Are these the fanciest smash-burgers in New Jersey?
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, eaters!
The time has come to grill some dogs, butter some corn and pay tribute to our fallen military heroes.
As a CrossFitter, I plan to do the Memorial Day Murph workout in honor of the late Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy. And, as a runner? I'll be completing the Manhattan Memorial Day 10K.
And, after that? I'll be eating dishes like these — because, when I get a full day off of work, school or obligations? I don't waste it on backyard burgers.
These are the three best things I ate in North Jersey this week.
Double Wagyu Smash Burger, Burger & Butcher
So, about that overdone, backyard Memorial Day burger — forget it! Because, not only did I find a better burger in the area, I might have found the best burger in the area.
Featuring two smash-patties made with wagyu beef, the double smashburger at Burger & Butcher is pretty much the sexy cheeseburger from the closing scene of The Menu, but in real life.
Loaded with grilled onions, stacked with American cheese and smothered in "secret sauce," the fancy burger (whose meat nearly melts in your mouth) is about as tasty as food can get.
Go: 37 Woodport Rd., Sparta; 973-315-8407, burgerandbutcher.com.
Short Rib Agnolotti, That Supper Club
Secret, pop-up dinner club That Supper Club continues to prove its elusive tasting menu is just getting better with age as the team blew me away with six new dishes this past weekend.
From a ricotta chive-stuffed tempura squash blossom to a strawberry rhubarb panna cotta (with Grand Marnier foam), every course on chef Nick's spring line-up was impressive. None was quite so delicious, however, as the shio koji short rib agnolotti.
To start, the handmade pasta pieces came in a miso "jus," but — contrary to most jus (which are thin and brothy) — the sauce was actually satisfyingly thick; like a rich Thanksgiving gravy. The flavor was equally memorable, as I found it deep, umami and even a tad smoky.
Rounding out the highlights was the dish's texture; because a dusting of lemony breadcrumbs gave it a nice little crunch.
Go: 7 Hawthorne Ave., Park Ridge; 201-746-0000, instagram.com/thatpastaclub.
Loco Moco Bowl, Shaka Kitchen
Island-inspired fast-casual restaurant Shaka Kitchen might be known for its fresh poké, but no fish was present in the best dish I tried at the spot.
Called the Loco Moco, my favorite bowl on chef Kiersten Gormeley's menu is a colorful combination of pork, white rice, slaw, scallions and frizzled onions — all layered together in vibrant striations and topped with a runny fried egg.
The protein in the bowl was slow-cooked and seasoned, Kalua-style, to perfection, while the salt of the crispy onions tasted great against the egg yolk. Kickin' lime sauce lie over the entire creation, and added creamy decadence to each bite.
If you're looking for a nutrient-packed meal, that still is still scrumptious, I highly recommend grabbing one of these for lunch.
Go: Three locations (two in Hoboken, one in Morristown); shakakitchen.com.
Hungry for more?
Want more on this week's latest food news? Check out some of my best articles at NorthJersey.com/food, and follow me on Instagram: @northjerseyeats.
And, as for next week? I'll be trying more hand-made pasta, collaborating with a gourmet egg roll truck and visiting a restaurant that strives to win "New Jersey's first Michelin star."
So, be sure to tune back to see if any — or all — of those things are as good as they sound.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NorthJerseyEats Instagram: Are these the fanciest smash-burgers in NJ?
