Best of 2011

For me it has been a great year of Burger Eating and Burger Reviewing!

When you write about a certain type of food over and over you really seem to pick it apart.

Previously I never paid any attention to all of the small details, nor did I realize what a big difference they can make in the overall Burger Experience.

I now know that I like my bun not to be too big, or too small, as well as I like it to be grilled. Prior to this project I never even gave it a second thought.

I also now realize how many different ways there are to make French Fries.

Also, the type and quantity of lettuce can make or break a Burger.

I am looking forward to a new year full of more and more Burgers, as well as other types of foods of course. I would not be surprised if I get into BBQ a little more, and also plan on doing some reviews of local diners in an attempt to find my favorite Breakfast in Orlando.

In closing I don’t want to necessarily name a “Top Five” Burgers.

(Graffiti Junktion would definitely be up there, and I haven’t even given them a proper review yet)

So instead I would like to give a little recap of some of the “Best Burger Experiences” that I had this year!

I had a great experience at Bahama Breeze in Tampa, I was with a fun group of friends which always helps, the Burger was amazing, and I was really pleased with the side item choice of fresh fruit with sorbet.

Who would have thought that a national chain like the Cheesecake Factory would have such a great Burger? Especially since I remember having a Burger there many years ago and didn't enjoy it at all, but with their new Gourmet Burger menu which included this Mac N Cheese Burger, I am looking forward to trying some of their other options!

The Rusty Spoon on Church Street not only provided me with this delicious, high quality Burger called "The 55", but they taught me a thing or two about fresh meat and the importance of local ingredients and grassfed Beef!

The Flying Star Cafe in Albuquerque, New Mexico allowed me to taste this delicious "Blues Burger" and gave me these awesome house made BBQ chips, which gave me very fond memories of my vacation.

and finally there is TEAK, my favorite local Burger and Fry combination.

I like to take new people there as often as possible and introduce them to their amazing Burgers!

and I am proud to use this photo of "The Germanator" as my profile picture!

Looking forward to another year of reviewing my favorite Burgers!

Happy Eating and Reading to all of you!

Florida Burger Lover

Prickly Pear - Bison Burger

I had heard mixed reviews of Prickly Pear, however when they offered a Groupon of $40 for $20 I decided that was a pretty good deal. I looked on line and saw that they had some interesting Burgers.

The ATMOSPHERE… Located on the outskirts of Lake Eola, it occupies the building that was formerly Graze. Upscale and elegant it would be a perfect place for a date.

The SERVICE… Our server was excellent, very knowledgeable and helpful, and everything was timed perfectly.

The FOOD… The awning outside says “Cuisine of the American Southwest”. The menu consists of a little something for every palette, of which many of them have a little kick of spice. (If you are looking for Tex Mex, then go across the street to Mucho Tequila and Taco)

Ever since I first looked at the online menu I knew that I would be ordering the Bison Burger (Blue cheese, Caramelized Onions, Balsamic, Green Leaf Lettuce, Tomato - $13) I had previously had Bison, and was hoping that this would be as good as I had gotten in the past, however it turned out to be much better! The Burger was juicy and delicious, the fries were crispy (I couldn’t stop eating them) and they even came with Prickly Pear’s homemade Chipotle Ketchup.

Then I came to find that the night we were there the Burgers were already a few dollars off the normal price, so our entire bill (Two meals, and appetizer, a soda, a beer and a margarita) were all covered with our $40 Groupon. What a pleasant surprise! I highly recommend the Prickly Pear – Great for a date, and great for a Burger!

Oblivion Taproom - Hog Wild

After hearing about Oblivion Taproom’s amazing Burgers from a couple of friends I really wanted to see what it was like. Then after reading the extremely mixed reviews on Unbanspoon.com I was a little skeptical, but knew that I still wanted to give it a try and judge for myself.

The ATMOSPHERE… By the décor and overall ambiance I would assume that Oblivion is run by fans of late ‘80s Gothic music. Posters of Bauhaus and Slipknot adorn the Red and Black painted walls of this building which use to be a Straub’s several years back (I think) There is plenty of seating, pool tables, and a bar specializing in unique draft and bottled Beers.

The SERVICE… Our server was great with helpful suggestions on different Beers to try and which Burgers were the most popular.

The FOOD… Although they do have things like Sambuca Spiked Spinach and Artichoke dip and Scotch Eggs, it mostly the Burgers that bring people here. There are about twelve different Burgers to choose from – all stacked high with your choice of Fries, Tots, Potato wedges or Fresh Potato chips – And they can all be seasoned with six different spice toppings such as Cajun or Old Bay.

I was hoping that Oblivion Taproom would be open for lunch, because that is usually the time I like to go out to eat, however they open at 4pm and stay open until 2am (bar hours – closed on Mondays). I ended up going around 7:30 on a Tuesday evening. There were some people playing pool, no one sitting at the bar, and there were probably 4 or 5 other tables that were occupied. I was expecting to find a younger, tattooed and pierced crowd, instead as I looked around I saw parties from all walks of life – a table of Bikers, sat right next to a table of four with two members in their ‘70s. Quite refreshing!

Upon looking at the menu I knew that I had to try the HOG WILD (Beef burger topped with Chopped Pork, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, House BBQ Sauce, Onion Rings, and Sharp Cheddar. Served on a Brioche Bun - $11) When a restaurant offers homemade Potato Chips I usually get them, and most of the time I like them better then Fries. I chose the Parmesan Garlic seasoning for the chips, and I thought that with this meal I could not go wrong. All of my favorite things, I was so excited and so hungry!

I ordered an Iced Tea and was informed that they were out. OK fine, I’ll stick with water. Then the Burger arrived. It was stacked high and I wondered if it could all fit in my mouth or not. I squashed it together with determination and took my first bite. All I tasted was Onion Ring. The next bite, a little Beef and some Tomato. On to the chips, although they were plentiful they were far from great. And so on and so on. I managed to consume most of the Burger and most of the Chips, and then when I came to my stopping point I had the sad realization that I quit because I wasn’t really enjoying it, not because I was full. (Insert Sad Face here) The Beef, Pork, and Bacon had very little flavor, and the Onion rings overpowered the whole thing. I also felt that I had wasted way too many calories on something that was just not worth it. I had wanted to prove to the people that had given this place a poor review that they were wrong, but at this point I found myself agreeing with them. It is highly doubtful that I will return, but at least I gave it a try. I wish I had something better to say about the food.

TEAK Neighborhood Grill - My Favorite Burger!

TEAK Neighborhood Grill located at 6400 Times Square Avenue deep in the heart of Metro West, Orlando opened on 4/28/10. Right at the top of their menu it states the following: We strive ourselves on fresh ingredients, prompt service, unique specials and an atmosphere that will appeal to a wide range of customers. Our goal is to have the Best Burgers in Orlando!!! My personal opinion is that they have achieved their goal. It really is the BEST BURGER!

Fresh ingredients – YES

Prompt service – almost!

(I usually go there for lunch where I have never had anything but exceptional service, however in the evenings sometimes it is so busy that things can get backed up a little bit)

Unique specials – Yes, but there are so many things on the regular menu that I crave for that I rarely differ from something other then a Burger!

And Yes, the atmosphere does appeal to a wide variety of customers. Full bar with incredible drink specials, indoor and outdoor dining, live music on certain nights, I could go on and on.

But most importantly there are the BURGERS! There are cooked to order and are piled high (almost too high) with unique combinations of high quality ingredients. There is no detail they haven’t thought of from the locally baked Buns, to how the Burger is presented on the plate. I highly recommend choosing the Garlic Bistro Fries as your side item. They are seasoned with a special combination of Garlic, Herbs and Spices and sometimes I crave them just as much as the Burger itself. For under ten dollars you will definitely leave TEAK satisfied!

Here are some of the delicious Burgers that I have tried from TEAK!

Germanator $9.95

1/2 pound Angus beef, golden potato pancake, house-made bacon hash, swiss cheese, greens, balsamic reduction & dijonnaise on a fresh baked pretzel bun

PB& J Burger $9.95

1/2 pound Angus beef, smooth Almond butter, orange marmalade, crispy potato strings, provolone cheese served on toasted pretzel bun

Brazilian $9.95

1/2 pound Angus beef, sliced black forest ham, fried egg, crispy potato strings & provolone cheese piled high on lettuce, tomato & ranch dressing served on a brioche bun

Californication $9.95

1/2 pound Angus beef rolled with blue cheese crumbles, fresh avocado, bacon hash, garlic-herb mayo, lettuce & tomato on a pretzel bun

As far as taste goes, TEAK is my favorite Burger yet!

Good luck to any place that can beat it.

Hamburger Mary's - Big Kahuna Hawaiian

Sitting on the second floor of a building overlooking the heart of YBOR City is Tampa’s Hamburger Mary’s. Having previously visited the Orlando location a couple of times and enjoying the Burgers, I was in Tampa on a Friday night I found myself at this location where not only did I get an amazing Burger, but I also got an amazing show!

The ATMOSPHERE… Although there are similar features to the Orlando location this one appears to be much larger with high ceilings and on this particular evening there was much more of a party atmosphere. The music was loud, the place was packed, and there was a drag show hosted by Daphne Ferraro that was very entertaining.

The SERVICE… Apparently a reservation would have been a good idea, however I managed to find a spot at the bar and my bartender/server was very efficient and the food came out quickly.

The FOOD… The Burger menu is similar to the Orlando location, but with a few different options. Plus at this location you have your choice of Sirloin, Kobe, Chicken, Black Bean, Ahi Tuna, Turkey, Buffalo or Salmon (talk about choices). They also have a full bar with a generous pour.

I decided on the Big Kahuna Hawaiian (Mary’s Teriyaki Burger with Bacon, Sliced Grilled Pineapple, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle) I had originally wanted the Buffalo Patty, however I was told that they were out, which ended up being just fine because the Sirloin was so good that I didn’t miss it. The Pineapple and Teriyaki Sauce gave the Burger a sweet and refreshing taste, and the Bacon and Cheddar added saltiness making it a mouthgasmic experience. Some friends of mine that were sitting across the bar later showed me some pictures that they took of me devouring my Burger. I must have enjoyed it because I ate every last bite. Now for my side item I chose to get the MMMMac ‘N Cheese for a $2 upcharge because the description stated that it was “Homemade and Creamy”. I was not let down. I cleaned out that bowl as well, had a cocktail, and enjoyed the rest of the show. I have now been to both of Florida’s Hamburger Mary’s locations and I must say that they both serve one hell of a Burger!

The Bricks - Pacific Rim Pulled Pork

I had heard from several friends that the next time I’m in Tampa I should try The Bricks. People that know me seemed to think that this is the kind of restaurant that I would love, so on my last visit I made a point of it to see if they were right.

The ATMOSPHERE… Bar/ Restaurant/ Coffee shop located on 7^th Avenue in YBOR City with local art on the walls and live music on certain nights.

The SERVICE… Our server was courteous and helpful, and our food arrived in the proper amount of time

The FOOD… They offer a wide variety of Beer, Coffee and Tea to sip on while you enjoy one of their unique Appetizers, Salads, or Sandwiches that are made up of an interesting combination of ingredients. They also serve “Specialty” Peanut Butter and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

There were three of us and so for an appetizer we decided to get the “Taste of the Bricks” (house-made hummus, house-made salsa, house-made black bean dip, vegetables, tortilla chips, pita slices - $12). Everything on this platter was fresh and delicious, and just the right amount for three people.

Then when it was time to order I had a Ginger Peach Tea ($2 – Delicious) and the Pacific Rim Pulled Pork (ponzu and coffee marinated roasted pork, asian slaw, Hawaiian sweet bread - $8) and my side was the Roasted Potato Salad. There were several other sandwiches that sounded good, but I’m glad I tried this one for my first visit. The Pork was tender and flavorful and made for a really nice sandwich. However the star of the show might have been the Potato Salad. I normally shy away from Mayonnaise-based Potato Salads, but this was a Sour Cream base, served cold and mixed with Bacon, Cheese and Chives, giving it a Loaded Baked Potato flavor! It was quite memorable! I would definitely go back to The Bricks and try some of the many other intriguing menu items.

Steak 'N Shake - Western Bacon 'N BBQ Burger

I use to love to go to Steak 'N Shake.

I fondly remember the Western Bacon 'N BBQ Burger.

Those were the days!

The Rusty Spoon - The 55

The Rusty Spoon is located in downtown Orlando on Church Street right next to the train tracks. I have read reviews of their “55 Burger” and decided to go and give it a try.

The ATMOSPHERE… a large bar, elegant furnishings, modern lighting and décor

The SERVICE… Upon entering at lunchtime we were immediately greeted by bartender/server Lisa, who continued to give us impeccable service throughout our meal.

The FOOD… Gastro Pub, American cuisine rooted in European flavors, locally farmed and grown ingredients, mainstay menu favorites and daily in season specials

I was here for one reason. I needed to try “The 55” (half pound of Grass-Fed Beef stuffed with Bacon and Gruyere, smothered with Onions, Rusty Aioli, House-made Pickles on a Soft Roll). The price was $14 but I had previously purchased a Groupon so it really only cost me about $7. I ordered mine well done and for my side item I selected Lisa’s suggestion of the Haystack.

Upon its arrival I was quite pleased with the presentation. After first bite I noticed that it was bright pink in the middle (I had ordered it well done), however just as I had thought this Lisa came over and told me not to be concerned with the pink because that was how it was suppose to look. She explained further that since the beef they use is always fresh and grass-fed that it has a much lighter pink color to it then other beef. As I took another bite I realized that what she was saying is true. Not only did she help me to enjoy this meal, but she also helped me to think about Beef quality wherever I dine, and to realize that a little pink is OK when you are speaking of Beef that is Fresh. Now back to this Burger, with every bite that I took I loved it a little bit more. The Beef was moist and delicious and I could definitely taste the Bacon that was stuffed inside. The cheese was melted, there were just the right amount of sautéed Onions, the house-made Pickles were crisp and tangy, and the Brioche Bun encased the Burger perfectly making it a unique combination of flavors.

I am usually not a fan of shoestring fries because they often get too cold too fast, however this huge cluster managed to stay warm until the end. (Not sure how the achieved that but it was noted and appreciated) The fries were also dusted with herbs and finely shredded cheese and served with homemade Ketchup. I might as well have licked my plate clean because there was absolutely nothing left on it when I was finished.

Although I received a discount, I would have gladly paid full price for this Burger. It was really that good. It looks as though they have many delicious and interesting items on their menu, but if I go back I will not hesitate to get the same thing again, and that is the sign of a really good Burger!

Hillstone - Hickory Burger

This was my first visit to Hillstone, however I use to go there quite frequently back when it was Houston’s. I understand that it is still the same company as before, they just changed the name at this Winter Park location. When I dined there previously I was not yet a Foodie, however I do remember that I use to order the Hickory Burger, and I also remember that they had really nice bathrooms. I found myself wanting a night on the town with an upscale restaurant, and so I decided to give it a try in hopes that I would enjoy it as much as I did in the past.

The ATMOSPHERE… The tables are stacked so that they all have a beautiful lake view, the lighting is a nice setting for a romantic evening, and the bathrooms are still really nice.

The SERVICE… Our server’s name was Sage and she was helpful and informative, and all of the other servers seemed to be equally efficient.

The FOOD… Sandwiches, Salads, Entrees ranging in price from $16-$35, and a full bar with a heavy emphasis on Wine

After seeing that the menu only listed a Burger that did not appeal to me I considered getting something else, however when Sage informed that I could get the Hickory Burger and that it was still featured on their lunch menu there was no other choice in my mind. (In-house ground Burger with grilled Canadian Bacon, house-made BBQ sauce, plenty of shredded Cheddar and diced White Onions, served on a Sesame Seed Bun $15) There were several side items to chose from, of which I decided on the sliced vine ripened Tomatoes served with torn Basil. Upon arrival at the table I was delighted, it was just as I had remembered! With the combination of the raw Onions, the mound of Cheese, and the savory slices of Canadian Bacon it made for a tasty trip down Memory Lane. Perhaps I had been a Foodie in training all along. I do think that $15 for a Burger is a little on the expensive side, however when you factor in that you are dining out in a great atmosphere at a higher end establishment I really think that you are getting a great deal. Thank you for the consistency!

Wildside's BBQ - Wild "Fire" Burger

WildSide BBQ has been a staple in Thornton Park since 2001. I recall the very early days when it was a small “hole in the wall” building that was barely large enough to actually sit down in. Then I remember they expanded and made it a little larger, then a few years later it expanded even more with a new addition and a higher roof. Now everyone I talk to seems to know and love WildSides. They have branched out and opened a location in Kissimmee and the newest in College Park, where I recently visited.

The ATMOSPHERE… a sports bar feel where people go to watch the game, have a drink, or eat a meal, the TVs are LOUD so don’t go if you are planning on a quiet romantic meal

The SERVICE… we’ll skip that for now

The FOOD… Appetizers range from Gator Bites to Loaded Potato Skins, Dinner Salads, A wide variety of sandwiches including WildSide’s Famous Beef Brisket Sandwich (topped with sweet pickles and BBQ sauce), or get a House Specialty Entrée’s or Smoked BBQ platters ranging in price from $10.99 - $23.99.

There were a lot of people working that day, but still no one seemed to know what they were doing. We were greeted several times and then shuffled around from person to person before they finally decided on a server for us. The length we waited did give us plenty of time to look over the menu and both of us decided to get the Wild ‘FIRE’ Burger (Black Angus Beef, mixed with Gorgonzola Cheese, mild Buffalo Sauce. Served on Texas Toast with Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Crispy Onion Rings, served with Signature Steak Fries $8.99) I requested mine Well Done, while my friend asked for his Medium Well. When the Runner brought them out and put them in front of us we asked him which was which because they were cooked to different temperatures. He seemed puzzled and said, “let me go find out”. We thought this was a bit strange. When he returned he pointed to one of them and said, “This one was the Well Done”. (Not sure how he knew which one that was, I am assuming that he just guessed) I ended up taking the one that looked the darkest on the outside which ended up being cooked to my liking, however when my friend bit into his it was very bloody in the middle – not exactly what I would call “Medium Well”. As for the flavor of the Burger, my complaint is that I could not taste any Bleu Cheese or any Hot Sauce (This has been a complaint of mine at other restaurants when ordering a “Specialty Burger” where you can not taste the ingredients that are mixed in with the meat) The Steak Fries were OK, The Burger was not bad, it just lacked the flavor that I was expecting by the menu description. The Texas Toast it was served on was larger then the Burger patty and you ended up with a lot of extra bread. Since there are so many other restaurants that I prefer going to for either BBQ or Burgers, it will probably be a while before I could get talked in to going back to WildSide’s.

Pine Twenty 2 - The 22

Pine Twenty 2 is a “Build your own Burger” spot that sits on the corner of Pine and Orange in “The Plaza” block of downtown Orlando.

The ATMOSPHERE… Plenty of open seating is available in the large modernly furnished and decorated space.

The SERVICE… Select a clipboard and fill out a checklist of what you want on your Burger. Once you pay you are given a number, you find a seat, and they will bring your food to the table.

The FOOD… You must make a selection in all of the following categories…

#1 Type of Burger (ex. 100% Angus Beef 5 oz. or 8 oz., Black Bean, Turkey)

#2 Bun (ex. English Muffin, Herb Foccacia, Texas Toast or Salad)

#3 Cheese (ex. Blue, Goat, Fontina, Pepper Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Feta)

#4 Sauce (ex. Basil Pesto, Mango Chutney, Peanut Butter, Ranch, Honey Mustard)

#5 Toppings (ex. Charred Pineapple, Pickles, Roasted Red Peppers, Sprouts)

#6 Premium Toppings $1 Extra (ex. Bacon, Avocado, Ham, Fried Egg)

I have been to Pine 22 a handful of times. What I love about the place is the fact that there are so many choices for your Burger, in fact I have never been anywhere that even comes close to offering this many possibilities. If customizing your Burger with imaginative toppings and quality ingredients to create a unique and delicious meal appeals to you then go there right away and don’t read any further.

Even the smallest Beef or Turkey Burger (5 oz.) starts at $6.95. If you wanted an 8 oz. patty then it jumps to $8.75. Then add $1 for any premium toppings, extra cheese, or if you wanted it on a salad rather then on a bun. Feel like adding fries? That will be an extra $2.75. Finally add a drink for another $2. What I am getting at is that by the time you have created your “customized” meal you could be looking at $14 - $17. Now also keep in mind that Pine Twenty 2 is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando so there will also be some sort of Parking Fee. I lucked out and found a meter that already had some time on it, but I still had to put in an additional 50 cents to allow for my lunchtime.

While flipping to the back side of the menu I saw that they offered several pre-fabricated “Combos” that already had the selections picked out for you and included your choice of Sweet potato fries OR Pine fries. I decided to select the #2 Combo which was THE 22 (1/2 lb Deepcreek Ranch Grass Fed Beef, Sautéed Mushrooms, Charred Onions, Smoked Bacon, Blue Cheese, with Sweet Potato Fries - $10) Had I made all of these selections individually it would have come to $13.50 so I felt this was a good deal (and it sounded delicious as well).

My friend and I ordered together, but our Burgers came out at different times. I noticed that this was happening at both of the other tables that were in there as well. I only bring this up because it was a little awkward eating my Burger while he was just sitting there, and it was a long enough time where if I hadn’t then my food would have gotten cold. I feel like Pine Twenty 2 has been open now for long enough that this shouldn’t be happening.

Now on to the actual taste of my Burger…. It was delicious! Perfectly cooked high quality Beef, crisp thick Bacon, creamy melted Blue Cheese combined with just the right amount of Onions and Mushrooms making each bite a mouthful of happiness.

My only complaint on flavor is that both the Burger AND the Sweet Potato Fries were a bit too salty. I feel that with the way people are so health conscience these days that a little less sodium would appeal to the masses, and no flavor would have to be sacrificed.

By going to Pine Twenty 2 you will most likely get a delicious Burger, however even though they offer a punch card (purchase six Burgers and the seventh is free) I still feel that it is a little too expensive, especially since there are so many cheaper ways to go out there that taste just as good.