It’s not Shake Shack, either. I’ve had Shake Shack, and it’s okay. The burger’s kind of thin, and the fries — which, to me, is 50% of the burger experience — are, I’m pretty sure, frozen out of a bag. (And by the way, frozen custard? Get a soft-serve machine, weirdos.) Granted, Shake Shack could not have been more oversold to me before I actually went there, but still. Meh.
But a couple of months ago, Dave and I both read about Flip, a new place at Bloomingdale’s in midtown. We happened to be a block south of there late this afternoon, after a trip to The Container Store (guess what we bought?), and Dave very wisely remembered Flip and suggested we go there.
Dave reports that as soon as we sat down, I was practically giddy. Indeed, I was excited to have a really great burger; I haven’t had an outstanding one since my last trip to Utopia, in Toronto. The array of choices in bun, patty, sauces, and cheeses was thrilling enough, but then when I saw they also had a selection of fries? Come on.
I got the Bold burger, on a standard brioche, with sweet pickle relish, bacon, and American cheese (or, as I have called it since I was a child: flat cheese). And it was SO GOOD, you guys. The relish was fresh-made and looked like salsa and was outstanding. They actually brought out standard French’s mustard and none of that spicy brown or Dijon business. The burger was thick but not too thick. We got steak fries (the best fry there is, second only to McDonald’s fries, which we all know are crusted with crack), and they had obviously been deep-fried several times. (That’s a good thing.)
I have also heard that there is a great burger at Corner Bistro, and I’m sure I’ll try that eventually. I’m even more sure that I will be back to Flip someday very soon. Shake Shack can suck it.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I had a portobello mushroom burger on a cherry pepper and asiago cheese bun with jalapeno cheddar and bbq sauce. Really fucking good.
Tara didn’t mention that actually finding the place inside Bloomingdales is a lot like the train in Harry Potter.
Okay, I KNOW you aren’t cranking on frozen custard! It’s a Midwestern tradition. Or thing. Or just something we eat a lot of.
Meanwhile, I’m drooling over the burger since, unless I want it well-done, which is a huge no for me, I can’t have a proper one for another few months.
Damn, that was definitely something we could have seen to in Mpls. Adele’s Frozen Custard in Excelsior is insane.
Oh, and next time you guys are in the Bay Area? We’re totally taking you here: http://www.thecounterburger.com/menu/
You want country buttermilk ranch on your burger? No problem!