Zaitzeff Burger

David wanted burgers so he suggested the evil McDs!!! However, we ended up going to Zaitzeff Burger on 2nd Ave.

Well done just the way I like it.

McDs, it is not! They grill to order. But the extras range from cheese to onions, about $1 onwards per topping but worth a look.

The special is more than enough to satisfy a lunch appetite.

Fully assembled again after ketchup

The burger itself was pretty lean, and they listened when I asked for really well done. It was still moist served on a muffinish looking bun. I think it's sourdough or something. xP Very nicely seasoned and the cheese gave it more flavor.

Crispy tasty fries served in a paperbag.

The fries were crispy and served up in a paper bag. This was not a good idea as the bag is not ventilated so the fries started to get soggy. They were still nicely seasoned but not too salty!

All in all, this was a very good burger, with decent fries even if the carryout is not ideal.

Zaitzeff Burger
711 2nd Ave, between 38th and 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
tel. 212.867.3471

Baba...what?

Baba-burger! Babaganoush is a eggplant spread that is popular in the Mediterranean. It is also the only form of eggplant I will eat. However, this vegetarian burger is made out of a nicely seasoned flattened falafel - a patty - topped with arugula, 'goat cheese', and two slices of tomato in a whole wheat bun.

Baba-burger

However, I tasted no goat cheese - only the babaganoush and the arugula. I tossed out the overly ripe tomato slices. But even without the goat cheese, the babaganoush was delicious over the equally delicious flattened falafel burger.

I was not disappointed in either the size or the taste. Both were satisfying but I was looking forward to goat cheese. ;P

Crisp
684 3rd Ave (@ 43rd St
New York, NY 10017
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-9:00pm, Sat-Sun 12:00am-8:00pm

Public House

Yesterday, we went out to Public House for lunch. The Public House is a sports bar/restaurant - at the bar and some tables, you have a view of the large screens filled with sports images.

It is a rather large and open space. Beware though - get a reservation because they fill up and if you like sitting in booths, then a reservation is a must.

After debating over the many dishes on the menu, we finally ordered:

Pulled Pork on Poppy seeded Bread

David got the luscious looking pulled pork on a poppy roll with shoestring fried onions, pickle and he substituted the coleslaw for the well seasoned fries (salted and herbed). I was offered and tried some of the pulled pork. This pulled pork was moist, well seasoned and beyond easy to eat. And eat. And eat. But I only took a small forkful. It was not drowning in a well of sauce and was absolutely delicious.

Mediterranean Salad with chicken

Rania made the calorie conscious choice of the hummus with pita bread salad - aka Mediterranean salad with chicken. It's got that brown dipping sauce. Very delicious, she said.

And I broke my usual beef-free diet by having the Public House Burger. As always, I like my burger really well done. So my well-done burger came really well done like I requested. Love it! It was not as moist because it was really well-done. In this case, I would have blended the meat with chopped onion before grilling it because that adds moisture and flavor.

However, it was still a very tasty burger - served on - get this - English Muffin!! You had your choice of toppings, from mushrooms to bacon to onions, etc. I chose mozzarella cheese and bacon. And they did what most places do not... Well done bacon!! It was lovely, super crispy and just awesome.

Public House Burger, with mozzarella and bacon

I always cut my burgers - this time in just halves and then demolished it all. I did remove the sliced of onion and the tomato first before I added ketchup. It was a decent burger - should have more taste in the meat itself but with the saltiness of the bacon and the mozzarella, it turned out fine.

Now the one that you must taste here is definitely the french fries. This time it was a bit saltier than usual but it was well peppered with herbs and salt. Dipped in ketchup, it was nice toasty crunch! Much better than many places. They should give mayo so you can have ketchup mixed with mayo for an even tastier combo. :)

All in all, Public House is a great lunch or happy hour spot. I've had their appetizers and they're delicious.

Public House

140 East 41st Street

New York, NY 10017

tel. 212.682.3710

Hours:  

Lunch Daily: 11:30am - 5:00pm
Dinner Nightly 5:00pm - 11:00pm