Saturday, January 9, 2010

Umami Burger 2.0 - Leg of Lamb Burger

I was surrounded by skinny jeans and straight billed hats. It was scary and I didn't know what to do. I was in Silverlake, hipsters all around me, but I had to try Umami burger. I've heard tales of this place, how amazing it is, but how great can a burger really be? It can be amazing!

After braving the sharks clad in their florescent sunglasses and multicolored leggings, I walked into a very familiar venue. Apparently the Cobra and Matadors has since shut down and been replaced with Umami Burger 2.0.

First we had the Market salad. A light and refreshing mixed green salad that at first looks boring but has a nice clean finish. And yes those are sunflower seeds, couldn't tell exactly what was in the vinaigrette but it was citrusy yet sweet.

Sweet potato fries. Something that I often do not understand. But occasionally enjoy, tonight I enjoyed these, but did not love them. I have never been a huge fan of sweet meets savory and can usually handle the slight sweetness of the tuber, but there is either brown sugar or some other crystal of sweetness incarnation sprinkled on these fried sticks. They were perfectly cooked though which I always have a problem with when getting french fries. Also apparently you only get one ketchup, yes it seem homemade or custom, but seriously only one?

Now the pièce de résistance the leg of lamb burger. Usually when trying a new place I go with a staple that is there, something that the waitstaff or the world knows and loves. So I was going to go with the regular Umami burger, but after hearing 3 people that same night say "have you tried the lamb burger at Umami? Ahhh it's AMAZING!" You just have to pull the trigger. Was I disappointed? Well let me tell you...IT WAS AMAZING!

Perfect blend of deliciousness, there was a minty yet spicy flavor and it was a smooth delicious bite every time. I am not a huge lamb fan but I do like it occasionally, and all the reasons you hate eating lamb were not present as I enjoyed my burger.

Final bite: Umami burger is crazy good. They have a great selection of burgers, and you cannot go wrong with any choices. The atmosphere is nice and the prices aren't anything you haven't seen before and won't be mad about after. Do yourself a favor and brave the hipsters for this delicious treat.

Umami Burger 2.0
4655 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.669.3922