Saturday, July 6, 2013

Shake Shack UK: A new challenger enters the London burger joint fray

Shake Shack UK: Not another London burger joint?
Shake Shack was founded in the US by Danny Meyer (Picture: Ibrahim Salha)

Seriously, another restaurant selling a slim menu of XL burgers?

Yes. You would think London has had its surfeit of US burger joint simulacra in the last few years wouldn?t you, but now some actual Americans have arrived on the scene to stick their flag in a grilled patty and bun.

How is this one different?

It falls somewhere in between a McDonald?s experience and a sit-down gourmet burger experience, aiming to bring the speed and unfussiness of the former and the taste and indulgence of the latter.

Shake Shack Shroom Burger
The Shroom Burger (Picture: Ibrahim Salha)

Does it deliver?

Yes. Navigating endless tourists in Covent Garden piazza who look on the verge of tears as they try to find their way to the Apple store without being drawn into the orbit of gold-painted street performer is a little hectic, and its a very public place to be stuffing a large piece of meat into your face, but the flavours are great and the price is modest.

What should I eat?

For bacon burger lovers there?s the drool-worthy SmokeShack, which has vibrant chopped cherry peppers that cut through the smokiness. Vegetarians should stop in for one of the oozing Shroom Burgers finished with a filigree of lettuce. All however, should check out the frozen custard Concretes, which consist of irresistible mixes of banana, chocolate, peanut butter, marshmellow and more, along with sea-salted chocolate chunks by Paul a Young and hazelnut brownie pieces from St John Bakery.

Big Blend concretes at Shake Shack
Big Blend concretes (Picture: Ibrahim Salha)

Those who collect burgers like scalps in London bang on about the buns. How does this one rate?

It?s a Martin?s Potato Roll, a doughy, squidgy bun that keeps the burger compact but flavourful and generally gets the job done.

And how does Shake Shack UK compare to the New York restaurants?

The cattle used are Scottish and grass instead of corn-fed but aside from these changes (culinary director Mark Rosati says he is keen to use UK produce and be a part of London cuisine rather than invade it) it remains as American as you?d hope.

Some dishes get a London name e.g Drury Lane Jam, but still have all the ridiculous, gluttonous American combinations you hope for (hot dog with cheese sauce and crispy ale-cooked shallots anyone?)

Shake Shack UK menu
The Shake Shack menu (Picture: Ibrahim Salha)

What else do I need to know?

- MeatMarket is almost visible from the restaurant, go there if you want to pig out, go to Shake Shack if you?re looking for something more managable/that won?t leaving you needing a post-burger nap at your desk.

- Your dog approves of this restaurant, a doggy bag of red velvet dog biscuits is available for you to take home.

Source: http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/05/shake-shack-uk-a-new-challenger-enters-the-london-burger-joint-fray-3871076/

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