Zinburger

THE Zinburger

A short drive from Giants MetLife Stadium on Route 3 West, is Zinburger, which came highly recommended from a friend. On my first visit to the Zin (that's what the cool kids call it, ok, just this cool kid) I was informed that the big Z is the first in NJ with the others being in Arizona; so keep that in mind if you are reading this from AZ and need your Zinburger fix on your next trip to the NYC area or if you're plotting a trip to AZ and want to sleep easily knowing you can get your Zin fix.

The menu is pretty simple for this burger and wine bar, it mainly consists of burgers and well, wine. Go figure. However, it's worth noting that you should not sleep on a few of the sides and more importantly, the shakes.

Before we stray to sides and shakes and anything that's not a burger, let's talk about beef. It's either Certified Angus or Kobe (not Bryant) served here so you know the meat is quality. It's also fresh, not frozen so that is a big + in my book. The size of the burgers is also worth noting, these guys are rather large and on my first visit I was pleasantly surprised by the size of this thing and the bun pairing was almost perfect*
*I say almost because I first ordered a rare burger and the bun did not hold up to the juicy mess that I held in my hands. Next go 'round I went medium rare and it was on point.

As for the burgers, if you start with the Zinburger (Manchego Cheese, Zinfandel Braised Onions, Mayo) you really can't go wrong. The braised onions really stand out and add a delicious sweetness to this massive burger. Another great option here is the Samburger (Applewood Smoked Bacon, American Cheese, Thousand Island Dressing), the sweetness of the thousand island and the smoky bacon just bring this burger to the next level.

You can't have a burger without sides and I have to say that the Zucchini Fries are out of this world! I also really enjoy the Cole Slaw, Asian inspired with ginger and toasted sesame seeds.

Behold, the Crème Brûlée

If wine is not your thing, there's beer. If wine and beer don't quite do it for you, there are shakes. The Crème Brûlée Shake is one of the best frozen treats I've ever had (it rivals my personal favorite Toasted Marshmallow Shake from Stand!) The Crème Brûlée Shake is truly one of a kind and it is so good and SO BIG! I've also had the Bananas Foster Shake and must admit that I was very disappointed with this one. It looks pretty but the flavor did not invoke the taste of Bananas Foster - however it did inspire me to work on creating this masterpiece in my kitchen!

Rating - 4.75/5 - There are some solid options on the menu though it is not very deep. It's also a bit pricy when the sides creep into the picture. Is it worth the trip out to Clifton? That's for you to decide but I cannot stress how much I enjoyed both burgers and the Crème Brûlée Shake.

Their site - http://www.zinburgernj.com/

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5 Napkin Burger

5 Napkin Burger - UWS Exterior

5 Borough Food Guys, meet 5 Napkin Burger. 5 Napkin Burger, ummmmm, meet me. A long while ago, I teased a visit to 5 Napkin on my other blog, GothamBurgers (or Got Hamburgers if you're so inclined) and I finally made my way to the 5NB on the Upper West Side. Side note, is it me or is the UWS starting to look a lot like the UES? The conversations were eerily similar and the conversations were similarly nauseating but I'm not judging, just being judgmental. Maybe I just need a friend? Or a hug? Or a friend to give me a hug?

I digress and forge ahead. We're here for burgers, not people watching.

The place has a nice interior, I'm into the whole, meat hooks hanging from the ceiling look and it worked for me. The music did not and the tv that was nestled in the corner showing afternoon football served as a good distraction since I had one small glass of water to satiate my thirst during my entire stay.

Original 5 Napkin Burger - Cooked Rare

The burger selection was rather slim compared to some of my favorite burger haunts (Island Burger jumps to mind) The menu featured a handful of options but the Original 5 Napkin Burger was where I started, though I'm not sure why because I'm not too fond of Gruyere, though I do love me some caramelized onions. Related note, I was a little upset to hear that I could have subbed out the Gruyere after I finished my burger and overheard someone at the next table ordering. Sure I could have asked that question but the waiter just offered that info to the other patron.

The important stuff - the burger was asked to be cooked rare and it was PERFECT! The bun, however, didn't really hold up too well. The burger is a little too large and there bun is a little too thin for a burger of this size. The juices just ripped through the bread like juice tends to do.

I've heard lots o' hype about the "fantastic!!!" 5 Napkin but I must say, I felt a little short changed here, like maybe 3 napkins. It was good and my grade is really just based on the food...ok, and partially on the meat hooks. I'd love for someone to explain the presence of sushi on the menu? And perhaps the random entrees? Funny because I was thinking of burgers at a burger joint but the proprietors thought otherwise.

The prices are also a bit high, the Original comes in at a modest $14.95. Yes, yes. It's Manhattan. Yo comprendo. But for serious, if someplace else can charge like 8 bucks for a similarly sized burger...well, you know what I'm saying. I was tempted to order the "Burger for 2" but I didn't wanna be that pig that eats the "Burger for 2" by himself. Especially since I don't drink Diet Coke so I can't properly wash down my gluttonous sins with some diet cola.

Rating 3.75/5 - I was satisfied with what I had but I wanted more. More what? I'm still not sure. I know I wanted more water but I only saw the waiter to order my food and deliver the check. Why'd he get a 25% tip? Oh yeah, I'm a shmuck.

Their site - http://5napkinburger.com/

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Gates Bar-B-Q

Gates Exterior - He looks charming

On the Road...the Kansas City BBQ Disappointment, Volume 2
On the subject of burnt ends, I got to sample some of this KCMO staple at Gates BBQ. Gates is BBQ meets chain meets the Varsity (of Atlanta fame). My Gates experience was a trip into a time warp with a dining room that looked fresh out of 1968 (not that it's a bad thing, just saying) combined with a dash of the Varsity.

For those of you who have been to the ATL and visited the Varsity, you've been greeted by the staff that continually beckons, "whattya have, whattya have?" No time to waste, no time to wait. You gotta order or get out the way for someone else to order, especially during the lunch or dinner rush. At Gates, the experience is somewhat similar, however less endearing. The staff member started with a, "hi, may I help you?" To which we replied, "one minute please." To which they replied, "hi, may I help you?" Then another one chimed in, "hi, may I help you?" I looked around and realized there was nobody else there and then they said it again, "hi, may I help you?" I started laughing and had a hard time keeping a straight face. When I was ready to order, I approached the counter and the girl in front of me asked, "hi, may I help you?" I think I got at least one more before my order was complete and I just was mystified. I'm convinced they're from Skynet.

Gates Pork Sandwich

On to the food, well, I have only photo proof of the pork sandwich which is rather small and packs a hefty $6 price tag. Sure it's fresh, or whatever, but it aint so cheap and it really aint so good either. I mean, I have a mental food calculator that tells me if I am getting both good food and a good value and this didn't meet either criteria. I must say that their hot bbq sauce is also really good (notice that I said the same about the lackluster A. Bryant experience. Why? Because I needed to find something nice to say).

Now for those Burnt Ends. Burnt, to me, implies a degree of crunch or at least some hardness that you should experience when biting into said end. That's just me, I guess. The burnt ends here were a heaping pile of mush that had a char to it but it was such a mush ball that you had little crunch as you munched.

I spent nearly 2 full days in KC and haven't been able to hit you up with much in terms of solid reviews, fear not KCMO fans, I've got one comin'.

Rating - 1.5/5 - there's some charm here. They offer something called the "Struttin Bucket" and that guy has a top hat on. I enjoy that. I also enjoy the signs at the entrance (see my tumblr). The food left a lot to be desired and got a decent bump by the top hat.

Their site - http://www.gatesbbq.com/Default.aspx

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Arthur Bryant's

Hello, I'm Arthur Bryant. Yes, THE Arthur Bryant

On The Road...The Kansas City BBQ Disappointment, Volume 1
I have this theory about BBQ food and it's fairly straight forward, BBQ is meant to be good and affordable, focus on the affordable. Affordable is just my fancy marketing term for cheap. By cheap, I mean regionally since cheap by NY standards is different from cheap by, say Missouri standards.

Why? Well, I've spent enough time in Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia to know that the best BBQ that's ever been devoured by yours truly has been equal parts delicious and cheap. It's comfort food, comforting to the soul as much as the wallet.

All that said, my first KCMO experience with their take on BBQ was quite the letdown. The "must have" Arthur Bryant's, noted as one of the best in KC for decades, was truly a let down. I compare to when you were in high school and there was this guy/girl that you just HAD to go out with and when the opportunity finally came to really get to know this person, they were really just a waste of your present time and all the nights you spent dreaming about this day. Mr Bryant, I'm not blaming you but I'm kinda standing here pointing a finger at the employees that are soiling your good name and mooching off your reputation. Unless of course, if this is what you meant BBQ to be.

What went wrong? Well, for starters, the service here is a shade worse than awful - and this is coming from a New Yorker. Maybe the employees at this establishment on Brooklyn Ave were trying to embody the attitude of my hometown. If so, it worked but you still suck. Fear not though, you don't suck nearly as much as your "pulled pork." I use the term loosely because this pork could have easily been sipped up via a straw. It was a large pile of mush with little texture. On a happy note, I enjoyed the house hot sauce. The other meat you see on the tray at right is meant to be sausage. I compare it to room temperature bologna. Mmmmm, mmmm not good. A stack of white bread for the heck of it and you have $12 down the drain.

Which brings us full circle to my theory on BBQ. That is NOT $12 worth of food. Well, maybe in NY. Maybe they think they're in NY because they're on Brooklyn Ave, albeit in KCMO but this was the exact reason many of the locals said to avoid Jack's Stack BBQ, "it's too pricey" and go to Arthur Bryant's, "it's cheap and the best."

Rating - 1.5/5 - This was not my first taste of KC BBQ but it was the must have BBQ spot according to many. Good thing I don't hold grudges.

Their site - http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm

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Modern Pastry

Modern Pastry - Exterior

One large, one small. Both AMAZING.

On The Road...Boston, MA
I'm going to come right out and say it in three words. BEST. CANNOLI. EVER. To think, my research said this was a close 2nd in Boston but I've tried what that person called the best and it didn't even come close to the cannoli greatness served at Modern Pastry, a Boston staple since the 1930's.

Rating - 5/5 - PERFECTION. I've never had a cannoli this good, anywhere. Ever. My favorites in NYC and BK take a backseat to this gem.

Their site - http://www.modernpastry.com/

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Blue Door Pub

BDP - All Gone

On The Road...St. Paul, MN

Lots O' Tots for $2

It's my second week back from my brief stint in the Twin Cities but let me tell you, they left a lasting impression. The people were awesome and the food was even better. Yes, I know. I don't do gourmet dining and go for the basic dogs, burgers, brats, pizza, etc. but that stuff is so good that I can't pass it up. Preliminary research led me to a number of places and I just had to figure out how to get to St. Paul to make a visit to the Blue Door Pub. A lot of independent sources all gave the BDP rave reviews and I needed to see it for myself.

El Guapo - The Good Looking One

We stroll up to the BDP, decked out in NY Yankee gear (this was our post game meal) and were told to eat outside. At least they'd be willing to serve us unlike some of the savagery that goes on in Boston. All kidding aside, we were ultimately allowed to eat inside to take advantage of happy hour beer specials ($2!!!!) and baskets of tots for only $2!! I mean, if you wanna give away your food, I'm all for it. We found out a little too late about the spicy tots but that was something special! Tots with a dusting of cayenne pepper really hit the spot. The people here were really cool, very friendly. It was not that small but there was a great crowd and it was just a really good time.

Medium Rare w/cheesy center

By now, you've become familiar with the Jucy Lucy and the BDP has their take, conveniently called the "Juicy Blucy" and there are a wide variety of Blucys to choose from. I chose the special B.O.M., "El Guapo" that featured home made pico de gallo and Monterrey Jack cheese. I also selected this specific Blucy in honor of my friend Ed who was not on this trip.

I am making this vow, if their "challenge" exists the next time I am in the Twin Cities, I will do it in 2 days (split 5 and 5). I sure do hope I am there for more than 2 days even though I'll be conveniently close to the Mayo Clinic. What's the challenge? Well, as defined on their site: THE CHALLENGE: Try one of each kind of Blucy (there are 10 of them on the regular menu). THE RULES: Always carry your punch card with you. And stay true to the items listed. The order in which you complete the Blucys is irrelevant. Remind your server to punch your card! THE TROPHY: The winner t-shirt. A custom made limited time winner t-shirt. THE GLORY: We will treat you to your 11th burger and then we hope you start the madness all over again!

Rating - 5/5 - This is so incredibly delicious I can't even describe it. Everything is fresh and amazing. The pico de gallo had some good heat and was perfect. The bun, outstanding. The burger, huge! Everything about the BDP is just head and shoulders above many of the burgers I've ever had.

Their site - http://thebdp.com/?page_id=16 (I go straight for the jugular to point out the delicious Blucys

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Louie and Ernie's

Louie & Ernie's Exterior

I recently set out on a mission, a Bronx mission. For me, the Bronx is ripe with tradition - baseball and hip-hop come to mind. And the list of legends from both areas that were "born in the Bronx" are the who's who in baseball and hip-hop lore, respectively. The Bronx is also often unnoticed in the NY food scene, specifically pizza, but there are neighborhoods that were flooded with Italian immigrants and the food and culture still thrives.

I went to the Bronx, searching for some GOOD pizza and my research yielded a few spots, traffic only allowed me to hit up one. That one, had the fate of the Bronx on its shoulders. Could it deliver?

I have heard the name so often. Louie and Ernie. Louie and Ernie. This is your neighborhood pizzeria just maybe not in your neighborhood. Word on the street is that the calzone at Louie and Ernie's is a must have, especially if you get the calzone with prosciuttini. A slice and a calzone, why not? I'm a growing boy.

I started with the slice and I thought it was average. I've been to a multitude of neighborhood pizza joints in a number of neighborhoods across NYC, and rarely are those neighborhood joints so stand out that they are elevated to the top of the pizza chart. Louie and Ernie is really no exception. The pizza was average, just average.

Turning my sights to the calzone it was interesting. And not a good interesting. The dough on the exterior was deep fried having a similar taste and texture to a zeppole. The filling would have been relatively flavorless if not loaded up with black pepper. The prosciuttini had no flavor and this thing was just a major, major disappointment for me.

Rating - 2.25/5 - the pizza was average. Nothing really was outstanding. The sauce was bland. The cheese, bland. The dough/crust was good but lacking that crunch I crave. If I did a rating for L&E with the calzone included, it would have been brought down to a 1.5

Their site - doesn't exist but they're located at 1300 Crosby Ave.

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Pizzeria Regina

Pizzeria Regina - 11 1/2 Thacher

On The Road...Boston, MA
Look up "best pizza Boston" and you'll find Regina at or near the top of every list in beantown. I took my brother along for this trip, more like he took me along as he drove me to the North End to indulge my pizza cravings. I had a long list of places at which we should eat and Regina was definitely on the list. Before I get too deep into my review, I really could care less if the staff has a bit of an attitude and that's their little gimmick. I get it, that's fine. I've been to enough places like that and can handle it. Besides, I could care less how nasty the staff is if the food is good.

Pizzeria Regina - Pepperoni Slice

The food, the pizza. Pizzeria Regina's staple item for North Enders since 1926. Regina serves a big slice. A greasy slice. A relatively bland slice that lacks flavor, crunch, and that special something that makes me want to go back for more.

My brother had a very similar reaction. He was not impressed with the pizza and was kinda let down. We've shared a number of great slices together at my home in NY and his home in MA. Focusing on just the MA pizzerias we've hit up, Regina did not live up to top billing, not even top five and I've cleared a good chunk of the most recent top 20 from boston.com

But if we want to go into their attitude, if you've been there you'll know that at the end of the bar there's a tiny triangle of counter space that is barely bigger than the pepperoni slice pictured above. I was standing right there, out of the way and they were insistent that I "move by the red bucket" since our food was ordered to go. Over and over and over they demanded I move. I was confused to say the least and I moved to the red bucket, at which point they finally handed us our food, guaranteeing that we would not eat inside the pizzeria. 

Rating - 2.75/5 - the pizza was average. I did enjoy the taste of the slight char from the brick oven. However, it was really greasy, not just the pepperoni )which is inevitably greasy) but the plain slice was greasier than Elvis' hair.

Their site - http://www.pizzeriaregina.com/

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