Though most often associated with fast food and caloric
content that brings a tear to one’s eye, there’s so much more to hamburgers.
Think about it: a hamburger is simple. It’s ground up cow between bread. Then
again, a hamburger is complex. The right combination of herbs in the mix, or a
touch of sauce gives endless possibilities for preparation to tempt even the
snootiest food critics. The hamburger is many things; a paradox wrapped in a
mystery, ground and fried up as a puzzle patty between the buns called genius
and creativity.
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| EHRMEHRGEHRD BEHRCEHRN |
In a lot of ways, that’s what makes Burger Bar such a perfect fit for the food it serves. Despite the upscale status of Greenbelt, the place is a simple, unassuming mezzanine that with a bit of an industrial twist. The overall atmosphere is relaxing. It’s a place where you can just kick back, and drool in anticipation for some awesome twists to some favorites of American cuisine.
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| Simple, but comfortable. |
The place has a fantastic selection of sides. The basic Skinny Fries are pretty good and really affordable on their own, but they've also got a version topped with parmesan cheese and truffle oil which is to die for. Another favorite were the Fried Pickles. The light batter and the sour flavor of the pickles make an excellent first course, and with the speed my group finished them off, I can safely say that we could polish off a bag full of them easily. The Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are another must try. Served with Roasted Jalapeno Ranch and Curried Mango Aioli, they’re a real treat for both kids and adults. Like most American diners, they also have a collection of milkshakes of which the Salted Caramel stood out. Upon ordering, the waiter informed us that we could have it with vodka too! HEAVEN!
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| Juicy chicken, awesome dip. |
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| Cut the pickle, you get a... |
Of course, a place called Burger Bar should have mind-blowing hamburgers, and it does! You can go for simple classics like their cheeseburger, quarter-pounds of pure beef with that melt-in-your-mouth texture that only freshly ground beef can give, the “Tributes,” however, are the definite must-haves. Available as either single or the recommended double patty, you can choose from some of Burger Bar’s signature toppings which, as the name implies, pay homage to classics flavors from all over while adding a generous helping of their own style and flair. Like mushrooms on your burger? The Rising Shroom is topped with fried oyster mushroom tempura and truffle cream cheese. Bacon lover? You’ll be worshiping The Piggy and its combination of garlic aioili, bacon strips, mozzarella, and bacon jam. BACON. JAM.
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| Always shroom for more! |
If, on the other hand, you fancy yourself a member of the burger-topping-bourgeois, you can try your hand at making your own creation, starting from the bun, toppings, and even the beef itself. What’s that? Choose beef? Yep, besides its signature blend, Burger Bar also offers special blends of ground beef made from different cuts such as The Beef Bomb, a combination of chuck and short rib with a unique nuttiness, or The Big Game, a marriage of hanger and brisket which should have the bold flavor of aged beef. Unfortunately, the other blends weren’t available during our visit, but if the flavors are as unique as the menu claims, they could definitely be one of the biggest game changers in the local burger scene.
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| Burger Building 101 |
At only a few days old, Burger Bar has managed to thoroughly impress this old meat lover with the array of flavors and options it has presented. Though the world may never fully understand the burger and all its many layers of complex puzzlery, this is one place that takes a giant leap forward towards bringing perfection; no, hamburfection to the Philippines.
BurgerBar
Ground Floor, Greenbelt 2
Facebook.com/burgerbarph
Twitter: @burgerbarph
Instagram: burgerbarph
