The New Burger Bar

Me outside with my menu!

This week I was presented with a very valuable opportunity. My close friend Natalie Stahl was given 4 free tickets to an opening of a new burger place right on Figueroa by campus. Due to her mom's friend, who is a PR manager for the company, we were chosen as some of the first guests to try out "Built: Custom Burgers" and give our feedback to the restaurant. Besides the obvious free meal, I saw this as a great opportunity to use my critical evaluation skills for the new restaurant. Built is a new branch of The Counter- the upscale "build your own burger" chain of California. The idea was to create a fast and casual version of the place, that is cheaper in order to appeal to the population of college students in the area.

Natalie and I arrived at the location around 1, where we met Cary and Katherine, our two other friends joining us. There were a few other people standing outside and a crew member with a clipboard checking in the different parties. I didn't realized that it was a closed event and you had to be on the "VIP List".

I liked the outside decor for opening day. Brown paper bag like material lined the windows. It gave the place a modern urban feel, a style that definitely attracts the university's students. I thought it was funny that the restaurant was placed right next to the "Pizza Studio", a build your own pizza joint. This style of restaurant, like Chiptole (also on the street) works well for college students. It's fast, cheap, and customizable. This makes it easy to grab something when your on the run, or go with a big group because there is something for everyone.

The Burger Bar

The doors finally opened and we jumped in line ready to build our burgers. The assembly line was set up with chalkboards designating which step of the burger process you were at. You began with which type of patty you wanted. I decided to stick to the basics and get an all beef burger. I wanted to customize all the ingredients I would topple on. The next station was the bun. All of my friends ordered the "bun of the day"- the pretzel bun. I wasn't feeling like anything too salty so I stuck with the original here as well. Yes, this was a boring burger so far. As we waited for the line to shift one of the crew members encountered a problem. One of the oversized pretzel buns got stuck in the toaster! Reminded me on the time the toaster oven in my apartment got stuck and one of my roommates almost started a fire! Luckily he handled the situation pretty well and was able to remove the bun and continue helping customers. Next was the fun part: the condiments. Because the meal was free we could add on as many regular or premium condiments that our heart desired. Cary's goal was the make the biggest burger they'd ever seen. Not too difficult because we basically the 5th customers. I chose the coleslaw, sautéed onions, and the roasted tomato. For the sauce I went with the Roasted Garlic Aioli. I liked how you could test the different sauces, so many to choose from. At the end of the line I picked the featured fingerlings for my side. These potatoes were similar to the smush potato fries from Umami. Small little round potatoes with the crispy skin still on.

One of the employees adding my
roasted tomatoes (a premium
ingredient) to my burger.

My burger and fries! Don't know how a normal fry ended
up in the mix?

We grabbed one of the bar tables and started to devour the burgers. I really liked the combination of all of my ingredients. The coleslaw was fresh and not too mayonnaise-y. I asked for only a little bit of it, but the burger builder piled on basically a pound. Both the sautéed onions and roasted tomato brought a lot of rich flavor complimenting the aioli that I used my fork to dab on before each bite.  It is a little strange how they serve the sauce on the side.  But I guess it makes sense because the burger is already so messy.

My messy tray.  Not an easy or glamorous meal to eat.

Unfortunately my patty was a little dry and pretty cold.  It was so large that it barely fit in the small cardboard box they serve it in.  It's a good idea because most of the burgers end up being pretty sloppy with all the ingredients.  I'm surprised Cary's double patty and bacon burger with almost every vegetable possible fit inside.
  

The line took a while to work through and by the time I sat down the whole meal was basically cold. I'm sure once the staff works out all the kinks the line will become more efficient. No potatoes will beat the smush potatoes at umami, but a did enjoy the the crispy skin on the fingerlings. They were just a little bit too oily for my taste.

The restaurant also offers a burger bowl option.  You can get your burger in a salad bowl, without a bun, with all the same options for your combinations. This is great because the restaurant can cater to even more people (those on diets, gluten free, or just not feeling the bun).

The lady sitting next to me ordered
the burger bowl.  When I asked her how
she liked it, she said "it was just ok".

I very carefully filled out my evaluation card, trying to be as critical as possible.  The overall ambiance of the place was great.  No complaints there!  The staff was very friendly, but they obviously still had a few issues to work out.  The bun incident was just an example, but there were a few other times in line where it didn't seem like the employees were communicating efficiently.  When I asked for the sautéed onions the staff member just yelled sautéed onions to the kitchen, I don't think anyone heard.  But at least I still got them on my burger.  I also gave them a low mark on accuracy because of the coleslaw.  I specifically asked for less but the guy piled on more!  The value was pretty good.  Even though this time my burger was free, $10 is a pretty good deal for a burger with anything you want on it.  Definitely cheaper than the counter.

Overall the employees were very friendly and I could tell they were all excited for their first day on the job. Built is a great addition to the restaurant row slowly developing on Figueroa just off campus. I'm positive this place will be a big hit with all of the students!

My evaluation card.

An Ode to Umami

Currently I am taking an Arts and Letters course called "On Beauty".  We discuss the representation and symbolism of beauty in works of literature and film.  So far I've enjoyed most of it.   I really liked a few of the poems that we read, and the way that Beauty is portrayed in Plato's symposium.  We also watched the film "American Beauty", a classic with Kevin Spacey.  Even though it was a pretty dark movie, I thought most of the characters were really interesting to discuss.

Our most recent assignment was to write a personal essay on an object or event that we thought was beautiful.  This was quite difficult to do without using the actual word "beautiful".  Not only did we have to physically describe it and the emotions linked with the experience, but we had reflect on it.  The last part of the paper was supposed to describe how this shaped our perception of beauty (i.e. what we have learned about beauty from analyzing it).

Most people decided to write about their experiences at concerts, in nature, or just everyday objects.  At first I was thinking about writing about my experience of surfing with the dolphins in San Diego, but I don't feel that emotionally tied with it, especially because it was so long ago.  I decided to dedicate my paper to the Umami Burger (which I have yet to post about! Even though I've been there about half a dozen times).  I promise, its coming soon.  So here it is!

The Fifth Sense

            My appetite has peaked after a long day of walking on Main Street in Santa Monica.  As I sit and wait for the delivery, my stomach begins to hurt from its feeling of emptiness.  Losing all patience, I am constantly turning my head looking for the waiter to burst through the kitchen doors holding what I have been craving.  My mouth is beginning to water as I think about the sensation of flavor I am about to experience.  Although I could probably eat anything after the appetite I have worked up from a long day at the beach, I know that only one thing could satisfy me. 

            The time has come.   A hand reaches around my shoulder and delivers the quintessential meal.  Like a pearl placed on a velvet pillow, the Umami hamburger rests in the middle of a modern square plate.  The plate acts like a platform, completely clean besides the precious sandwich bestowed on top.  

The base is a fresh baked bun.  Slightly toasted, the sweet bread is just firm enough to have the thick patty lay on top.  It remains soft enough to soak up the juices, but not become soggy.  Cooked medium-rare, the patty can be perceived as dangerous or poisonous to many.  The pinkish center emits a flavor matched by no other combination of ground meat.  Glistening, it oozes grease, unhealthy, but bursting with flavor.  The classic hamburger contains a piece of melted American cheese, formed from artificial flavors.  This usually resembles the taste of plastic, glued to the burnt and dry patty.  Instead, the Umami burger withholds the Parmesan crisp.  The sharp and salty cheese is pressed like a snowflake.  Despite the steam coming from the tender heart, the Parmesan maintains its crunchy form.  On top lie the sweet caramelized onions, roasted tomato, and shitake mushrooms.  Vegetables not found on your usual burger at a neighborhood barbeque, they bring a unique taste to the table.  The sweetness of the onions perfectly compliments the salty crisp, but do not overwhelm the other condiments.  The glue holding the masterpiece together is the house made ketchup.  Greatly surpassing the paste made by Heinz, the Umami ketchup flatters the rest of the ingredients.  Of course, it is also perfect for dipping the succulent sweet potato fries in.  Now top it all off with the other half of the honeyed bun.  Its dome like shape could be used as a model in any televised burger commercial or billboard ad.  Stamped on top is the infamous “U”.  Reminding me once again, that sitting in front of me is the fifth sense: the Umami.

I carefully slide my knife through the middle of the pearl, praying that it wont topple over onto the stainless plate.  Picking up half of the coveted combination, the crisp finally starts to soften, and a few drips of grease fall to the plate.  But I don’t care anymore.  The bite melts in my mouth and before I know it, half is already gone.  I try to slow myself down and savor the exquisite experience, but my stomach craves more.  Distracting myself with a few fries and sips of coke, I can’t help but think about the second half.  I have dreams of this feeling: tasting everything I want, but still knowing that more remains on my plate.  I pick up the second half and already dread the empty dish.  Then its finished.  I sit back and take a breath.  Even though my hands want more to grab, my stomach is satisfied.  Filled with the exact ingredients that I craved, that I worked for.  This divine combination has completed its job.        

Describing myself as a “foodie’, the Umami hamburger first came to mind when asked to recall something that I call beautiful.  The physical qualities of the burger itself make it visually appealing.  Every burger that comes out of the Umami kitchen could be pictured on a billboard.  The taste of the burger could also be described a beautiful sensation to the taste buds.  The individual ingredients complement each other, creating a masterpiece. 

Although I would agree that both the look and taste of the burger are ravishing, my experience of eating the meal is what I call beautiful. After working up my appetite, I acknowledged that I was hungry.  I then determined what sounded appealing to eat.  Listening to my body’s desires and matching that feeling was an act of honoring my hunger.  As an athlete, and working with a nutritionist, I have learned that my body craves what it needs.  Although the burger may have not been the healthiest item on the menu, I listened to my body with my natural instincts.  Eating a salad would not have fulfilled my stomach and body’s wishes in the same way.  The true beauty lies in the overwhelming satisfaction I experienced after the burger “hit the spot”.  I have always believed that human body is a temple, and it should be treated and fueled with what it requires.  Our desires are created naturally, and honoring these wants is an act of beauty.  Walking out of the Umami restaurant feeling satisfied is a feeling evoking the creation of beauty from human nature.     

This is the picture I used to show my professor what the
burger looked like.

    

I usually dread writing assignments, but I actually had a really great time working on this one!  I dramatically read it to a few of my friends and they definitely enjoyed it.  If I get an A, I definitely know how I will be celebrating ;)

   

The Calbi Catastrophe

Chicken Calbi Burrito
Vegetable mix, Chicken, Cheese, Scrambled Egg, 
sesame seeds, and special sauce

It was the Thursday before Spring Break.  85 degrees and beautiful out, the perfect beach day.  After finishing my morning class, I tried out the free yoga session on campus.  It was very relaxing and I felt great afterwards - definitely going to take some classes over the the Summer.  After the yoga sesh, I was craving some mexican food.  I called around and tried to find a friend to go to Chipotle with.  When no one answered, I started heading back to my apartment to make a quesadilla.  On the way back, Cary called me and said he would be willing to meet up for lunch, and then we could head to the beach together.  I suggested the taco truck parked by the pool on Jefferson & McClintock.

I assumed that this was just a normal mexican taco truck, but I guess they make fusion style tacos and burritos. Calbi Fusion is famous for its korean style tacos and burritos.  I still ordered the chicken burrito, but asked for it without the egg, which sounded a little fishy to me.  It wasn't that great.  Maybe I just couldn't appreciate it because I was still really craving true mexican food and was not blown away by their fusion.

Cary, on the other hand, ordered the spicy pork and beef tacos. Cary is very allergic to peanuts, and though he noticed a sign saying some food items may be exposed to them, we decided it would be ok because were the first customers and the grill would be clean.  Cary's tacos were delivered and he devoured them within 30 seconds - I didn't even get a chance to take a picture.  He was experiencing some doubts because the sauce was distinctly asian, a taste sometimes poisonous to him.  After he finished he immediately felt a little tingling on his tongue. We decided it would be best to book it back to the apartments.  After a few minutes of chilling out and drinking some milk Cary didn't feel much better.  Unfortunately we had to drive to the health center and get him checked out.  I'll spare you the very gory details, but Cary ended up being ok!  He's a little bummed because he thought the tacos were delicious, and the tangy taste of the oriental sauce will unfortunately be ruined for him. I felt awful after the lunch date (and 3 hours in the health center), but I guess we learned our lesson.

Beware of fusion style cuisine - you never know what will end up in your taco. I'll have to treat Cary to some froyo tonight. 

Poor Cary in the health center after the tacos :(

Simmzy's

My friend Katherine and I took a mid-week adventure to Manhattan Beach.  After some quick shopping, we walked on the pier and admired the surfers.  Even though this week has been quite warm (85 degrees in March!), I still couldn't believe those guys were out there in the middle of winter.  Thank the lord for wet suits.

After walking around I finally got to try a restaurant on my wish list! We stopped at Simmzy's, the pub on Manhattan Beach Blvd.  Every time I visit Manhattan this place is always packed! We were seated right away even though it was peak dinner time.  The service was a little slow, but overall I really liked the atmosphere of the place.  Loud, busy, and fun.  Even though the burgers looked great, I was really craving fish for some reason.  I think being by the ocean and the warm weather reminded me of summer, and I wanted something light. 

Sushi grade tuna, cumin-crusted and served
rare, with arugula, mango, avocado, lima
crema, pepitas, and fried chili rings 

Although the Bahn Mi Tuna Sandwich was tempting, I ended up ordering the Cabo Ahi Salad. Katherine was also feeling the nautical vibe and ordered the salmon burger. While we waited for our entrees we shared the sweet potato fries. The fries were almost over cooked.. But I like them crunchy. There's nothing worse than soggy fries. They were served with with a house made aioli and plain old ketchup.
My salad was the perfect size. The greens were fresh and lightly dressed in a "Lima cream" dressing. Topped with avocado, mango, fried chili rings, and pepitas. The fried chili rings could have added a little more kick but overall it was a good combination. The ahi was fresh and served in 3 thick slices. I usually prefer my sashimi sliced thin and more evenly distributed but this wasn't bad.

Salmon Burger

Katherine, also in a fishy mood, ordered the Salmon Burger.  She said it was delicious.  While we ate, we talked about our upcoming trip to Whistler and Seattle for Spring Break.  For the past week we've been tanning in our bikinis in the quad after class.  Our one piece tans have finally started to even out,  and next week we will get to work on our goggle tans!  

Sweet potato fries with sweet
and spicy aioli and ketchup

Simmzy's was great! From now on, this will be my go to restaurant when visiting MB.  I've been to the Manhattan Beach Brewery a few times when we had recruiting weekends, but it was sub par.  MB post was delicious, but out of the price range desired by many of my friends (maybe try it for lunch one day? I head the sandwiches are pretty good. But this pub is perfect after a long day at the beach; next time I will definitely try one of the burgers.

800 Degrees

After adventures in Seattle, Whistler, Los Angeles, and Hawaii, winter break slowly comes to an end.  I enjoyed my vacation at home and skiing in Whistler with the family, and my hours of training at SC and the University of Hawaii, but back to school it is!  After a long and uncomfortable plane ride I was greeted in my freshly cleaned apartment by my roommate Kate and her mom.  After unpacking, showering and doing some laundry, they generously invited me out to dinner with them.  It has almost become a ritual, as one of our parents comes to visit, they treat my roommates and myself out for a nice meal.  Knowing that I am the "restaurant connoisseur" of the group, they asked me for a recommendation.  They definitely weren't looking for anywhere too fancy, but I still took this opportunity to cross off a place from my wish list.

Kate, Andrea, and I at 800 Degrees!

I take my Urbanspoon account very seriously.  Along with being sure to check into all the restaurants I visit in order to keep my "dine line" up to date, I also keep a wish list.  That way I can remember all of the places I want to try.  Whether reading about them on blogs, hearing reviews, or simply walking past them on any of my adventures, I am always sure to add them to my list.  

I suggested 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria in Westwood.  Although we would be crossing into Bruin Territory, the positive reviews I've read on yelp and other blogs influenced me to take the risk.  Besides my diving meets and other sporting events, I will also venture into UCLA for one other foodie addiction, Diddy Reise.  The ice cream cookie sandwiches are too good to pass up.
  

Although I have visited the area several times before, my adventures have always led me to the Diddy Reise side of town.  After parking and walking to the restaurant, I noticed much more upscale vibe to Westwood.  Passing Palomino and other nice restaurants made me want to come back and try out some of the other places Westwood has to offer.  The Glendon Bar and Kitchen particularly caught my eye.  Add to wish list: Check.

The pizza line after we sat down.

Gorgonzola Salad
Butter lettuce, walnuts, dried cranberries

Tartufo
Truffle cheese, roasted
mushrooms, caramelized
garlic, and arugula.

Luckily when we arrived there wasn't much of a line and the four of us were able to walk straight up to the pizza bar.  We started by ordering two of the speciality pies.  No sense in making our own, since the professionals know their ingredients the best.  I ordered the Tartufo (a pizza without marinara sauce) and the Vege.  Andrea and Kate also ordered the Carne, but substituted broccolini for the pepperoni.
After checking out the "800 degrees" wood burning pizza oven, we were able for find a table large enough and wait for our pizzas.  To start, we shared the Gorgonzola Salad.  Making sure that there were no strawberries in the dressing (Andrea is allergic), we enjoyed the light and crispy salad.  I especially liked the sweetness of the cranberries and their complements to the cheese.The pizzas were out of the oven within minutes.

Vege
Mushrooms, artichokes, broccolini.

Kates leftover crust.
I think its the best part!

The first slice I tried was the Vege.  Pretty plain tasting, but I loved the thin crust and the sauce to cheese ratio.  I believe those are the two most important factors in any pie.  The crust should be thin, light and crunchy.  And the sauce should have a distinct taste and definitely overpower the cheese.  Not a big fan of Dominos marinara with globs of cheese on top.  Cheese should be used like salt, just to add flavor.  The Tartufo was my favorite dish of the meal.  I love the truffle cheese, and the way that the mushrooms soak up the flavor from the garlic and onions.
Overall the pizza selection was great.  The crust had that burnt flavor that I love and the toppings were unique.  In my opinion, I liked the truffle pizza better at Stella Rosa on Main Street, but we had a great time!     

Weenie on a Bun

Finals were stressing me out.  Needed a quick study break and ANYTHING to get me out of the apartment.  After a hard day of studying I started craving a sausage.  I ventured to Little Tokyo with Kevin and Chad, two of my friends from the team.  We were in search of a sausage fix and ended up at Wurskütche, the German Sausage joint.  To me, the most impressive part of the restaurant was the design.  I love the outside decor that makes it look very industrial.  The red and yellow diagonal stripes almost look like you're entering the tunnel of a subway.  The front of the restaurant, where you order, looks like a small to-go restaurant.  The grill is visible and all the different sausages are on display.  Reminded me of a street vendor.  The back of the restaurant follows the hip LA scene with dim lighting and lots of long wooden community tables.  Overall it looked more like a bar than a restaurant.  In fact, there was a bar, and I would totally consider going there just for drinks.  We sat ourselves at a table in the back and waited for our sausages with our order numbers.  I grabbed some of the large mustard tubes while we patiently awaited our sausages.

Chicken, Apple, and Spices- chunks of apple
and specs of cinnamon

I ordered the Chicken Apple and Spices sausage with caramelized onions and sweet peppers.  The sausages were moist and juicy, but they were not specifically bursting with flavor.  I couldn't really pick out the apple or the cinnamon flavor.  The bun was sweet and soft, reminded me of an umami bun.  Personally, with hot dogs I like my bun toasted, but I see what they were going for.  The caramelized onions and sweet peppers were great on top.  I also used the whole grain mustard, definitely a good combo.   Chad and Kevin both ordered the Belgian fries.  Those were probably the highlight of my meal, when they weren't guarding them with their long swimmer arms.  I liked dipping them in Chad's Chipotle Aioli. Not a big fan of Ranch-what Kevin ordered.
After dinner my sweet tooth was acting up and I really wanted to go to The Pie Hole across the street.  Unfortunately it was closed! Before 10? I thought it was a late night joint? Anyways, I'm sure I'll blog about their mexican chocolate pie sometime soon.

Insomnia Insanity

You might think I'm insane.  I start by explaining the circumstances, so I don't seem completely out of it.  Yesterday I had a really big lunch around 3:00pm, it wasn't that good, but I was starving.  Around 9, when I was getting ready for bed, (yes it was early, but I was tired), I just ate a small salad and then some peppermint pretzel slims from Trader Joes (They are amazing by the way!).

After starting to watch a movie, I fell asleep around 10.  Then, around 2:00 am, I woke up dying with thirst.  I went downstairs, got some water and went to the bathroom as well.  Then when I tried to go back to bed, nothing was working, I just kept tossing and turning with one thing on my mind.  I was hungry.  I knew if I went back to sleep and woke up at a normal hour I would be fine, but I couldn't stop thinking about breakfast! I had eaten a lot of salty food in the past two days (korean BBQ and a fried chicken sandwich, and I was just craving something sweet).   I went on Facebook and even watched another 30 min of my movie, but nothing seemed to work.  Around 4:00am, when it started getting ridiculous, and I realized I was completely awake, I got up and dressed. Got in the car and headed downtown to The Original Pantry Cafe.  This restaurant is open 24/7.  If you pass it during the normal hours of the morning there is usually a line out the door and around the block.  I walked straight into the diner and sat at the bar.

I took this opportunity to get a good real meal, because I usually don't get the chance to eat decadent breakfasts (crazy diving schedule).  I ordered the 3 pancakes, and an orange juice (needed the vitamin C because I've been feeling a cold coming on.  The restaurant had a good 15-20 people in it, but my pancakes still arrived with 5 or so minutes.  They were light and fluffy but still very filling.  I asked if they had any chocolate chips or bananas to put on top, but it was an unfortunate no.  I smothered them in butter and about 1/3 of the syrup dispenser.  When they first arrived I asked my stomach if it was actually hungry at 4:15 in the morning.  I actually kind of hesitated, but once I took the first bite I was able to finish the rest within about 20 min.  I had a really relaxing breakfast, surrounded but he other interesting 4am crowd, but never less enjoyed it.  I drove back to my apartment (must have been tired because I started driving on the wrong direction on Fig, a one way street), then did some laundry and wrote this blog.  Maybe I'll try and start studying for finals, or watch the rest of my movie? Either way, my stomach is satisfied with the breakfast that I was craving.