You didn't think I was the only one did you?

Here's a satisfying article, courtesy of my mom, about some others make the rounds in NJ towards the best burger. Take a peek. I won't mind. I love my fellow judges. We're in this together, right? In the article, they discuss Smashburger vs. Blitzburger. I've indulged in the madness that is Blitzburger TWICE, but no review yet. It was so long ago that another visit is necessary to give you guys a true assessment.... ahhh, all in a day's work.

We all judge Burgers!

Georgia got SMASHED

  

Smashburger

Burger Flavor: 5

Creativity (selection): 3.5

French Fries: 3.5

Juiciness: 4

 Bun: 4.5

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 3.5

 (not the Montclair location)

I told you I would get to it soon enough! Yesss, so a few weeks ago I did indeed get Smashed at the new SMASHBURGER in Montclair. I was up that way on some errands, but I have to say, I'd make the drive for no reason, as well. In a word, it was GREAT. In three words, it was one to beat. Smashburger is one of the best NJ spots I've encountered, including atmosphere, service, variety, and above all, quality at such competitive prices. Before I start rambling in a fit of passion, let me start with the burger.

 Toasted buns aren't always the way to go. Let's discuss when the time is right, and another day we'll discuss when it's not....
To Toast:
-when the burger patty seems to have excessive juices (the seared bread creates a toughened barrier, allowing the top, tender part of the bun to remain dry and in tact)
-anytime an English Muffin bun is to be used
-when outdoor grilling is in effect (I would personally grill every component of the burger if I could if it wasn't for the lettuce catching fire)
-when cheese is preferred not on the burger patty (some think it takes away from the beef), but on the top bun instead
-when you like a little bark with your bite

So, a hefty bun that's toasted-CHECK!

I got the prestigious "New Jersey Smashburger" which boasts: Applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, grilled onions, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo all nestled in an onion bun.

I know what you're thinking. Too much onion. But noooooo, this is where you're dead wrong. Whether it's the Jersey burger, or the Classic Smashburger that Nick got, it was decided that the same blending of flavors has never been duplicated. Let me elaborate.

Despite the succulent grilled onions and the crispy haystack, as well as the hearty onion bun, my breath was not a-kickin afterwards, nor did I just taste onions. You might say, "No, but you probably tasted blue cheese 'cause that stuff is pOOOtent!." True, but no, that did not stand out either. Here's the deal with Smashburger. I've never before tasted a burger that had such a perfect co-mingling of ingredients. It was a sandwich first, then a hamburger.

Most of us would agree that there are stand-out ingredients in a burger, all with distinct tastes. This burger sandwich, however, had the perfect balance. A balance achieved only by a person (company) that's got burger making down to a science. Experts, they are. Upon finishing the hamburger, I was sort of awestruck. I said to Nick, "What was that? Did I just finish that? What was on it?" It was more of a yummy, special, decadent experience that just a lunch. Everything just fit so perfectly together that I hardly realized what was going on inside the buns. 

I did pay attention long enough to realize that as I stared at the open-face burger placed in front of me by the exceptionally pleasant server that the veggies were vibrant and fresh: a dark green leaf of Romaine and two generously cut RED (Jersey) tomatoes. Great start. In one of my previous posts, I described why the place is called SMASHBURGER. It's all in how the patty is prepared. To be honest, though, I didn't notice a big difference when eating the burger. It seemed like a regular burger patty to me, but who knows, maybe the supposed nooks and crannies achieved through the smashing allow the other flavors of the toppings to seep in and that's how they get that unified taste. It's a definite possibility.

I always snag a piece of bacon off my burger before I dig in because bacon is so important to me that I like to try it off and on the burger. It was thick and delish. More meaty than crispy. I prefer less crisp from my bacon on my burger, than say, next to my eggs. I don't like that feeling of biting in and the bacon cracks everywhere and begins to snow down onto my plate. That's a waste.

Did I mention I got a frosted mug from the server alongside a bottle of Stewart's Root Beer. They also brought my my chocolate shake with my soda, which I would have preferred at the end, so I'll have to remember that for next time. The rosemary fries (Smashfries) were like something you'd see at a swanky NY steakhouse. The thin-cut fries are doused in olive oil with garlic and rosemary. If you get these, the small portion is a-OK. I couldn't eat a plateful like I can of regular fries. Who needs a plateful at Smashburger, though. The burger is what does the talking, and the talking says..Let's SMASHHH!


Review at a glance: Smashing good time. One of the best. Blended burger. Onion love. Key words all over restaurant: Smash. Sizzle. Savor. Perfect verbs. Toasted bun. Strip mall. Given number, food brought over to table. Haagen Dazs ice cream and shakes.


 And the overall rating is.............

3.9 Patty Prize!

Great place to get a GREAT sandwich, and luck for you, 

new locations are popping up ALL over northern NJ!

Make it a meal & add a thick shake. You won't regret it. Smashburger is definitely at the top of my list.

An East Coast girl learns the "In-N-Out"

In-N-Out

Burger Flavor: 3

Creativity (selection): 1

French Fries: 3

Juiciness: 3

 Bun: 2.5

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 3.5

Back in April, following my post ABOUT In-N-Out, I was lucky enough to TRY In-N-Out. I had a planned trip to Vegas (my first) from the 8th to the 11th. Vegas is one tiny, adult playground amid a massive desert. I saw my hotel & the entire strip before the wheels on the plane could stop. As me and my fellow travelers rode along in the short taxi ride, what was I to see in the distance?? The bright, rectangular sign that could only be In-N-Out. I was shocked. Floored. I Thought, "Wait. How?" Ohhh, right, I'm in the west. "Vegas" to me was such a definitive destination. It was just plain Vegas. I forgot in the process that I was also still in America and, more specifically, in the west. In-N-Out exists here! My buddy Erica and I ventured there on our last day sometime between sunbathing at the pool & dinner at the Paris.

It. was. packed. I'm not sure if it was because of the inevitable tourists, marveling at the western fast food gem, or if it was just that good. I'm thinking it's the latter because most of the people I encountered during the trip were from the midwest. We were definitely from the furthest west, and most of these people have In-N-Out already by them.

Anyway, we made our way up the front and the line moved fast. They took our order at the registers and gave us a number. It took longer than McDonald's to be called, but less time than Five Guys. (seriously, WHY does it take so long at Five Guys?) Since we were planning on dinner in a few hours, Erica & I (die-hard, had to try these burgers fanatics) ended up getting 2 burgers, sharing the fries, and a milkshake for each of us. We did good. Plenty of room for a French dinner later on.



We ate outside at one of those round tables. When they called our number we retrieved our feast and brought it outside (no servers on skates). We were immediately approached by a bunch of black guys, one declaring he was Michael Vick's brother. Really man? I'm about to dig into an In-N-Out burger, you know, the ones celebs eat ALL the time. Leave me be.

The burger was better than I expected for fast food. The non-sesame bun was greased, but not soaked. I'm not a big sauce girl (I like the burger to stand on its own to a certain extent, though I've been known to add guac to my burgers :) so I could have done without the Thousand Island-type spread, but it wasn't overpowering the beef, so I dealt. Chopped lettuce has got to be one of the tell-tale signs of a fast food burger. You haven't indulged in a FF burger if you aren't left with some brown-edged scraps of iceberg adhered with mayo onto the bottom of the cardboard burger box. This too, included chopped iceberg. Leafy Romaine is my personal fave.

The overall quality of the patty was good. It didn't crumble & it had adequate juicyness. The beefy flavor was top notch. Not just for fast food, but for life. They take pride in the quality of their ingredients. 100% beef and ground in CA--Cowtown, USA. The fries were good, but this time, for fast food. Nothing I can't get at the McD's in Union. The shake was probably the best part & a wise decision by both of us. My chocolate was equal parts thick & fulfilling and refreshing & light. Delicious.

I am DEFINITELY not forgetting the next time I'm heading west that I am, indeed, heading west & will try In-N-Out once more. At these prices, you really can't beat it.

Cheeseburger: $2.05

Fries: $1.35

Shakes: $1.95

Review at a glance: Fievel Goes West. 50s style. CHEAPO prices. Filling, not heavy. Pickles. No Celeb sitings. 100% beef, 100% bun, 100% shake. A sure bet in Vegas.


All bets in.........................

 2.8 Patty Prize!

More than halfway to a perfect burger spot. I can't wait to visit again, but it's definitely the prices and simple menu that make it more appealing than the standard fast food joint.

Speaking of In-n-Out...

Some unidentified burger jokesters played an April Fool's Day prank on us all. It was rumored that the famed California-based burger spot, In-n-Out, where all the celebs go after their Oscar win, would be coming to the NY metro area this summer! Apparently, this is false and the Cal-burger will not be making an appearance on our coast anytime soon. Mean, guys. Just plain mean.

Smashburger smashes into NJ!

This is not a review, but a newsflash!! Due in part to Lent & in part to my other obligations recently, I have yet to visit & judge this new tempting hot spot, but be sure that the review will be coming your way soon!

Smashburger is a "better burger" chain based out of the state of Colorado. The first NJ location opened in December in Montclair. The grand opening occurred in January & the press has been more than complimentary!

Get Smashed?

The name of the chain comes from the way the main product is prepared. You can order either a 1/3 or 1/2 pound patty made from 100% Angus beef. The loosely formed patty is covered with a sheet of wax paper and then SMASHED against a hot griddle with a 10-pound, custom-made hamburger press. The combination of the wax paper & hamburger press sear the meat and lock in the flavor and juices. Mmmm. The same method is used for their signature chicken sandwiches. There is no worry for undercooked poultry here with their pounded-thin chicken breast.

A Bite of the Better Burger

Smashburger is attempting to capitalize on the ever-growing "better burger" industry. This market has already been tapped by Five Guys, Bobby's Burger Palace, In-n-Out, Johnny Rockets, and more. Especially in the burger-loving state of NJ, this slice on the $100 billion burger industry is thriving. Although better burger sales account for only $500 million of the total burger industry, this is nothing to sneeze at. Better burger customers are those who have graduated past fast-food, fake-food and have some extra cash to burn on their meals. It's clear to Smashburger that these types of people aren't going anywhere soon because their second NJ location is already arriving this June to Florham Park & they have plans to break ground in 7 more lucky cities in the Garden State this year.

Location, Location

I've read up on Smashburger and one of the things I'm already loving about it, even before trying it, is their willingness to research the market of a new location and do something with that research. Before opening its doors in Montclair, Smashburger found out what it is that NJ-ers love and live on. What are the local flavors? SB came up with some tasty options:

1) the NJ Diner salad: Romaine & iceberg lettuce, applewood smoked bacon, diced tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, topped with 2 fried eggs, haystack onions, and blue cheese dressing

2) the Italian Hot Dog: with sauteed onions & peppers... Fuggggedaboutit!!

3) Sweet Potato Fries: the only location of all FORTY-THREE to include this tasty side on the menu

Here's a link to the exclusive NJ menu!
I love that they try to fit in & become a local fave. I'm gonna welcome them to the neighborhood soon, so definitely look out for the upcoming review!

Smashburger is open everyday from 10am to 10pm.

15 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, New Jersey 07042
973.433.7343

Back to the Burger Buzz

Well, fancy meeting you here also. It's been way, way too long since I've burger blogged. I'm not an excuse-giving kind of girl, BUT I do just want to apologize for keeping you all out of the loop & if you know me, you know I've been busy launching my new baking company, Engonoula. Burgers aren't my only passion- I'm a foodie through and through and cookies & cupcakes are a giant part of that passion, as well. (see my review of yummy NY spot, Burgers & Cupcakes) So, to all my loyal readers, check out my Facebook page for my brand-spanking new company and you'll see why I've been MIA  for so long. Hope you like it! We're here to discuss the burger, though, so let's get to it.

I chose an interesting time to dive back into my burger blogging considering today is Holy Thursday. No burger consumption has been taking place in my body this week, nor any Wednesday or Friday since "Clean Monday." I've found a couple new burger joints that I'm yearning to check out, but alas, they can wait until April 5th.

As an Eastern Orthodox, our expectations for Lent are still relatively strict. I found some info on the practice of Lent that's pretty interesting.

"In current Western societies the practice is considerably relaxed, though in the Eastern Orthodox Churches abstinence from all animal products including fish, eggs, fowl and milk sourced from animals (e.g. goats and cows as opposed to the milk of soy beans and coconuts) is still commonly practiced, meaning only vegetarian meals are consumed in many Eastern countries for the entire fifty-five days of their Lent. In the Roman Catholic Church it is traditional to abstain from meat from mammals and fowl on Ash Wednesday and every Friday for the duration of Lent, although dairy products are still permitted."

 Mmmmm...anyone down for a juicy veggie burger topped with gooey coconut-milk cheese? 55 days isn't so bad.

Joe's Offers an Exceptional Burger with Exceptional Service

Joe's American Bar & Grill

Burger Flavor: 4

Creativity (selection): 2

French Fries: 5

Juiciness: 4

 Bun: 4

Service: 5

I recently ordered a bacon cheeseburger to-go from Joe's American Bar & Grill. Joe's is a chain restaurant with 15 locations mostly in the Tri-State & New England area. The spot at the Short Hills Mall is the only one I've tried and where I ordered the cheeseburger from the other day.

I placed my order about 15 minutes before I wanted to pick it up and it was ready in time. If you've ever visited Joe's, you know how packed it is ALL the time. There is constantly a wait to be seated, but the food definitely delivers. It is worth it to order ahead if you don't want to sit. It took just a couple minutes for the hostess, who was pleasant, to bring my take-out bag from the kitchen. One of the DELICIOUS things about Joe's is that they don't skimp on quality & quantity just because you're getting take-away. Patrons still get everything they would if they were to sit. That means a FULL, round loaf of HOT, fresh bread with a cup filled with their smooth, rich butter. Amazing! They are also sure to include plenty of napkins, condiments, and a perfect, neat pack of silverware, salt & pepper, and a moist towelette!

More on Joe's outstanding service--the week prior I had ordered one of my favorite Joe's dishes, the Cheeseburger Pizza. I know. Ridiculous. [A thin crust pizza, piled high with chopped-up hamburger, cheddar cheese, chopped onions, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, and finally drizzled with ketchup] It is usually DELICIOUS and not as filling as it sounds. However, this particular pizza was completely undercooked, soggy, and not enjoyable. The manager over at Short Hill's Joe's was so pleasant and not only refunded me my pizza, but my entire order, which included a $9. appetizer of Spinach & Artichoke dip, as well as a soda. He also gave me an additional pizza, free of charge. Joe's definitely redeemed themselves in my book! It was apparent that they cared about keeping me as a customer, which is admirable for a restaurant that seats hundreds of people a day.

Now, let's get to talking about this burger. The poppy seed bun was plentiful, and controlled the juicy, medium-grilled burger patty with all its toppings. It was a bit too bread-y, though. Joe's expert grillers definitely listened in keeping it MEDIUM, as the burger had plenty of juice. I LOVED how the nine-month aged cheddar cheese was melted over the thick strips of bacon, enveloping them in a cheesy-burger pocket...Kept everything put! The fries alongside were perfection. Crispy. Not too thin (fast-food-esque), not too thick (very starchy)... just right! And at $9.99, you're definitely getting quality for your dollar. Just one tip: if you're getting a to-go order, wash it all down with a 2L bottle of soda from home and save the almost $4 for Joe's miniscule fountain soda!

Review at a glance: Juicy burger. Great service. Onion ring garnish. Pickle included. To-go, the way to go. Steamy bread. Feelin' good with poppy seeds. Try cheeseburger on your pizza. Moist. Towelette.

And the overall rating is...

4-Patty Prize!!!!

Close to perfect! Definitely a must-try. Check out Joe's site for more locations around NJ. And hey, if you happen to completely disagree with me and absolutely HATE the burger, maybe you can get it comp'ed!