Burger & Beer Joint

With two locations serving South Florida - in Miami Beach and now Brickell, these massively delicious burgers have made me a consistent regular at Burger & Beer Joint.  When I’m at the beach for some fun in the sun I honestly can’t wait until it’s over, knowing that a stop at B&B is due.  Who doesn’t love a good burger, and greatness is a word that I'm going to toss around quite often.  My advice is make a reservation, especially if your dining out on a Friday or Saturday night. Unless you don’t mind waiting an hour (which I have) or more to be seated.

Their food and drink menu is extensive and full of incredible things to try. I highly recommend their fried pickles, which I'm a huge fan of. Besides the fried pickles at The Pub in the Pembroke Gardens shops, B&B has the best I’ve tried. Their“create your own” section which makes you the boss!  Pick from different meats, cheese, and sauces to have your burger your way!  For those of you that aren’t into burgers, or prefer a healthier alternative, they have salads on the menu as well as a veggie burger.

Beside their ginormous Mother Burger, I’ve tried each and every burger on the menu, from Fly Like an Eagle to the Hotel California.  My personal favorite without question is Sympathy for the Devil which consists of 10 oz prime Angus, buffalo chili, sharp cheddar, pickled jalapeno, sour cream, habanero sauce, sesame bun, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle and I always order their sweet potato fries and a side of guacamole.  This burger has it all - size, taste and if your a fan of spice it'll leave you ready to cool down with one of their delicious shakes.

Unfortunately the one thing B&B is lacking is consistency in service.  On this subject I consider myself an expert.  As someone who’s dinned there close to 20 times, it seems almost every time I'm there, an issue comes up.  From throwing the plate of food on the table, eyes rolling when you ask for something and getting the order mixed up. What keeps me coming back is the food!  Also, it would be nice to walk in some day and find someone that remembers my name. After all, I am a REGULAR!

Regardless I still give Burger and Beer Joint two thumbs way up. Take it from me, you won’t be disappointed. From what I can remember the food has always left me satisfied. Just know what your going to get with the service, it's like flipping a coin. Hopefully you're there at the right time. Visit B&B

Kuma's Corner - Chicago, Illinois

I agree that Chicago is far away from sunny South Florida but this place deserves a mention.  Kuma’s Corner, "Kuma" meaning "bear" in Japanese. kuma's Corner has become a landmark in the streets of Chicago. It would’ve been a crime if my brother and I didn’t stop in. Conveniently just 15 minutes from our hotel we hopped on the Blue line with our mouths watering!

I’ve heard about this place for years and finally made the trip to Chicago to eat it up!  Kuma's is notorious for having a wait of at least an hour or more, no matter what time of day you go.  If you plan on going during regular dining hours for lunch or dinner, you could be quoted 2 hours or more.  The dining room is extremely small and as the patio begins to close for winter time, the seating decreases big time.

As we sat down I was excited and ready to eat.  We opened the menu and immediately decided we were coming back again.  They have so many burgers to choose from with creative toppings that seem endless.  I asked the waitress for the hottest and spiciest burger on the menu.  I ended up eating the Plague Bringer which came with roasted garlic mayo, tortilla strips, house-made hot sauce, fresh garlic, pepper jack, and sliced jalapenos... all for $12.  My brother, being a huge Zeppelin fan, went with the Led Zeppelin with home-made pulled pork, bacon, cheddar, and pickles.  I really didn’t fall in love with Chicago until I ate at Kuma’s!  By far, one of the best burgers I have ever eaten.  I have yet found a pattie in South Florida with this amount of flavor in it.  Top 5 on my list for sure.

They have a wide variety of beers as well.  I enjoyed Three Floyds (gumball head american wheat) and Anderson Valley (oatmeal stout).  I forgot which beer my brother chose but it’s pictured.  Think it was called Avery.  It was delicious.  I read reviews about how good their mac 'n' cheese is but I didn't have room to try it this time.  They have so many burgers and I sure as hell don't want to risk missing another chance to try one.  But next time I’m in Chicago, I'm having the mac 'n' cheese!

 If you’re flying to Chicago or simply passing thur, you owe it to yourself to make this stop!  Enjoy their wonderful food and great beer selection. Service is OK at best but the food really makes up for it and they're open till late. I have to show the “windy city” some love here! Kuma’s is a five star!

Burger Battle

Fort Lauderdale’s second annual Burger Battle went down Friday night, May 13th.  It was held at the Riverside Hotel Lawn at 620 E. Las Olas Blvd.  The $40 prepaid ticket got you burgers from 15 competing local restaurants, samples from the French fry bar, and three drink tickets.  Sponsors  Publix, Apron’s Cooking School, and Krystal also offered samples.  There were VIP tickets available for $125 but they were not worth it.  The VIP section was nothing to brag about.  Plus, I like “mingling” with the people and being in the crowd.

The restaurants competing were: Capital Grille, Morton’s The Steakhouse, new comers ROK: BRGR and Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill, Johnny V Restaurant, Big City Tavern, Pelican Landing at Pier Sixty-Six Marina, Chef Allen’s Burger Bar, Riverside Hotel, Tarpon Bend, Timpano Chophouse & Martini Bar, Blue Plate at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Rare Las Olas, Hard Rock Café and Georgie’s Alibi.  Last year, the burger from Georgie's Alibi in Wilton Manors was the judges’ favorite, while Capital Grille was the fan favorite.

I sampled every single burger there and I must say that Gilbert’s 17th St Grill’s Havarti Burger was simply amazing!  The patty, like always was unbelievably good.  Richard was kind enough and made one Medium rare for me.  It also had bacon, Havarti cheese all inside a garlic butter toasted English muffin.  I could eat this for breakfast any day of the week.  It just had that feel to it.  If it was missing anything, it was a fried egg.  If so, they would’ve taken first place!

For the second straight year Georgie’s Alibi took first place in the judges vote.  I think the fan vote counts for more, and that's were ROK: BRGR came in, taking first place!  ROK: BRGR continues to prove its point that they have the best burger in town!
Honestly, this event will only get bigger and bigger.  The event just passed, and I'm already counting the days until the next one! Until then stay hungry...









Click to view entire 2011 Burger battle album: http://www.facebook.com/bluewaterkingfla81#!/media/set/?set=a.1915208611510.2110125.1580801122