Author: burgercrewLA

Burger crew meeting called to order on Saturday, Jan 30th, 2022.

Members in attendance: Angela, Trev, Marty, DK, Wayne, and Innie,

Guest appearances: Marissa and Marty

This is the second attempt for this burger crew to eat at For The Win. The previous attempt resulted in a fail when we arrived to find the restaurant had unexpected plumbing issues and had to close for the day. We had to settle for Blue Bird Burgers. There was no settling on this perfect “winter” day in socal. We were able to order ahead and enjoy the burgers at a park nearby

I. Ordering
Angela, Trev – Double Cheese Burger
Marty – Single Cheese burger
Innie – Single cheeseburger jalapenos
Wayne -double cheeseburger with bacon and fries
DK – Single with cheese jalapenos and bacon
Marissa – single with cheese with bacon, lettuce tomato

II. The Burgers

First reaction from the group was “good good.” We found the pepper forward patty nicely seasoned and the course grind gave a mouth feel that was very popular with the group. The cooking of the patty was a tad inconsistent. There were some excellent bits and other parts could have been seared more but to make up for that un-evenness, EVERYTHING was gooey. (Side note: Innie found her burger on the border of too salty. We determined her salt tolerance is lower than genpop)

The onions were very onion-y and carmelized. DK and Marissa didn’t notice the onions at all. I personally think this is good thing. I think carmelized onions is one of those ingredients that’s only noticed when not present. It does a thankless job in elevating the burger taste profile.

Pickles on the other hand had good acid and were plentiful. Lastly, don’t upgrade to add tomatos and lettuce. Simply not worth it. If you like spicy, the jalapenos are worth it. (the Koreans agreed). You also can’t go wrong adding bacon.

The bun was squishy and gooey keeping in the theme of gooey for the entire burger. We suspect it was a bit extra goo since we got the burgers to go. We suspect the experience will be different if we were able to enjoy the burgers fresher at the restaurant.

Overall we found the meat to bun ratio really great in both the double and the single burger. You can’t go wrong with either and can choose based on whatever mood you’re in.

III. Fries/Brussels Sprouts
Fries weren’t that great. They felt over fried and a bit cold. This seems to be a victim of taking food to go versus enjoying fresh right away. If eating there I would recommend the fries, if taking to go it’s worth considering passing on this option and opting for the brussels sprouts!

These brussels sprouts were DELICIOUS. They were roasted to perfection then tossed in a super tangy vinegrette. They were a huge hit with the group and the bonus of feeling “healthy” by eating something green.

IV. Miscellaneous
FTW is in the corner of a tiny strip lot. Parking is very limited. We were the first ones there and it still took awhile to get our orders.

While waiting for your food you can check out the liquor store nearby.

It was nice and clean inside, tables were planks on cinder blocks, wine and beer available.

V. Value

The members were asked how much they would pay for their burgers. The answers ranged from $10 to $11.50

VI. The Verdict
The ratings from the crew were 3.9, 4.1, 4.1, 4.2, and 3.7. The burger was pretty good but not a unanimous GREAT. The “Win” is like the win a sports team gets over a weak divisional rival. (I.e. the Dodger’s beating the Padres or the Diamondbacks) 

Next meeting Feb 26 – Crack Burger in Long Beach

Burger Crew meeting called to order on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 6:00PM

Members in attendance: Angela, DK, Innie, Trevor, and Wayne, with special guest Chris.

Mini History:

Electric Owl is a gastropub and a cocktail bar. More importantly, it was created by Ernesto Uchimura. Name sound familiar? This is the original chef that started Umami Burger and BurgerCrewLA favorite Plan Check. Needless to say, Electric Owl has a pedigree of amazing burgers and (spoiler alert) it does not disappoint.

I. Ordering

They keep it real simple here. The burgers available are either a single or a double

Smash style patties, double american cheese, grilled shallots, 1001 sauce on a frico bun. Applewood smoked bacon available.

Add tots for $3 (ranch tots or hot tots)

II The Burgers

When you order the burger be ready! It comes out quickly and it comes out hot! The burgers are on the medium to small size. If you have a big appetite you may want to consider ordering two of them.

Sumana exclaimed “It was SOO good!” and felt that it was perfect as a single patty. Meat monger Wayne followed up that his was also perfect with a double patty. Double perfection? I think yes!

The patties were very beefy and although cooked beyond medium rare it still retained juiciness. The patties were definitely smashed but not enough to get the lace edge a-la Burgers Never Say Die but enough to get a great sear. The seasoning was on point and melty cheese filled all the nooks and crannies. The onions were nicely caramelized and the 1001 sauce had a bit of sweetness to round out all the umami flavor. The combination of everything is so well thought out and balanced everyone (except DK) didn’t miss having pickles. If it’s not clear, this burger is a perfect symphony that I will be humming in my head for a very long time.

II. The Sides

Tots were executed perfectly. Super crunchy and super potato-y. It comes with a side of ketchup and ranchy ranch. I personally didn’t care for the sprig of dill. Good thing it was easy to move it off to the side. The hot tots tasted like spicy pork rinds and the heat tasted like cayenne.

III. Miscellaneous

Happy hour menu is daily 3:00-6:30 where you can get cheeseburgers for $6 (single) and $9 (double) and tots for $4.50

Order from the table using a QR code (covid friendly) and everyone can pay separately (group friendly especially for that one person that orders only the salad and a water)

With the online/QR ordering it does make getting an off menu cocktail a bit of a challenge. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended and parking can be difficult to find. We also found it a bit noisy.

IV. Value

The group would pay anywhere from $10 to $13 dollars for the burger here which makes the happy hour deal SMOKING HOT.

V. The Verdict

The scores out of 5 for this burger were 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 4.7, 4.8. This burger was highly rated the first time we dined here and it delivered again even better!

The restaurant is located at an old train station. Don’t let any an opportunity to dine here pass you by!

Next stop, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar

Burger crew meeting called to order on Saturday, July 24^th, 2021.

Members in attendance:  Angela, Trev, Marty, DK, Innie

Original burger crew meeting was slated for For The Win. Unfortunately when we arrived the restaurant was closed due to plumbing issues. Needless to say, there was no win.

Our consolation was a place a couple miles away called Blue Burger. It is located inside Bluebird Market which resembles more a liquor store than a market. The “market” portion is easily rivaled by the “mini store” in the lobby of the local TownePlace Suites by Marriot.

I.  Ordering

There were only 4 burgers on the menu with a Fries add on for $2. The prices listed below reflect burger only.

Angela and Trevor ordered the Original Burger $9 – Raw onions, Mayo, Ketchup, Mustard, Lettuce, Tomato, American Cheese

and

Tex Mex with Fries $10 – American Cheese, Bacon, BBQ Sauce, Onion (fried)

DK ordered the Hot Cheeto Burger with Fries $12 – American Cheese, Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato, Fried Onions, Mayo, Ketchup

Wayne and Innie ordered the Original Burger with fries.

II.  The Burgers

We all found the OG Burger was super juicy and really good. The patties had a really great sear with nice rough grind. All the burgers came with TWO patties and TWO super melty slices of cheese. The buns were also EXTRA toasted. We really don’t see enough of this around. The chef really made the burgers with care and love and it absolutely shows.

As for the Hot Cheetos burger, the first reaction after picking it up with the hands is that it was really stiff to the point it could be snapped. However, after first bite the fears were assuaged and the burger gave way predictably and nicely. The cheetos gave a crunch and felt really satisfying. Perhaps it could be described as ASMR for the mouth.

III. Fries

Fries seem single fried a-la crispy on the outside and way over done on the inside. If you’ve ever had fries at In ‘n Out “well done” then you know what I’m talking about. Plenty of seasoning salt to make that Coke taste extra good.

IV.  Miscellaneous

This is strictly to-go establishment. There’s no seating available inside the market. There’s loud thumping music playing on the speakers.

It’s simply one chef working the grill/counter and payment is done in the market portion of the store. We didn’t see mask wearing by the chef.

Parking is difficult because ktown.

Hours are Closed Tuesday

12PM-9PM all other days except Friday and Saturday they close two hours later at 11PM

V.  Value

As a group we valued the burgers between $9 and $12. The actual pricing is good for the money.

VI.  The Verdict

The ratings: 4.1, 4.2, 3.5, 4, and 4.2.  Perhaps there’s an indicator that one of the burgers wasn’t consistently made. Overall we really enjoyed the burger. Personally I would not go out of my way to come back but If I was in the area I’d definitely stop in if I were craving a hamburger.

Burger crew meeting called to order on Saturday August 12, 2018 (Innie’s Pick).

Members in attendance: Trevor Y., Innie, C., Dennis K., Angela D., Wayne is in Europe galavanting.

I. Ordering

Beggar Burger $13

6 oz grass fed fed patty, apple wood bacon, fried egg, cheddar, fried onion & jalapeno, garlic aioli, brioche

Burrata Burger $12.50

Grass fed Angus, burrata cheese, basil pesto, tomato, red onion, arugula, jalapeno aioli, toasted brioche

II. The Burgers

The meat tastes grass fed.  Typically corn fed beef tastes beefier.  The bacon was excellent.  The aioli was really flavorful.  The fried jalapeños were not spicy but it gave good flavor.  Overall the burger had great textures with great balance between creamy and crunchy.  The fried egg was slightly runny.

The Burrata Burger was described as “different.”  The flavor profile was good.  The cheese adds creaminess, the pesto was good, but the beef was a bit out of place.  This sandwich might be better with a different protein like chicken.

No love for the buns here.  Too thick and messed up the bun/meat ratio.

III.  The Fries/Sides

The lemonade is pulpy and tarty.  It will make you pucker up.

The dirty fries has flavorful/salty gravy.  Lots of gooey melted cheese on top.

We preferred the regular house chips over the bbq house chips.

IV.  Miscellaneous

The table next to us ordered the last elote.  We didn’t get to try it but it looked good.

Small dining area.  Seat yourself and order at the counter.  The service was friendly and there was a little station to the side to get yourself water and napkins.

Parking is only available on the street in the local neighborhood.

Nice selection of hot sauces

The baby slept the entire time.

We would like to come back and try The Cure off of the breakfast menu.  Fried chicken with pan gravy, fried egg, caramelized onion, served on biscuits.

V. Value/Rating

We value the burgers between $9.50 and $12.50 and gave the following ratings out of 5 – 3.3, 3.2, 3.0, 3.1