Blue Burger
Blue Smoke
116 E. 27th (@ b/t Park and Lexington)
New York, NY 10016
(212) 447-7733
[map] [subway directions]
Rating: 4/5
Notes:
- Burger: Blue Smoke offers a very good patty made of high-quality beef seasoned lightly and cooked just as we ordered. This was a delicious, tight, tall burger that tasted of the smokey wood flavor of the barbecue.
- Bun: The bun here is a seeded brioche, which earns extra points for both character and a nice buttery flavor, but ultimately proved to be the wrong bun for a burger this juicy. We knew within the first few bites that the bun wouldn’t be able to hold up to the ample juices dripping onto the plate.
- Garnish: We ordered our burgers topped with cheddar cheese and the “house-smoked bacon,” which probably would have earned better marks had we not just had the best bacon in the world at our last outing at Barmarché. The lettuce, tomato, and fat onion slice were gratuitous, although the pickles added a nice flavor. Since Blue Smoke is all about the barbecue, you get to pick from a selection of better-than-average sauces that are lined up on the table. The sweet and spicy sauce gave the burger a nice tangy kick.
- Mess factor: This is not just your average messy hamburger. This is the kind of sandwich where you find yourself holding onto a slight shred of bun thoroughly sogged with juice, wondering why you don’t just go ahead and pick up the patty with your hands already.
- Fries: The fries were fine – nothing to write home about. Or to write here about, either. Our advice: skip the fries and order a side of delicous macaroni and cheese.
- Price: $13 – eleven for the base burger, and a dollar each for the cheddar and bacon.
- Bordeaux: With no wines from Bordeaux on the menu, we were happy to turn to a California cabernet to help wash down our burger. We chose a 2001 vintage from Koves-Newlan and we were more than delighted with the oaky, fruity flavor of this wine. The wine had plenty of tannins and a creamy texture that we loved. De-f’in-licous.
- Atmosphere: You could definitely take a girl here.
- Overall: We came to Blue Smoke in search of a “5″, because we expected that they would produce a hamburger on par with their St. Louis style spare ribs. The burger was great, but when it comes time for our next visit to East 27th, it will not be for a hamburger. Unfortunately, our next visit will not include the ‘01 Koves-Newlan Cab since we consumed their last bottle, ever. If you find this wine somewhere, get it (and let us know where you found it). Now, a word about the macaroni and cheese: Scrumptious. This is probably the best mac and cheese going — super creamy and loaded with cheese. A destination side dish if there ever was one.
Add comment May 30th, 2006