Burger Bliss

As soon as I found out Orson was serving lunch during the week, I hightailed it over. I already knew I'd enjoy sitting at the gorgeous marble bar where, even on a gloomy day, beautiful light pours in through the massive skylight. Plus, chef/owner Elizabeth Falkner always has something new up her sleeve that I'm happy to try. Little did I expect I'd find my new favorite burger! There are a few righteous burgers in town, but I kid you not, the Orson burger kicks 'em all to the curb. I eat maybe a burger a month but this one's so incredibly delish, I went back just a couple days later for another --with a different friend.

Here's the deal....the lightly grilled bun (baked in-house, of course) is pillowy soft, buttery and, miraculously, doesn't get soggy. The burger comes with a trio of condiments, which are a Cobb relish (egg, bacon, bleu cheese), truffle mayo and house steak sauce with a chili/chipotle kick. Elizabeth recommends slathering it all on the burger along with the pickled carrots and onions. I wholeheartedly agree, though recommend saving a little of the truffle mayo for your duck fat fries. You know, just in case you've soaked up all the heavenly brown butter Bearnaise sauce that comes with those fries, you've got a little extra deliciousness to dip into.


And I don't know about you, but I have a hard time leaving one of Elizabeth Falkner's restaurants without having a little something sweet. So I capped off that rockin' burger with a chocolate cupcake -- rocky and road on the outside. How cute is that!

Then I rolled myself on out the door with a full belly and a big smile....and I just might roll myself back in again next Weds. night to watch Top Chef Masters on the huge digital screen over the bar. Did anyone else catch the episode last night? All I can say, is: totally unexpected outcome (and sign me up for one of those chocolate chip cookies, please).