#nycburger

Right off Times Square, the French Cafe Un Deux Troisis a decent pre-theater dining destination. (Generous three course theater prix fixe for just $28!) It is also the location of one of my all time favorite New York moments.

The food is nothing extraordinary, although I only had the hamburger frites...and my very own extra large creme brulee. (Felt just like Kevin McCallister when that puppy came out.) What I love is the restaurant's ambiance; it strikes the perfect balance between boisterous brasserie with whimsical white twinkly lights and refined dining under crystal chandeliers. It's very Parisian and New York feeling at the same time, and although I tend to favor 20-seat neighborhood joints, this giant room definitely was a fun change.

While dining here last weekend before a show, a fully decked Santa brought out posters depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas, selected various tables to hold the cards up, and had the entire restaurant sing together. We were seated next to the Five Golden Rings family, who definitely did the most joyous verse justice. 

Hugs and Kisses green tea (served with rock candy stir stick), hamburger, smoked turkey club with raspberry jam on whole grain bread. 

Sometimes you just need a healthy meal, but not necessarily one that tastes like it. Sanctuary T is the perfect place for that. The menu is chock full of organic and vegetarian fare (but also free range beef burgers), and an insane collection of loose leaf teas (I'm guessing somewhere close to 100 varieties). Although the tea is spendy ($10 for a 2 ounce canister), I love giving them as gifts, especially the New York-inspired flavors (SoHo Breakfast, SoHo Chai). The open wall space on trendy but peaceful lower West SoHo tops off the whole experience.

You know one thing all that rain was good for last month? Short lines at Shake Shack. After years of wanting to go, I finally made it on a slightly drizzly night a few weeks back.

I sprang for the fried portobello burger, mostly thanks to this post. Seemed innocent enough, until I took one bite and there was a flavor explosion!

An explosion of muenster and cheddar cheese, that is, which came oozing out of the shroom. Nirvana!

To accompany this delicious morsel, I had krinkle fries...

and coffee and donuts frozen custard. There were literally little pieces of donuts in the custard. I died! Unfortunately, it was a flavor of the month in June, but if we all write in, maybe they'll bring it back for August.

With the incredible special the Cow has going on right now ($16 3-course prix fixe), and the awesome remodeled back patio, I reeeeally wanted to like my dinner. But...

I'm sad to report my fish burger was almost inedible. Despite the fact that it came with two huge fish fillets, the fish was the funky-fishiest thing I had ever tasted, to the point where I couldn't eat it. Perhaps I was just spoiled with all of the fresh fish in the Bahamas, but alas, no good. Its one saving grace: a delicious cilantro-mayo spread.

I've had the burgers here before, and they are delicious. They're served with the lot: pineapple, a fried egg, beets, and bacon. I should have played it like my friends and stuck with what I knew.

Will I come back to the Cow? Perhaps. I wasn't starving so I didn't get the prix fixe, but on the menu is a Cow Salad (avocado, mango, and pecans with a mango mustard dressing) and a Half Roasted Chicken (with cream corn succotash and potato scallops). All that plus dessert for $16? I must say I'm curious. Also, their all you can drink brunch for $18 is a great time.

This weekend was gorgeous, and what better way to celebrate a beautiful summer day than with an all-American summer meal.