Tom Sietsema swoons over BGR Burger Joint
(image via casschin Flickr)
Tom Sietsema, highly respected food critic for the Washington Post, just released his 2010 Fall Dining Guide. Only one restaurant is listed under the “Burgers” section, and no, it’s not Michael Landrum’s Ray’s Hell Burger. The place that made Tom Sietsema swoon with their prime, aged, hormone-free, corn-fed beef and doubly-fried fries was BGR Burger Joint, a place that will call Clarendon home by the end of this year. Sietsema’s full review below.
Ray’s Hell-Burger in Arlington has its charms, but if President Obama ever decides to alter his burger run, he ought to consider another home-grown mini-chain, this one from entrepreneur Mark Bucher. “No shortcuts, no pre-cooking, no heat lamps,” the menu pledges. The food delivers on that promise; even a basic burger starts with prime, aged, hormone-free, corn-fed beef from the Midwest and rests on a toasted sesame-seeded brioche bun. Juicier still: The patty is cooked the way you ask, and you don’t have to settle for beef. Also available are ahi tuna, turkey, lobster, cumin-and-mint-laced lamb (love the crusty Greek burger), even black beans, brown rice and molasses (the vegetarian version). The fries, made with Yukon Gold potatoes, are double-fried and tasty, and the shakes are so thick, they’re easier to eat with a spoon than a straw. Good news for denizens of Clarendon: A fifth Joint is expected to open at 3024 Wilson Blvd. by year’s end. The Dupont Circle branch, with blond-wood booths, purple walls and Christmas-light chandeliers, is closest to the White House. Got that, Mr. President?
