3200

Hours: [Brunch] Sat - Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
[Lunch] Mon - Fri, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
[Dinner] 7 Days A Week, 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

http://www.anisettebrasserie.com/


* 4th Place *
Morton's The Steakhouse (Downtown L.A.)


I've always known Morton's is famous for their steaks, but I would've never thought to have tried them for their Burger, if it wasn't for David Kahn and ipsedixit's repeated recommendations about their Burger. :) I used to enjoy Morton's for steaks before I tried better steakhouses, but it was nice walking back into Morton's after a few years. Entering Morton's feels like a throwback to the days of big dinners and celebrations, where business deals were closed with a handshake and a bottle of wine.


It's classy, professional, and after taking down our names, our server addressed us personally throughout the meal, a nice touch. We were here for one thing, and one thing only:

Morton's Prime Burger (Choice of Horseradish Cheddar, American, Swiss, Crumbled Blue or Cheddar; Crisp Bacon, Sauteed Mushrooms and/or Onions)
Price: $15
Customizable: Yes
Includes: French Fries, Cole Slaw, Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli


The Prime Burger arrives and it looks fantastic. I pick it up and take a bite:

Awesome.

Seriously outstanding! (^_^) Made with Wet-Aged, 100% USDA Prime Sirloin Beef, it shows from the first bite: There's a real, honest-to-goodness Beefiness, and taking a bite of the Beef by itself it's just delicious, well-seasoned Beef, and puts to shame Umami and the other contenders above. The Sesame Seed Bun is strong enough to stand up to the Burger, and Morton's lets you add Bacon, Sauteed Mushrooms *and* Sauteed Onions to your Burger, free-of-charge.


And as I was biting into the Burger, I noticed an eye-roll-inducing crispy, crackly crunch: *Freshly Cooked Bacon*(!). This had to be a fluke. I revisited Morton's a 2nd time at the very end of their Lunch Hour (on purpose) to see if it still held true:

Yes. Freshly Cooked, Crisp, Succulent Bacon, cooked *for your order*! Oh yes! :)

As I was leaving, I asked our server and they confirmed that Morton's cooks Fresh Bacon for each Burger's order, not batch made like the majority of restaurants. Wow. That right there elevates the Morton's Prime Burger a few notches. :)

But back to the rest of the Burger: The combination of the fresh Tomatoes, Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, Melted Cheddar and Crisp Bacon, along with the impeccable 100% USDA Prime Sirloin Beef with great searing creates the best Classic American Burger I've ever had in a restaurant. And it was cooked to a perfect medium-rare during both of my visits.


A word about their Fries as well: Crispy on the outside, fluffy and potatoey on the inside. Not too thick, not too thin, these are *great* Steakhouse French Fries that perfectly complement this great Burger. (And for the health conscious, Morton's offers up complementary Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli instead if you like; which is great.) :)

Service is what you'd expect at a good Steakhouse: Crisp, professional, personable.

Morton's The Steakhouse (Downtown L.A.) provides a stunning Burger experience: It shows what great quality, Wet-Aged 100% USDA Prime Sirloin Beef can do, without any fancy Carrot Foam or 4-Cheese, Faux Truffle Emulsion toppings, cooked by Steak experts. The only negatives about this experience are: (1) Served Lunch Only. (2) It can be a hassle fighting through Downtown traffic to get here (but I'm sure the other Morton's locations may provide a similar experience). But regardless of that, this is the best Classic American Hamburger I've ever had. :) (Thanks ipse & David Kahn! :)

*** Rating: 8.8 (out of 10.0) ***

Morton's The Steakhouse (Downtown L.A.)
735 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tel: (213) 553-4566

* Morton's Prime Burger Served during LUNCH ONLY *

Hours: Mon - Fri, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
(They open for dinner, but I'm not listing their hours to avoid confusion.)

* Note: They offer Free 3 Hour Parking (w/ Validation) in the secured Earnst & Young 777 Parking Structure behind their restaurant.

http://www.mortons.com/losangeles/


* 1st Place (TIE) *
Father's Office (Los Angeles)


At this point, it almost feels like a trendy, mainstream, sellout move to vote for the Father's Office Burger, but after visiting all these Burger specialists around L.A., the majority of us came to the same conclusion: It's just *that* good. But there are some caveats (which is why it wasn't the clear-cut winner).

Originally opened in Santa Monica by Chef-Owner Sang Yoon, Father's Office opened up a larger, more spacious 2nd location on Helms Avenue in Los Angeles. Father's Office offers an impressive, rotating array of Craft Beers on Tap, with some excellent seasonal brews from time-to-time.


Father's Office has become infamous for its No Substitutions / Alterations policy regarding its food (as well as kicking people out for smuggling in condiments from time-to-time (since they don't serve Ketchup)). Everyone in our group had already been to Father's Office at least once, but as a follow-up after trying the other burgers...

The Office Burger (Caramelized Onion, Bacon, Gruyere, Maytag Blue, Arugula)
Price: $12 (includes tax)
Customizable: No
Includes: No Sides


First things first: The Father's Office Burger is *not* for everyone. I have some friends who simply can't stand Blue Cheese, but if you want to try the Father's Office Burger, you're stuck with it (or you scrape it off). Besides that, its greatest strength - Dry-Aged, Niman Ranch Beef - is also its greatest weakness for some people. There are plenty of people who have never experienced a great, Dry-Aged Steak, and as a result the funky, pungent, intense beefiness one tastes in a Father's Office Burger can turn some people off.

But back to the Burger: Taking a bite... The Office Burger is a wild, unconventional, unique creation. It's out-of-control, yet at the same time totally in control: It's a brilliant, powerful, alternate interpretation of the "Hamburger" done in Chef Sang Yoon's vision. My favorite part of the Burger is the truly intense, potent beefiness (more than any Burger we tried in this battle) from the Dry-Aged Niman Ranch Beef. No other Burger we tried during the battle came close for this flavor.

Add in the combination of Gruyere and Maytag Blue Cheese to up the funk quotient even more, but mellow it out with the Bacon Onion Compote and plenty of spicy, peppery Arugula on a dryish French Roll, and you have Sang Yoon's Burger.

But there are some issues that should be noted: The French Roll is dry and a disappointment for those looking for a more traditional Burger Bun (or something more moist than the dry Roll it's served on). It's very pungent, which can be a turnoff for some. And the inability to customize / change / adjust the Burger will definitely upset some people (rightfully so). Finally, many in the group agreed that it's not a Burger they can have every day.


Service has been hit-or-miss at Father's Office (Los Angeles): You order at the Bar, and then find an open table if you can. Placing the order has been fine, but getting any help from the busboys / servers that bring out the food can be a crapshoot. One time I simply wanted an extra plate (since my guest and I were sharing food), and the busboy glared back at us for daring to ask for anything. Very weird. Their extreme rules and strict adherence to those rules have turned off many a customer and some great Hounds like bulavinaka.

Father's Office (Los Angeles) can be extremist at times, "Soup Nazi-esque" in its rules, and their Office Burger may not be for everyone, but it shines brightly for its creativity and uniqueness, and for me, it still comes across as the most distinct Burger in L.A.

*** Rating: 9.0 (out of 10.0) ***

Father's Office (Los Angeles)
3229 Helms Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Tel: (310) 736-2224

Hours: Mon -Thurs, 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat, 12:00 p.m. Noon - 12:00 a.m. Midnight
Sun, 12:00 p.m. Noon - 10:00 p.m.

http://www.fathersoffice.com/


* 1st Place (TIE) *
Rustic Canyon


Located along a quiet stretch of Wilshire, Rustic Canyon has always been at the back of my mind; a place I've heard good things about, but just never get around to going to. But after hearing two strong recommendations for their Burger from Noah and Mr. Meatballs, I realized this was yet another place that needed to be added to this Burger Battle. :)

Currently helmed by Chef Evan Funke, Rustic Canyon represents one of those casual, warm, hidden eateries that just puts out excellent, simple cuisine with Farmers' Market fresh ingredients. Hearing the potential that this might be one of the best Burgers in L.A., I purposely wrangle the biggest Father's Office groupie I know, to get their impressions along with my other guests. :)

We begin with a Burrata Panzanella (Roasted Tomatoes, Artichokes, Green Olives, Pickled Ramps, Green Garlic).


After all the Burger eating, I can't tell you how happy I am to see something vegetable-based. :) I was merely looking for some respite from all the meat, but instead Chef Funke delivers a refreshing Spring breeze of goodness: The creamy, light Burrata playfully bathes this Farmers' Market Panzanella and you're treated to an invigorating, revitalizing dish of bright, flavorful vegetables that's delicate, fragrant and without reproach. Excellent! :)


And then our Burger arrives:

Meyer Ranch Burger (Sharp Cheddar, Onion Fondue, Bread and Butter Pickles, Herb Remoulade)
Price: $16
Customizable: Yes
Includes: Hand-Cut French Fries


It looks gorgeous, and then we take a bite: A deep, beefy savoriness comes shining through! Wow. I can't resist the urge to inhale the rest of my Burger. It has such a beautiful bovine essence that isn't as pungent as Dry-Aged Beef (ala Father's Office). It turns out that Rustic Canyon uses USDA Prime All-Natural Angus Beef from Meyer Ranch, with Beef that is Certified Humanely Raised and Handled, which is a big positive for some.

In addition to the amazing Beef, the Bun tastes strangely familiar to another favorite of mine: Rustic Canyon uses a Rockenwagner Brioche Bun (similar to The Golden State), which is soft, seemingly delicate, but still holds up pretty well with the juicy Burger. The Sharp Cheddar, Onion Fondue, Pickles and Herb Remoulade all complement the Meyer Ranch Burger, never taking center stage.


It's cooked to medium-rare and is such a revelation that our Father's Office groupie blurts out, "Oh my gosh! This is the Best Burger in town! I like it more than Father's Office." :) It's close, but I was in as much shock as my dazed friend. :)

But maybe the planets were aligned perfectly or something, so to make sure, I returned for a 2nd visit to see if the Burger was as amazing as the 1st time I had it.


The Meyer Ranch Burger looks even more amazing this second time.



I eagerly pick up the Burger, and take a big bite: It's as juicy and magnificent as before. Again, it's not the piercing funk of the Dry-Aged Father's Office Burger, but it stands out in its own genuine beefiness that's more enveloping on the palate. I am simply shocked by how good this Burger is.


The Hand-Cut Fries that come with the Meyer Ranch Burger are crispy, with a soft center, blanched first and then fried. On both visits, the Fries are seasoned just right. But it's their Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce that deserves special mention. For Garlic lovers out there, it's the most amazing burst of Garlicky Creaminess in a Dipping Sauce. Wonderful! :)


Service has been outstanding on both visits, with our servers being amiable and helpful.

Rustic Canyon meets and exceeds my expectations with their wonderful Burrata Panzanella and the amazing Meyer Ranch Burger. The only negatives for this Burger is that Rustic Canyon is only open for Dinner, they're usually quite busy and crowded, and the $16 price tag feels a bit steep for some in our group. But otherwise, Chef Funke has delivered a Burger with real beefiness that's less extreme than the Father's Office Burger, but also more enjoyable. Add in a beautiful, relaxed, casual yet stylish vibe, and Rustic Canyon becomes a destination for one of the best Burgers in L.A.

*** Rating: 9.0 (out of 10.0) ***

Rustic Canyon
1119 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 393-7050

Hours: Sun - Thurs, 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Fri - Sat, 5:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

http://www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com/


* 1st Place (TIE) *
The Golden State


The Golden State is one of those places that many of us have taken for granted. On paper, how can this little, casual eatery sitting across from the amazing Animal belt out one of the best Burgers in L.A.? The answer is still a mystery, but lies somewhere between expert cooks that perfectly nail the temperature for a medium-rare Burger every single time, to a tight, focused menu that allows the kitchen to focus on making those few dishes great, to the dedication and passion for great food by its owners, Jason Bernstein and James Starr, along with Chef Rene Garcia.

On a recent visit, I'm excited to hear that they have the amazing Raspberry Yuzu Gelato from Scoops and Gelato Master Tai Kim. I quickly peruse their latest Beer Menu to see if they also happened to get in The Bruery's Hottenroth Berliner Weisse on Tap, but sadly they don't. Instead, they just got in New Belgium La Folie, which is hands down, *the* sourest Sour Beer I've ever had. :) It's impressively wild and tart, so I decide to start with a Beer Float to see if Scoops can tame this Sour Beer:

Beer Float: Scoops Raspberry Yuzu Gelato + New Belgium La Folie


The Raspberry Yuzu does seem to calm things down quite a bit, but the La Folie still manages to take over the spotlight, but it makes it much more palatable this way, although not as perfect as the winning Beer Float Competition combination of Berliner Weisse + Raspberry Yuzu.

But we're here for the Burger and we quickly order it:

The Burger (Harris Ranch Beef, Fiscalini Farms Cheddar, Glazed Applewood Smoked Bacon, Arugula, Housemade Aioli & Ketchup)
Price: $10
Customizable: Yes
Includes: 1 Side Order (Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw, Potato Salad, French Fries, Persian Cucumber Salad, Fried Sweet Potato Wedges)



Most of us have had The Golden State Burger before, but retrying it for this battle, I pause and take a bite:

A pure, true, juicy, beefy quality comes shining through from their Wet-Aged Beef. Add on a great sear and char, giving the Beef even more flavor, and the smoky, porcine Applewood Bacon and touch of bitterness from the Arugula, all wrapped up in a soft, lightly sweet Brioche Bun from Rockenwagner, and this turns out to be, unassumingly, one of the most satisfying Burgers around town. It's outstanding in its balance. (^_^)


But what's even crazier is that, as good as their regular Burger is, their Lamb Burger is even better:

The Golden State Lamb Burger (Colorado Lamb, Gruyere, Arugula, Applewood Smoked Bacon)
Price: $12
Customizable: Yes
Includes: 1 Side Order (Greek Salad, Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw, Potato Salad, French Fries, Persian Cucumber Salad, Fried Sweet Potato Wedges)


Served only on Thursday nights, the Colorado Lamb is gorgeous in its fresh, light gaminess, while still being juicy and a perfect medium-rare. Like the regular Burger, there's a very good sear, and the spicy, peppery Arugula with Dill and Yogurt and the light touch of sweet from the tender Rockenwagner Bun make this my favorite Lamb Burger in town. :)


Service is pretty straight forward: You order at the counter, take a number and grab a table, and the food is brought out to you.

The Golden State appeals to many of us due to its accessibility - super casual eatery, not as crowded as Rustic Canyon and F.O. - and ability to consistently execute a great, humble Burger that delivers the best balance of good beefy flavor, delicious Bacon, fresh Arugula on a lightly sweet, fresh Brioche Bun. It's not as intensely beefy as a Father's Office Burger, but like Rustic Canyon, The Golden State's Wet-Aged Beef delivers a rounder, lighter, but still healthy beefiness. Factor in the very fair price - $10 including one of their excellent Sides (their Potato Salad is fabulous) - the ability to also try the daily changing flavors of Scoops from Gelato Guru Tai Kim, and an outstanding Draft Beer Selection that changes weekly, and it's easy to see why I can't stop going to The Golden State. :)

*** Rating: 9.0 (out of 10.0) ***

The Golden State
426 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: (323) 782-8331

Hours: Tues - Sun, 12:00 p.m. Noon - 10:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays.

http://thegoldenstatecafe.com/


Final Thoughts: A Great Burger is a personal thing. Everyone has their own benchmark and what may taste great to one person's palate may not be as delightful for someone else. Someone may not eat Pork, so the inclusion of amazing Bacon becomes a non-factor for that person's ideal Burger. Another person may hate Blue Cheese (as is the case with many people I know), so the Father's Office Burger isn't the be all end all for them. And then there are expectations. I know someone from South Orange County who drove up to L.A. for the Father's Office experience. Can you imagine the level of expectations after a 3 Hour Drive (round trip)? Is it worth it? Only each individual can answer that question.

After surveying only a fraction of the many great Gourmet Burgers offered up here in L.A., in the grand scheme of things, we're blessed with many great options. Here are some final individual awards:

* Favorite Classic American Burger: Morton's The Steakhouse Prime Burger
* The Beefiest Burger (for Flavor): Father's Office Office Burger
* Favorite Everyday, Enjoyable Burger: The Golden State & Rustic Canyon

In trying to track down that "Perfect Gourmet Burger," I'm reminded of what Anthony Bourdain said to the East Coast Food Blogger on an episode of No Reservations: "C'mon! It's just a *BLEEP*in' burger!" (^_^) Everyone has their favorite Burger; something that speaks to them personally and that's the most important thing. In hindsight, I should've enlisted more Guy Hounds to help with the eating duties. On second thought, this absurd Burger Battle should have never been started. No human being should ever attempt to consume as many Burgers as our group tried to do. I hope that if anyone reads this, they can save themselves and their loved ones from repeating this tragedy. As I begin to blackout, I vow to never eat a cursed Burger again! Veganism is sounding pretty good... pardon me for a second...

* [Phone Rings] *
* Burger Hound A: "Lamb Burger Night at Golden State! And they just got in Firestone Walker XIII!"
* Me: "Sweet! 9:00? See you there!"

(^_^)-COLLAPSE / REPLY (251 Replies) (by exilekiss, created April 13, 2010)

»Might've been 3.5...

...had I had a few beers to sweeten up this review. Let's see-- good burger, fresh meat and cooked properly...but not spectacular. The bun was too sweet/eggy for me and overall, not really a burger I will crave at odd hours…doesn't have the character of Apple Pan or the flavour of Father's Office. There used to be a kobe burger at Froma on Melrose…that was also tastier.

The ingredients--...+READ ...had I had a few beers to sweeten up this review. Let's see-- good burger, fresh meat and cooked properly...but not spectacular. The bun was too sweet/eggy for me and overall, not really a burger I will crave at odd hours…doesn't have the character of Apple Pan or the flavour of Father's Office. There used to be a kobe burger at Froma on Melrose…that was also tastier.

The ingredients-- outstandingly fresh for a burger place-- fresh meat, fresh greens, just not much flavour coming through. Reasonably good deal...$10 for the burger and a respectably-sized side. Got the cuke salad, green and crisp, but needed more seasoning, salt, something.

Service was ok to kind of sucky. 3.-COLLAPSE (by trampslikeus, created March 20, 2010)

I've only had friendly service at The Golden State Cafe from the guy that owns it and his employees. REPLY (54 Replies) (by sel, created March 11, 2010)

»Grassy, Spicy, Fragrant... Beer?! (And Some Great Food and Floats to Boot) - The Golden State [Review] w/ Pics!

(Formatted with All Pics here:
http://exilekiss.blogspot.com/2009/11/grassy-spicy-fragrant-beer-and-some.html

Ask the general public about "beer" and you're liable to get a full spectrum of reactions, from love to hate, with many only knowing of the mainstream breweries like Budweiser, Coors and Miller. And while we're seeing some smaller labels like Sierra Nevada or New Belgium (Fat Tire)...+READ (Formatted with All Pics here:
http://exilekiss.blogspot.com/2009/11/grassy-spicy-fragrant-beer-and-some.html

Ask the general public about "beer" and you're liable to get a full spectrum of reactions, from love to hate, with many only knowing of the mainstream breweries like Budweiser, Coors and Miller. And while we're seeing some smaller labels like Sierra Nevada or New Belgium (Fat Tire) popping up around town, there's a whole other world of microbrewed beers waiting to be discovered: Craft beers that are as engaging and aromatic as a mainstream beer is one note. The problem is how does one go about learning and trying all the interesting microbrews? L.A. is blessed with a few great beer havens (like Blue Palms), but it's only a smattering compared to the potential clientele to be served. So when The Golden State opened up earlier this year - a restaurant opened by genuine beer aficionados focusing on great microbrewed beers, good food, and featuring Scoops Gelato - it was a cause for celebration.


Located across the street from the wondrous Animal on Fairfax, The Golden State is the embodiment of a dream realized for co-owners Jason Bernstein and James Starr who've always wanted to open up a restaurant that they'd want to eat at personally, and that celebrated California. For the kitchen, they hired Chef Rene Garcia (from Rustic Canyon and Le Merigot), to create a simple, casual menu to enjoy alongside an ever-rotating roster of craft beers. And to top it all off, the excellent, creative flavors of a So Cal icon, Scoops Gelato by Tai Kim (which is reason enough to stop by :).


The Golden State's decor reflects the laid-back, casual style of the restaurant itself: A simple brick wall lining one side, ordering done at the register, and self-seating with the food brought out to your table, usually by one of the owners themselves.


During my first visit, in the mood to try some great microbrewed beers, I ask the person manning the register for some recommendations. That person turns out to be co-owner Jason Bernstein and after a few queries, he recommends the Stone Cali-Belgique IPA (India Pale Ale) on draft, from Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California).


With the first sip, a nice citrus floral aroma interweaves with the bitter hops. It's an IPA for sure, but the Belgian yeast and citrus flavors really shine. I've learned over this past year, that IPAs aren't my favorite, but this Cali-Belgique is one of the better IPAs I've ever tried on draft.

In the mood for more exploration, Jason recommends the Craftsman La Luz, a brand-new seasonal Saison / Golden Ale on draft that they just got in, from Craftsman Brewing Company (Pasadena, CA). There's a nice floral, herbal quality, refreshing and milder than what I thought a Saison would've been. But overall, another interesting, great recommendation from the staff of The Golden State.

But it's during my 2nd visit that really ignited my love for this place, starting with a rare offering: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout on Nitrogen Tap(!), from North Coast Brewing Co. (Fort Bragg, CA).



There's a beautiful head, but then the taste: A sultry dark chocolate with a bit of coffee, and the Nitrogen Tap is amazing in giving off a silky, lighter mouthfeel. I wish more beers were offered on Nitrogen Tap with the sexiness in the Old Rasputin, but I've learned that most beers don't work well with this setup. The good news is that Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout on Nitrogen is one of the anchors at The Golden State (i.e., it won't get rotated out), and it's an excellent partner with Scoops Gelato. :)

Already stunned, I'm given another recommendation by Mr. Bernstein: Allagash Curieux, a Tripel aged in bourbon barrels, on draft from Allagash Brewing Company (Portland, Maine).


After the deep, chocolaty Old Rasputin, the Allagash Curieux was the perfect foil: A light, easy drinking beer, with pleasing vanilla notes, and smooth mouthfeel. I could drink this beer every day and not be tired with it. :) On a side note, while the vast majority of the menu is from California, the Allagash Curieux on draft from Portland, Maine, was too good not to put on the menu, according to Jason (the menu jokingly lists it as "kinda near California" :).

We move on to the AleSmith Grand Cru on draft, a Belgian-style Dark Ale from AleSmith Brewing Company (San Diego, CA).


It has a beautiful, deep amber / copper color, and has some nice stone fruit / cherry flavors coming through, reminding you of a Port in some ways.


As a comparison point, we try the humorously-named AleSmith Horny Devil on draft, a Belgian Strong Ale from AleSmith Brewing Co.


It's a potent beer, with an almost mead-like quality, some honey and fruit, and a surprisingly spicy finish. It's a little too much for my palate, but I'm glad I tried it.

On another visit, The Golden State is serving a new seasonal offering: Firestone Walker Lil' Opal Saison / Farmhouse Ale on draft, from Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robles, CA).


Made with leftover mash and Belgian Saison yeast, there's a bit of a barnyard funk, grassy, with a slight tang.


As interesting as their rotating craft beers on draft are, their food stands out as well. On one visit, we start out with a side of their Persian Cucumber Salad (served with Shahi and Lemon Vinaigrette).


There's a surprising floral aroma leading to some refreshing, crisp Cucumber slices. The Lemon Vinaigrette is a bit dull, but it also doesn't distract from the green vibrancy in the Cucumbers.

Their French Fries are served with a Housemade Hazelnut Romesco.


The Fries have generally been nicely crisped on the outside with a fluffy interior over multiple visits, but it's their Housemade Hazelnut Romesco that steals the show: A wonderful dipping sauce, made with Tomatoes, Roasted Bell Peppers and Hazelnuts, leading to a sweet, nutty, addictive quality. They also offer a Housemade Curry Ketchup (a sweeter, exotic sauce that's delicious), regular Ketchup and a variety of Mustards if you prefer.

Much has been made of The Golden State's Burger, with many calling it the greatest Burger in L.A., while others have met that fervor with their own strong counter-reaction claiming it's "terrible." Burgers are a very personal thing, so it's not surprising to see such a wide variety of reactions, from those that lift it up on the highest pedestal, to those that vehemently tear it down. Before tackling the Burger, I try to manage my expectations: It's a humble *Burger* on a menu, at a casual, simple eatery. It makes no pretenses that it's their "world-famous Burger!" for example, and is simply presented as: The Burger (Harris Ranch Beef, Fiscalini Farms Cheddar, Glazed Applewood Smoked Bacon, Arugula, Housemade Aioli & Ketchup).


The Burger arrives, served with a Rockenwagner Bun (from Rockenwagner Bakery (Santa Monica, CA)). Taking a bite, and it's a delicious combination of flavors: The medium-rare Beef is juicy on the inside with a nice sear on the outside, lightly beefy, with the Fiscalini Cheddar matching well, and then the smoky salty-sweet of the Glazed Applewood Bacon, a little background note of pepperiness from the Arugula,and the lightly sweet Rockenwagner Bun finish things off properly. It's a very good Burger, but it depends on what one is looking for in a Burger. It's not the greatest Burger I've had in my life, but when I'm in the area hanging out with friends and wanting to enjoy a good Burger and Beer, this fits the bill nicely. Delicious. :)



The Burger (and all Sandwiches) come with a choice of one Side Dish, so we decide to try their Fried Sweet Potato Wedges (with Housemade Garlic Aioli).


These turn out to be truly what the menu states "Sweet Potato Wedges" and not "Sweet Potato Fries" which is what I mistakenly thought they were. In this recent craze spreading around L.A. / O.C., more and more places are adding Sweet Potato Fries to their menus, and I was thinking this was the same thing. Instead, these are hefty wedges that celebrate their primary ingredient: Sweet Potatoes. It's softer, moister and far more about eating a slice of Sweet Potato, than the more ubiquitous "sweet French Fry" (Sweet Potato Fries). I prefer the crispier Fry version, personally, but this is a solid choice for those who enjoy the Sweet Potato in a more concentrated state.

On Friday and Saturday nights only, The Golden State serves their Fish 'n Chips (Line-Caught, Wild Icelandic Cod Battered in Craftsman 1903 Lager).


The batter is crispy and puffy and the Icelandic Cod is tender, moist and flaky, and clean-tasting. It's one of the better Fish 'n Chips I've had this past year, and a nice change from the normal menu.


While waiting for the Fish 'n Chips, I decide to try their Angel City Dunkel on draft, from Angel City Brewing (Los Angeles, CA). It features a deep, rich, dark chocolaty taste with a decent finish.


And besides the Craft Beers on draft and food, The Golden State is the only outpost of the legendary Scoops Gelato from the ever-creative Tai Kim, owner and culinary artist of Scoops.


The beauty of this setup is that Scoops' owner personally delivers and creates new flavors daily, and the flavors are always interesting: On one night, you might find a Jim Beam Nutmeg Gelato, or a Blackberry Balsamic, or the most popular flavor, Brown Bread Gelato.

But perhaps the greatest fun to be had is in The Golden State's wonderful Beer Floats. Combining top-quality Craft Beers with Scoops Gelato is something so interesting and different, it's even caused Jonathan Gold to wax poetic about these creations. :) For our first try at these Beer Floats, we decide to try 2 flavors. First up is Scoops' Malt White Chocolate Mocha Gelato with Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (on Nitrogen Tap).


It's a bit wild and off-putting at first: Your taste buds are expecting something like the more commonly found "Root Beer Float" - something sweet and ice creamy - but a Beer Float is something far different: The bitterness of the Old Rasputin really helps to act as a compelling foil to the sweetness of the Scoops Gelato. So instead of "sweet on sweet" (like a Root Beer Float), you get a nice contrast of "hops / bitterness / earthiness / grassy qualities on sweet" (from the Gelato). Once your taste buds get used to it, it's a delicious experience. (^_^) The Malt White Chocolate Mocha is a great pairing with the Old Rasputin.

We also try their more classic / original flavor pairing: Scoops' Brown Bread Gelato with Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (on Nitrogen Tap).


The malty qualities from the Brown Bread work spot on with the similar qualities in the Old Rasputin. And due to the Nitrogen Tap, the silky, more refined bubbles from the Old Rasputin really blend well with the Brown Bread Gelato, to give a nice mouthfeel. :)

Of course, if you ever see them feature the other winning combination from the 1st Annual Beer Float Throwdown (earlier this year) - Scoops' Raspberry Yuzu with The Bruery's Hottenroth Berliner Weisse - forget what you were going to get and immediately place an order for this amazing combination that completely transforms your notion of what a Beer Float is all about. Simply outstanding! :)

On another visit, I stumble upon a new daily special featured only on Thursdays: The Golden State Lamb Burger (Colorado Lamb, Gruyere, Arugula, Applewood Smoked Bacon).


I love Lamb, so I'm excited to see how this Lamb Burger would turn out. Taking a bite...

Mouth-wateringly delicious! :)


A perfect medium-rare, with a beautiful char, the melted Gruyere Cheese serves as a great complement to the Colorado Lamb itself, which has a subtle, but distinct gaminess (in a good way), that stands the test of eating it straight by itself (with no toppings).

But adding in the Applewood Smoked Bacon, the pepperiness of the Arugula, a bit of Yogurt and Dill, and the light sweetness from the Rockenwagner Bun, and you have the makings of one of the best Lamb Burgers around town. :) (And thankfully, in the 3-4 times that I've ordered this Lamb Burger, it's always been consistently delicious.)


The California Greek Salad that's served with the Lamb Burger is a decent Salad, with Romaine, Capers, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, and a Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette. The flavor combination is spot-on, but it's been overdressed each time we've gotten it.

During my 6th visit, The Golden State is featuring Port High Tide IPA on draft, from Port Brewing Co. (San Marcos, CA).


Mr. Bernstein explains that this is a Wet Hopped Beer, available only for a few months during the Fall. It has a really fragrant nose, an initial bitterness, leading to a nice grassy, green, herbal taste. For an IPA this is really drinkable by itself, and a great pairing with their Lamb Burger.

The Golden State also features Let's Be Frank Hot Dogs and Sausages, which are grass-fed meat, free from nitrites, nitrates, hormones and antibiotics. I decide to try their Let's Be Frank Pork Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions and Sauerkraut.


For all of its all-natural, high profile exposure, the Let's Be Frank Bratwurst tastes like a good, lightly-spiced, standard Bratwurst. It's not bad, but it's nothing spectacular.


As with all their sandwiches and dogs, you get a choice of one side dish, and their seemingly simple, innocuous Potato Salad turns out to be one of the hidden highlights of their menu: The Golden State Potato Salad is made with Red Potatoes, Chives, Egg, Mayonnaise, Mustard and Shallots, and is easily the best Potato Salad I've had outside of homemade while growing up. The Red Potatoes are still firm, but have a nice pliability (not the usual overcooked mush). It's creamy, but not too heavy, with a great herbal undertone. Add to that, the crunch of fresh Shallots and it's a Potato Salad worth stopping by for. :)

For those looking for a lighter meal, their Chicken Sandwich (Grilled Chicken Breast with Arugula, Tomato and Homemade Aioli) fits the bill nicely.


The Grilled Chicken Breast is moist and lightly seasoned with Salt and Pepper, but it's the pairing with Arugula, Tomatoes and the Housemade Aioli on Breadbar Bread that makes it enjoyable.



For our next dish, Mr. Bernstein recommends the New Belgium Fall Wild Ale on draft, from New Belgium Brewing Company (Fort Collins, CO).


It's spicy, a little tart with some fruit, but there's a distinct barnyard funk when you finish a sip. It's unique and a little surprising, but the beauty of this Wild Ale is the great pairing with our next dish, BLTA (Glazed Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado and Housemade Aioli).


Like many of their offerings, the simple, mundane names belie the greatness within: The Applewood Bacon is wonderfully crisp, crunchy and works perfectly in this classic combination with the fresh Lettuce, Tomatoes and Avocado. The Breadbar Ciabatta Bread tastes fragrantly fresh with a soft chew. It's arguably one of the best sandwiches on the menu. And with the great recommendation from the staff, the barnyard funk from the New Belgium Fall Wild Ale is completely removed when eaten with the BLTA. Excellent. :)


Their Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw (Shredded Red and Green Cabbage, Carrots, Jalapeno, Red Wine Vinaigrette) is a great choice for spice fiends.


It's a very light Slaw, with crisp, sharp vegetables, and a refreshing, welcoming spicy kick from the Jalapenos.

I finish off one of my latest visits with another seasonal, rare beer they just got in: The Bruery Two Turtle Doves, a Belgian-style Dark Ale on draft, from The Bruery (Fullerton, CA).


It's a deep, dark brew, and the flavors are incredible! Nutty, cocoa-y, chocolaty, it's a terrific holiday celebration beer and a nice "dessert" sipper. And it's a great pairing with many of the Scoops Gelato flavors available this evening. :)

I also try their Virgil's Root Beer on Draft(!), from Reed's (Los Angeles, CA).


While Virgil's is showing up more and more at markets around town, this is the first time I've had it on draft, and the difference is impressive: This all-natural Root Beer is just bursting with spices and bright effervescence, an incredible Anise flavor, with a great Wintergreen finish.

Service has been just fine for this type of informal restaurant: You order at the counter, take a number and find a table. It can be a little hectic at times, when they're at 100% capacity and you're waiting for a table, but the turnover is generally pretty fast, and the servers are always willing and able to assist you. It's especially nice since both co-owners (who also serve the food), can answer your questions about the various beers and make great recommendations.


Prices range from $3 - $10 for Food, $2 for a scoop of Scoops Gelato, $8 for a Beer Float, and most of these amazing Craft Beers on draft, from $5 - $9 a glass.


The Golden State represents a welcoming, easy-going entry-point into the fascinating world of Microbrewed / Craft Beers, with a constantly changing menu of interesting Beers on draft. In addition, their small, but focused menu of food items are expertly executed, with some great offerings (despite the simple-sounding names), like their amazing Colorado Lamb Burger, BLTA, Golden State Potato Salad and more. Add to that, the always interesting flavor combinations of Scoops Gelato, and it's easy to see why The Golden State draws a good crowd on most nights. And with co-owners / beer scholars Jason Bernstein and James Starr always willing to discuss the ins and outs of a great Tripel vs. a rare IPA vs. a Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Brown Ale and more, it's like getting a free beer crash course, along with some excellent craft brews and great food, all at reasonable prices in an informal setting. Recommended.

*** Rating: 8.3 (out of 10.0) ***

The Golden State
426 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: (323) 782-8331

Hours: Tues - Sun, 12:00 p.m. Noon - 10:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays.

http://thegoldenstatecafe.com/-COLLAPSE / REPLY (5 Replies) (by exilekiss, created December 2, 2009)