The homely hamburger appears to be experiencing a renaissance.
Gourmet burger joints are popping up on every corner – established chains are broadening their reach and start-ups are breaking into the market with previously unheard of burger interpretations.
Smashburger, the latest contender in the South Bay burger wars, recently hosted a Media Preview Lunch at the new location in Redondo Beach.
Smashburger Founder, Tom Ryan, was on hand to welcome local media, bloggers, tastemakers and concierges.
Ryan is known for creating some of the world’s most popular restaurant items including Stuffed Crust Pizza and Lovers™ line at Pizza Hut; McGriddles, Big ‘n Tasty, Dollar Menu, and Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits at McDonald’s and Steakhouse Beef Dip, Prime Rib and Sammies at Quiznos. Tom received his Ph.D. in Flavor and Fragrance Chemistry, his Masters in Lipid Toxicology and his undergraduate degree in Food Science, all from Michigan State University.
The Smashburger public relations team proceeded to shock and awe the assembled group with a generous eight course sampling of the menu while explaining their unique ‘smashing’ technique for locking in moisture and flavor.
The menu is streamlined. They offer half a dozen signature burgers that are also available as a chicken sandwich, as well as a vegetarian burger. Every ingredient is delivered fresh daily and prepared to order.
The ‘Classic Burger’ is an all-American tradition with cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, onion and pickles while the ‘LA Burger’ defies expectation with a fried egg, cilantro, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and steakhouse ginger dressing on a black and white sesame seed bun.
The ‘Fresh Mex’ features fresh avocado, cilantro, onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a Telera roll served with a wedge of lime.
They also offer the option of creating your own burger with three types of buns, five cheeses, seven sauces and six toppings.
There are six different sides including three types of fries, salad entrees, a classic hotdog and kid’s menu. The shakes and floats are made from Haagen Dazs ice cream.
The menu also features local craft beer and wine.
With the exception of the seasoning, there were no secrets. After lunch, the group was invited into the kitchen to smash burgers.
Taking into account the premium ingredients and generous portions, the price point is remarkable – an exceptionally tasty, very satisfying lunch or dinner can be had for $10.
The gourmet burger market has become exceedingly competitive in recent years and Smashburger has stepped up and taken the hamburger experience to an entirely new level.
Long live the burger wars.
Smashburger is located at 409 North Pacific Coast Highway in the Redondo Shores Shopping Plaza in Redondo Beach.
For more information, visit the website at http://smashburger.com/our-food/.
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