Hi Veronica - I was at the soft opening at Umani (Adam the owner is a friend) a while ago. Unfortunately, due to my new schedule, I haven’t made it back. We did enjoy the food and the approach is quite different. Adam has put a lot of thought into the place. He’s also a wine lover-so very friendly if bring in something. I would recommend it.
Thanks Gregg! Will have to try Unami sometime! Thanks Paul for your insight!
Almost forgot about a place right in my own backyard, Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis in Dana Point. This is how The Chicago Tribune described Stonehill’s burger:
Stonehill Tavern. The truffled Kobe burger is hedonistic, but not pointlessly so; it’s got lots of smart truffled accouterments, any of which would be great on its own on a burger. St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach, 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point; (949) 234-3318. $28.
Pricey indeed, but better than driving to LA.
Here is the aforementioned article (“Where the Glam Burgers Hang Out”) that spurred me on this quest:
I agree with you about FO … and count me as a huge fan of the Counter … it’s worth checking out at least once, and their shakes are very good, as are the fried pickle chips … haven’t tried Unami.
the best burger I’ve found in LA is at “OB’s” in Manhattan Beach - big, juicy burgers … they’ll cook a real medium if you want them to, and fried egg is an option.
I really like the father’s office burger, but the whole waiting for a table and no ketchup thing grated on me after a while. Apple Pan is my nostalgic favorite, but not sure I’d recommend driving out of your way to get it.
Brian: Thank you. I will have to try the Counter, as well as OB’s next time I am in that area.
Thomas: The idea of “no ketchup” at FO’s grated on me too, since I’m a total sauce person. Apple Pan… I keep on hearing good things about that place. That is on my hit list as well.
Found some great pictures on Yelp from Umami (spelled it wrong the first time). A Turkey Confit Burger? Hello!
Here is the link… http://tinyurl.com/nlakyx
There’s a Counter in LA (Santa Monica) and it’s sorely overrated.
Like In n Out, people either love or hate Father’s Office although I’m not sure what’s not to like about a burger made with aged, prime beef, a medley of sharp cheeses, bacon and caramelized onions.
FO is one of the few burgers I will actually seek out and drive to; it’s like no other I’ve found.
However, the burger at Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica is pretty darn good too.
My favorite burger? It’s the one I make at home with grass fed beef…
I don’t know if it really qualifies as a ‘burger’ but Brussels Bistro (Forest Ave in Laguna) has one of the best versions I’ve ever had anywhere. The only problem is that it used to be around $10 (maybe 6 years ago?) and now it’s $15.50.
HAMBURGER GRUYÈRE ET POMMES FRITES « A LA BELGE » 15.50
10 OUNCE GRUYÈRE BURGER, CARAMELIZED ENDIVE, TOMATO, LETTUCE, BISTRO SAUCE, BELGIAN FRIES