Shake Shack

The first time I saw a Shake Shack was a few years back near Union Square, and I thought to myself there is no way in hell I'm waiting in that long ass line. The line was ten times longer than for a Pink's hotdog. For those who are not familiar to Shake Shack, it is the "In-N-Out" of NYC. They are also famous for their milkshakes.

As I was coming out of the 86th subway stop, heading to the Met Museum to check out the Alexander McQueen exhibit, it stopped drizzling, the clouds disappeared, the sun came out, and the angels sung, "Shake Shack." Ok, not really but when I saw the line was short I felt the angels were looking after me.

I went for a basic cheeseburger to compare it with the Angeleno’s favorite In-N-Out’s, and their talk about cheese fries. The wait time after you order your food is about the same as In-N-Out. Cost was a few bucks more. Seating more modern.

I’ll admit it, I got giddy when I saw my burger. You don’t need to take a bite to know it’s good, and it was damn good.

The patty was thicker and jucier. Yes, Shake Shake’s burger is better than In-N-Out’s…

Now their cheese fries…

were disappointing. Think Velveeta…which is not necessary a bad thing but I was hoping for more of a distinguish taste. The next time around I’ll know to order a milkshake instead, and of course, a cheeseburger.

Address: 154 E 86th St, New York, NY 10128
Phone: (646) 237-5035

The Apple Pan

My church is finally going to start their DTLA service so my Westside trips will be scarce. I think my next trip to the Westside might not be until the Los Angeles Film Festival, so I decided to have lunch at one of Los Angeles’ historical institution: the Apple Pan. The first time I was here I couldn’t eat anything since I was on the Master Cleanse. Don’t ask. I’ve tried a few times dining here but I always forget that it’s CASH ONLY. I never have cash on me.

The Apple Pan reminds me of the house in the movie UP. A sign of its time and it just doesn’t fit in with the other buildings in the neighborhood. However, the Apple Pan is a much more happening place. The set up is simple: a U-shape counter-top seating only with an old-school cash register.

I had just enough cash for an ice tea and burger, so I went for their Hickory burger with Tillamook Cheddar, and it was heaven! I loved the smoky flavor, and the burger was very juicy. I can’t believe I waited this long for Apple Pan’s burger.

It might be criminal for me not to try Apple Pan’s famous apple pie, but I only had a ten on me. I’ll definitely make sure to have their apple pie next time.

Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd, LA, CA 90064
Phone#: (310) 475-3585
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Oaks Gourmet

I have a new crush, and it’s the Oaks Gourmet.

I worked up a big appetite after helping out at LA Youth Network for Big Sunday, I figured the Oaks Gourmet was the perfect place to fill up. It’s located in the Beachwood Canyon area. They have a tiny, tiny parking lot. I picked the Oaks Gourmet because their burger is popular. The Oaks Gourmet sells fancy food and wine. I wanted to buy everything in the store. Instead I focused on my mission: the Dry Aged Burger, the only kind of burger they offer. You order at the counter and then grab a seat inside or outside.

It comes with Taleggio cheese, red onion, tomato, arugula, Forest bacon and smoked jalapeño-pineapple compote on a brioche bun. It was delicious! I really liked the jalapeño-pineapple compote; it wasn’t spicy. This is my 2nd favorite burger in Los Angeles, right behind 25 Degrees (Father’s Office’s burger is in its own league), and it doesn't come cheap...$11.50 or with French fries. Cole slaw is your only option. It's not bad--not heavy on the Mayo.

To wash the burger down I grabbed a 3D Pomegranate tea. I wanted to feel the pomegranate tea in my tummy…I wonder if that’s going to be new food marketing trend? First it was “organic,” then it was “gourmet,” and now it’s 3D?

I have to come back and try their other sandwiches and pizzas. I bought Maw ‘n Paw Kettlekorn as gift for friend. How cute is that? Oh, must go back for bacon cheddar popcorn…

Come and have a 3D organic, gourmet burger! You won’t regret it!

By the way LA Youth Network house homeless teens and is always looking for volunteers, from tutoring to playing games. Please help ‘em out if you can, thanks!

Address: 1915 N. Bronson, LA, CA 90068
Phone#: (323) 871-8894
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25 Degrees

I'm trying to fatten my intern before she returns to Turkey. I am just kidding. Actually I'm showing her that hamburgers can be really good, not just the Mickey D's and other fast food chains that she's accustomed to. I had to bring her to my favorite burger restaurant in Los Angeles, 25 Degrees. We grabbed a bite there before the Drones screening, which is an awesome indie film playing at the Newport Film Festival on April 24th.

There’s a 25 degrees difference between a medium rare and well-done burger, and that’s how Tim and Liza Goodell, the owners came up with its name. 25 Degrees is located in the Roosevelt Hotel. It's not a big restaurant so in the evening there might be a wait; they don’t take reservations.

They have three different burgers, but you can build your own burger. I prefer to order one of the three burgers to make my life simpler –there are a zillion options. My intern was about to order her own burger but then I forewarned her that one will do just fine between the both of us. We went with the No. 2, which comes with roasted tomato crispy prosciutto, burrata and pesto. My intern was like, “there’s pesto?” Her eyes opened up to the endless possibilities…. I’m making her a food snob.



On my last visit, I had the No. 1 (caramelized onions, prelibato gorgonzola, bacon, arugula and thousand island dressing). They’re both equally good. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to No. 3 since it comes with green chilli.

What really impressed her were 25 Degrees’ onion rings….



The BEST onion rings in Los Angles. They’re not greasy and very addicting. I also love their rosemary French fries. You can skip their sweet potato fries though. Go to Father’s Office for sweet potato fries, which I’ll take my intern there on her last day.

I heart 25 Degrees! I’ve never had a bad experience. Excellent service. The best ways to go about in ordering is one of the burgers and then go half and half with your sides all for $12! For your sides, go for their onion rings and French fries. If you want some greens, their beet and burrata salad is simple and good.

I heart burgers. I heart 25 Degrees’ more.

Address: Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel:
7000 Hollywood Blvd, LA CA 90028
Phone#: (323) 785-7244
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THE FIX BURGER

Updated

My Muslim intern was brave enough to attend my Bible study last Thursday – well we’re not studying the Bible, but St. Augustine’s “Confessions.” I figured the least I could do is take her out for dinner. I’ve been meaning to visit The Fix again as Paul the owner asked me to give it another shot after I wrote a negative review…so I figured I take my intern there. Thank goodness she’s not Hindu.

We weren’t really hungry so we shared the Bison sliders and sweet potato fries. The slider was surprisingly not dry like my last visit.

Their sweet potato fries were good--crispy and not too sweet. Skip their garlic French fries but not the sweet potato fries.

The Fix is still expensive. I think I spent about $18 for two small sliders, sweet potato fries, Mexican coke and an Organic ice tea. They really should have fixed prices…like my favorite burger place, 25 Degrees.

1.24.09

I've been meaning to try the Fix Burger, but every time I head over there, I realized that it's Sunday; they are closed on Sundays. After a nice workout today, I realized that I could "spend" my entire daily calorie intake at the Fix Burger (ok, I had 1/2 of cup of the noodle from Olympic Noodle in the morning).



Trying to stay somewhat healthy...I went for the Buffalo burger because it's has less fat than beef and turkey, has more protein and less calories (got the info from Jackson Hole Buffalo Company). Fix's Buffalo Burger was my 1st Buffalo Burger and let's just say it tasted like cardboard - are you able to see it's dry??).



I started to wonder if a Buffalo Burger is supposed to be dry. I don't recall the cute counter boy asking me how I'd like my meat ...I've had Buffalo/Bison before at Hell's Kitchen In MN and loved it. I did some research and found out that it's pretty easy to overcook Buffalo as it's so lean, but one could add fat...hmm...maybe the chef could learn something from this thread or from the National Bison Association.


I also tried their Garlic Fries (they offer 1/2 order for $2 -just need to ask) and was disappointed again... F.B.'s fries were nice and crispy, but the garlic distribution was not orgasmic like Easy Street Brasserie's Garlic Fries in Park City, UT.

Lastly, I tried their Strawberry Milkshake...it's okay...I like the fresh strawberries in the Milkshake, but 8oz's is much better. Fix Burger does offer a wider selection of Milkshakes...

On a positive note...they are eco-friendly. The to-go containers are made from recycled materials. Staff was nice.

My meal was almost $18. I think I'll try a regular beef burger and sweet potato fries next time...

Address: 2520 Hyperion Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone#: (323) 661-8494
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UMAMI BURGER

It’s amazing that within a little over a year of Umami Burger’s opening it has expanded to three more locations, but then again, their burgers are pretty damn good! My colleague Pinks is moving to San Francisco at the end of this month and since my boss was returning to the States on Sunday, Farts (another colleague) and I decided to take him to an early going away lunch and I couldn’t think of a better place than Umami Burger. It has been awhile since I’ve been to the La Brea location so I was surprised that they now have an outdoor patio. The wait time was thirty minutes.

We decided to order a few side dishes: thin French fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries…thank goodness Umami’s burger are not big.

Farts raved about their onion rings, confidently saying that they have the best onion rings in town. Pinks and I thought he was crazy because the rings were incredibly oily. Our stomachs were upset at the end of meal and we think it’s the greasy rings. I still think 25 Degrees’ onion rings are the best. Thanks Farts.

Instead of ordering two orders of onion rings, we should have ordered two sweet potato fries. I heart their sweet potato fries. They are equally as good as Father’s Office.

Their thin French fries were not bad –definitely better than their thick fries.

Farts didn’t believe in sharing his burger. He ordered the SoCal burger.

Pinks and I shared the…
Manly burger


and the Triple pork burger




Both burgers were excellent. I liked how they combine the bacon with the ground beef in the Manly burger. I loved the flavors in the Triple pork burger! I’m getting hungry just thinking of their burgers. Pinks can check Umami off his list of restaurants that he must eat again before he leaves sunny LA.


2.13.09
Thanks to Thrillist my colleague, Pinks (he likes wearing hot pink, tight pants) and I checked out the soft opening at Umami Burger. It's pronounced oo-ma-mi. I was like, "Uganda? Um-a-mi? Ur mommy?"

Umami Burger is right next to Copy City on the east side of La Brea. There's a tiny parking lot...we lucked out. When we got there, the fellas were like, "We're sold out on most items." Huh? It's only 1PM... "Ok...do you have the Truffle Burger?" "Yes." "Do you have the Triple Pork Burger?" "No." "Er...what burgers do you have?" "The Umami Burger and the SoCal Burger." We went with the Umami since it sounded more exotic, and we scored on free Izzy drinks, Hand Cut Fries, and Roasted Garlic Potato Salad since it was opening day. Oh, we ordered at the counter and they brought the food to us. Umami Burger's space is small, so it's best if you come here in groups of 4 or less. There's one bathroom.

Wait time was around 15 minutes. The Umami Burger was delish but slightly dry.

Loved the Umami's toppings and seasons! The sweet roasted peppers (I think..) on the Truffle burger threw me off.

I honestly can't tell the difference between Truffle and Reg Oil...I preferred the Umami Burger, and Pinks liked the Truffle Burger because the sweet bun that came with the burgers complimented with the Truffle Burger more. We both felt that Umami Burgers are better than 8oz, but my #1 gourmet burgers are still 25 Degrees.If you had to order one side, I would go for the Roasted Garlic Potato Salad

over the Hand Cut Fries

even though the Potato Salad could use more garlic (I like it to be really garlicy). The ketchup is homemade...Heinz is better. Pinks said that the best part of Umami is that you can't overstuff your face --burgers are not massive like 25 Degrees. Just when we thought our meal was done, they gave us free "oatmeal" cookies, which were really chewy & good!

Overall, Umami is not bad, and we'll be back to try the Triple Pork Burger and the Turkey Confit Burger (I'll call in advance to make sure that they are stocked up...).
p.s. As noted on Thrillist, it's BYOB!

Miracle Mile: 850 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone#: (323) 931-3000

Los Feliz: 4655 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone#: (323) 669-3922

Hollywood: 1520 N Cahuenga Blvd,Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone#: (323) 469-3100

Santa Monica: 500 Broadway,Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 451-1300
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Tommy's Original World Famous Hamburgers: Birthday Part 4

After a night of debauchery at the Association, the Golden Gopher Bar, and the Broadway Bar, it was time to soak in the alcohol with my very 1st Original Tommy's burger and chili cheese fries at the Original stand. At this point, I don't remembered much...but I must have loved it since I just found the messy food wrapper the next morning...I am amazed at myself that I managed to take photos of the evidence....super messy!





Address: 2575 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Contact#: 213.389.9060
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THE GOLDEN STATE

Sandwiches and Sausages were the missing ingredients to the Fairfax district until the Golden State moved in. Ok you have Canter’s but that’s a 24 hour Jewish deli that serves e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g minus Chinese. It’s a new hippity hoppity simple eatery offering sandwiches and sausages. I lucked out finding a metered parking space in front of the joint. Had I came in the evening, I would have spent half an hour finding parking.

The Golden State’s interior is simple like the menu with high ceilings so if there are a lot of peeps I imagine you might need to shout…. You order at the counter and take a number. After reading all the reviews prior to heading to the Golden State, I knew I was going to order their burger, but was debating to order the regular fries or the sweet potato fries. The man behind the counter was a bit peeved at my most indecisive stage even though there was no one behind me. I also wanted to make sure I had room for Scoops ice cream –my favorite! It costs a bit more than heading to Scoops on Melrose --$2/scoop as opposed to $1/scoop but it’s still cheaper than Milk’s ice cream.

After pondering for 5 minutes which might have felt like an eternity for the worker, who could have saved me some time by letting me know that the sweet potato fries are not crispy…even though it’s “fried”… I went for regular fries. I hate yam. I can only eat sweet potato fries when it’s nicely coated with fat. Finally I had to decide which ice cream…I asked the man if they’re like Scoops where they give out samples. He was like, “Um, only if you actually end up buying ice cream.” He seemed to lack customer service. I wondered if he was the owner…I ended up with Triple Sec Raspberry.

The medium burger was more on the well done side, but it was still delicious.
It comes with Harris Ranch beef, Fiscalini Farms cheddar, glazed applewood smoked acon, arugula, housemade aioli & ketchup. I really liked the bun—like a brioche style. The burger was a nice size –not too big and not too small. Since the burger came with one side, I don’t think $10 was unreasonably. I would still prefer to spend $12 at 25 Degrees for their massive burger and onion rings/fries. I do find their sausages overprice, which range from $7-8. You might as well go to Wurstkuche.

The fries were ok –nothing to rave about, but be sure not to forget to eat ‘em with their curry ketchup! Scoop’s Triple Sec Raspberry was yummalicious! The ice cream flavors change daily but if you see it, get it!

Address: 426 N Fairfax AveLos Angeles, CA 90036
Phone#: (323) 782-8331
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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