It’s always nice to find another standout burger spot in New York City, and that’s exactly what happened when I recently attended an event spotlighting this East Village staple’s various burger concoctions and craft beer offerings. After passing through the bustling, eclectic bar and dining room, I entered an even more lively private bar area where colorful young bloggers, photographers, and the like were networking as well as soaking up the myriad sights, sounds, and, most importantly, tastes of this gluttonous dream venue.
I was greeted by a gut-busting oasis that featured five varieties of juicy, grilled contentment. The featured burgers, in slider form, included the standard Cheddar, the “Magic ‘Shroom”, Smokehouse BBQ, “Big Blue”, and the Lamb Burger, each of which paired with corresponding beers ranging from hearty stouts to blond ales. Toppings ranged from standards like tomato, lettuce, and bacon, as well as more “chic” accoutrements like baby arugula and onion confit. Most appealing was that each of the featured players had its own homemade dressing, ranging from smokey barbecue to a creamy cognac sauce. These sauces only enhanced the already-delicious messiness of each offering.
Although every juicy masterpiece was a winner, one was a particular standout, although not of the bovine variety. Probably the most obscure of the aforementioned, the perfectly seasoned Lamb Burger, topped with tomato, onion confit, delicate arugula, goat cheese, and a potentially addictive (and spicy!) harissa sauce, was pure bliss. The orgy of flavors, topped off by the rich, creamy bite of its Tunisian-based sauce, led me to grab one more on the way out the door…and well past my point of satiety. Also of note was its well-crafted pairing, Steen Brugge, a delicious Belgian blond ale.
Village Pourhouse is redefining the standard “pub burger”. Although I’d only been there prior for drinks, the next time I stop by the Pourhouse I’ll be sure to bring my appetite as well.
Make sure to taste the new burger by Chef Thomas Bernard this Thursday, 7pm at NYC's Village Pourhouse. See details and more pictures on the next page.
Contributing Writer
Chaz Busuttil
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
