Originally published on the Reside Blog
Gold Leaf, Caviar, And Foie Gras Elevate Ordinary Chuck Patties To Deluxe Marvels
There are few foods more satisfying than the humble hamburger.
The all-American comfort food classic evokes the familiar, and yet, pair it with a martini and a dollop of caviar, a hint of foie gras, or a few shavings of truffle, and suddenly the richness of the simple staple tastes like a million bucks.
The universally delicious hand-held meal has been elevated across the globe with these upscale takes.
SINGLE CHEESEBURGER AT AU CHEVAL IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
All that's griddled is culinary gold at this upscale Chicago diner that evokes the nostalgia of your favorite greasy spoon with the mastery of high-low ingredients. There's bologna. There's foie gras.
At Au Cheval, burgers are classified as "sandwiches" on the menu, and in this case for good reason, considering that topping suggestions can be an egg, crispy bacon, or house-made fried bologna for peak indulgence. The restaurant does not accept reservations, and the bar is perfect for solo diners. Pair your burger with a stiff martini to balance out the richness.
THE BAR BURGER AT MAISON DE LA LUZ, NEW ORLEANS
Japanese Wagyu beef is the star of this burger at Bar Marilou inside the Maison de la Luz hotel, located just steps away from New Orleans' French Quarter. This French-inspired bar, located in a former library, has a menu fully loaded with indulgences—like foie gras with duck prosciutto and a caviar selection—so it's no surprise that its burger is equally luxe. The Wagyu beef patty comes topped with French Saint Andre cheese—a soft-ripened blend of brie mixed with sour cream and whipped sweet cream—pickled cucumber, lettuce, and onion. It's served on a fluffy potato bun.
THE GOLDEN EDITION: WESTSIDE COWGIRL AT HARLEM BURGER CO., NEW YORK CITY
This burger adds a little something extra—edible gold. You'll probably want to document this edible spectacle, which features a medley of comfort food-inspired fixings piled high. The Golden Edition: Westside Cowgirl, as it's called, is topped with Swiss cheese, bacon, crisp tempura onion, homemade barbecue sauce, and egg cooked over easy with lettuce and tomato. Go the extra mile and pair this mouthwatering marvel with a shake and fries.
PRIME RIB BURGER AT THE CONTINENTAL, NASHVILLE
Chef Sean Brock's take is traditional, with high-quality ingredients. The Continental, located inside the Grand Hyatt, just a stone's throw away from the live music and bars on bustling Broadway, uses quality cuts of prime rib folded into Bear Creek Farm's ground beef for its burger. The patty is crusted with peppercorns and seared. But that's just the base of this lavish lunch or dinner—the burger is loaded with red onions, Cantal cheese, tomato, and, the kicker: foie gras mayonnaise. It's served with gaufrette potato chips and horseradish cream. And talk about a burger that comes with hype—there's only a limited number of them made every day at the bar starting at 5 p.m. and in order to claim one, guests are given a golden ticket.
The restaurant is inspired by American dining in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and offers table-side cart service.
THE GOLDEN BOY AT DE DALTONS DINER IN VOORTHUIZEN, NETHERLANDS
This burger dubs itself the world's most expensive. And with a hefty price tag just shy of US$6,000, it just might be. Chef Robbert Jan de Veen of De Daltons diner in Voorthuizen cooked up everything extravagant for The Golden Boy Burger. It starts with a gold-leaf bun that sandwiches a patty comprised of Wagyu beef and chuck short ribs topped with Paleta Iberico Bellota ham, onion rings made with Dom Perignon Champagne in the batter, Beluga caviar, king crab, white truffle, and cheddar cheese. That's not all though—it's served with a barbecue sauce made with single malt Macallan whiskey among other lavish ingredients.
THE INFAMOUS TRUFFLE BURGER AT SERENDIPITY 3, NEW YORK CITY
Food aficionados may know this iconic tourist destination from the classic early 2000s romantic comedy film with the same name, Serendipity, for its famous frozen hot chocolate—but the burgers are also standouts. The Infamous Truffle Burger is dressed with luxury condiments, including Boursin cheese, truffle vinaigrette, black truffle mayonnaise, and an option to add bacon. Save room for dessert if you can.
THE BHANGRA BURGER AT BABA G'S, LONDON
Lamb lovers will appreciate this burger spiced to perfection. The feast for the senses comes with a spiced lamb patty topped with an onion bhaji, raita (an Indian yogurt sauce), tamarind, mango, and a coriander and onion relish.
PLANTA BURGER AT PLANTA WITH LOCATIONS IN TORONTO, FLORIDA, NEW YORK, AND MARYLAND
The dining ambience of this upscale Toronto-based vegan restaurant has a Southern California aesthetic with lush greenery like sprouting snake plants, palm leaves, and Bird of Paradise plants filling the airy space. The Planta Burger, a meatless bean-based patty with mushrooms, lentils, and chickpeas, comes dressed with queso and dill pickles, and a side of almond parmesan truffle fries for eaters looking to cut out meat without compromising on big, bold flavor.
WHERE TO FIND BURGERS IN PORTSMOUTH NEW HAMPSHIRE
A little closer to our home, you can find lots of local burger joints serving up plenty of different types of burgers.
BRGR BAR takes its burger creation seriously by sourcing local ingredients and thoughtfully preparing each dish.
While Lexie's is taking your not-so-typical ingredients and adding them right on top of your burger...pineapple anyone?
And The Goat has that classic country vibe in downtown Portsmouth. Great burgers, large whiskey selection, homestyle brunch, and live entertainment 7 days a week.
