The Counter

Scenario:  You want a burger.

Dilemma:  How does one choose from the thousands of burger counters?

Answer:  The Counter (http://www.thecounterburger.com/)

In a previous blog, I boasted about the burgers at Steingarten stating that they were one of the best locations to buy a gourmet burger.  Well, I have some disappointing news Steingarten...you have competition!  The Counter, located throughout California, is the premier burger joint for customized burgers.  Today, I managed to have a 1/3 lb. beef burger topped with brie cheese, caramelized onions and garlic aioli sauce.  In addition to this mouth-watering beast, I shared a side of sweet potato french fries that melted in my mouth.  If this doesn't tickle your fancy, you can choose from a variety of:

1) Meat (Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Veggie) and Size of Meat (1/3lb, 2/3lb or 1lb)

2) Cheese (10+ options)

3) Toppings (20+ options)

4) Sauce (20+ options)

5) Bun (5 options)

Now, if you do the math, you can manage to have a different burger every day of the year.  Seriously?  Unbelievable!  In addition, the prices are extremely affordable for a fancy burger.  $10.00?  Yes, please!

If you don't believe me, try it for yourself!

Rustic Canyon

Alas, I have stumbled across a restaurant where my review will be a bit harsh.  Rustic Canyon located on 1119 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica is not worth your time or money.  In one aspect, Rustic Canyon promotes the use of seasonal food and sustainable agriculture.  Although the dishes represent ideas that I believe in, I cannot justify a portion of gnochhi that is comparable to a can of cat food for $16.00.  In addition, the below-par burger was $18.00!!!  (Highly suggest Steingarten or The Counter instead).  For dessert, I ordered a caramel sundae for $10.00 that consisted of caramel ice cream, nuts and chocolate syrup.  Last time I checked, I could get the same melange of sweets at Yogurtland for $4.00.  I completely understand that sustainable food is more expensive; however, these dishes do not reflect the charged prices.  Many restaurants in the neighborhood, such as Fraiche and Primi Al Mercato, charge reasonable prices for market fresh food and one of a kind dishes. As a connoisseur of good food at affordable prices, Rustic Canyon is at the bottom of my list.

Riccota Gnocchi ($16.00)
pesto genovese, parmaggiano-reggiano

Rustic Canyon Burger ($18.00)
sharp cheddar, onion fondue, housemade pickles, herb remoulade, hand-cut french fries

Bar Pinxto

As the heat intensifies and the days grow longer, I'm starting to believe we need to adopt the Spanish system of siestas.  The idea of sleeping in during the hottest part of the day and eating tapas under the moonlight sounds much better than falling asleep at work and sitting in traffic on the 405.  Although my fantasies cannot take me to Spain, the food at Bar Pinxto on 109 Santa Monica Blvd. brings back memories of long summer nights in Madrid.  As I sat sipping a sparkling Muscato from Valencia,  I tasted:

manchego y membrillo con almendras marconas ($4)                                                       manchego cheese, quince rolled in marcona almonds, arugula

*The best tapa I had!

empanadillas del dia ($6)                                                                                                            

House Pastry Filled with Chef’s Inspiration of Ingredients 

*Unfortunately, these were not as delicious.  Coupa Cafe has the best empanadas!

plato de quesos ($3/oz)                                                                                                

manchego, idiazabal, valdeon, capri cherve al pimienton, chef’s selection

*Again, not so delicious.  I am quite the cheese purveyor, and found these cheese to be quite bland.  Save your money for seconds of the other dishes!

tortilla española ($6)                                                                                                  egg, potatoes, caramelized onions

*The traditional dish calls for a longer bake in olive oil; however; this is quite good.

patatas bravas ($5)                                                                                                                       

crispy potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli, chives 

*I would prefer them a bit spicier, but they are nonetheless yummy!  

   

croquetas de pollo y jamón ($6)

fried béchamel, caramelized onions, chicken,  jamón  serrano

* Personally, I wouldn't bother with this dish.  I like the small plate at Cheesecake Factory much more.

brocheta de ternera, salsa piemento rojo ($9)                                                                                

filet mignon skewer, farmers’ market vegetables, roasted red pepper-sherry sauce 

*Very juicy and tender.  Well worth the extra few bucks.

churros con chocolate ($5)                                                                              

sweet fried dough, chocolate dip 

*AMAZING!!!!! Very fresh and authentic.

 

pot de creme ($6)                                                                                                                              

pot of chocolate cream 

*I'm a bit of a chocolate freak, so I must say this is a must have!

I found Bar Pinxto to be relaxed, authentic and relatively affordable. Some dishes highlight Spanish culture, whereas others dance around American classics.  The extensive wine list provides an opportunity for you to delve deeper into the heart of Espana, and truly appreciate the savory bites of food.If I've convinced you to visit this solace of tapas, please visit http://www.barpintxo.com/ for more information!