I like food. I like sophisticated food and I like simple food. I like my food done well. I like many different kinds of food. When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a good burger, for me.
I stopped eating McDonald's when I was about 11. I stopped eating the Israeli fast food chain Burger Ranch when I was released from the army. And I stopped eating Burger King soon after.
There was a period where we didn't have much disposable income, and we'd go to a small fast food burger place down the street that sold 100 grams burger for 10 nis, less than $3 today, and a huge bag of fries for about twice as much. It would satisfy a craving and bring comfort.
I've had burgers at pubs and restaurants, but they hardly ever impressed me enough to want to go back specifically to them. Only when I tried Moses Burger, did I discover that burgers can be made far better than they're usually made. Moses has a burger called Artburger, which is claimed to be a mix of beef and lamb. It was the first burger I had medium-rare, and the first time I could really taste the meat. Something about how they ground the meat made it super soft, almost creamy. Since then, I've been constantly on the lookout for a better burger, and to date, I've only had three. Not only that, Moses changed the seasoning of their Artburger, and I can't have it anymore, it's seasoned like a kebab, so you can't taste the meat anymore. Sad. Very sad.
As stated, there are currently only two burgers I like more than the original Artburger, and everything else is so far down the list, I don't even bother mentioning them when talking about good burgers.
Home made burgers, the third best burger I've had. Sure, they aren't much for looks, but they're damn good. I'm still learning every time I make them, and every time they come out a little better. What's the secret? Good meat, and a lot of salt.
I use 100% ground Ribeye from a great butcher. I actually don't like Ribeye for steaks, but love them for burgers. This cut of beef brings the whole thing to a whole other level.
Salt, lots of salt. I'm talking pinch of salt on each side of the burger.
I fry them with no oil on a non-stick pan with a lid. About a minute one side with the lid closed and another minute on the other side.
the only burger worth leaving the house for (in Israel). If you're ever in Tel Aviv and in look for a great burger, check out Groumet 26. This burger is made by a french chef, and comes in about 6 different variations, my favourite being Le Troufe: Truffle aioli, smoked goose breast, parmesan cheese and thinly cut crispy sweet potatos. It's served on a beriosh bun, and is simply divine.
Hache, Camden. Damn this is a good burger. We just happened to drop by this place when visiting the amazing Camden town. It's been a while, so I don't remember which burger I had, but I remember both times I've been there, I had my socks knocked off me. Visiting camden town in london, don't miss out on Haché Burgers.
I actually can't tell if I like Hache or Groumet 26 more, since I've had them so far apart, but they're definitely top two.
The first thing that I look for is good meat, and having it made to medium-rare. If the place doesn't even ask how well I want it done, I know I'm going to be disappointed. It needs to be fatty, but not too fatty. My favourite steak place, NG's burger is way too fat for me. If you're looking for a good steak though, look no further than their porterhouse.
And the second thing, is some creative toppings, preferably selected by the chef, and not an infinite list of toppings I have to pick from. Give me few combinations you think work great please.
The beriosh bun they serve in Gourmet 26 is excellent, but I feel a regular bun does the job, and doesn't take away from the experience.
My experience is obviously very limited to a specific part of the world. I've had some burgers in various places in Europe, and a lot in Israel, but not a lot more than that. What are your favourite burger places in your corner of the world? I'd hate to miss out if I'm ever in town!
