Y A K U Z A
NE 30th at Killingsworth
I'm just going to start by saying that I knew what I was getting myself into when I ordered the 'Yakuza Burger' tonight. I've had this burger on multiple occasions and really consider it nearly perfect in every way. It might seem like a cop out for my first entry to be about what I already know, but seeing as how I would compare every burger to this one anyway, I figured it should be noted in the very early stages of this record.
I should probably have some kind of method of explanation, as I hope many more burgers drive me to this kind of satiation, the kind where I don't know where to start or where to end so I'd probably just continue to blab and it would probably just get uncomfortable for everyone involved.
I'll start by explaining what composes the burger, to the best of my knowledge.
The Elements (bottom to top):
Toasted Bun (with sesame seeds on top portion)
Spicy Chipotle (?) Mayo situation
Fresh Greens (I think I saw spinach and arugula)
Kobe Beef burger (about an inch thick, cooked medium)
Goat Cheese
House Catsup (spicy!)
Crispy Fried Potatoes (like thick shoestring style)
Now, I'll be the first to admit that if I was the artist and I had these ingredients, I would probably beg and plead for some old fashioned Heinz Ketchup and some Best Foods mayo. However, I am not this burger's creator, and that's probably for the best. Anyone who reads this should know I'm worse than an infant when it comes to spice. I really find it difficult to tolerate and, though my friends tell me I can build a tolerance (and I don't think they're joshin' me), it's just not something that I want to put myself through. On the off-chance that I'm going to have an awesome awesome meal, I don't want to have to struggle with that meal. My time is too precious.
BUT burgers like this burger begin to make me question my existence (what have I been doing anyhow?), and with that make me question my beliefs on spice. OR MAYBE, which I think is more accurate, I think what the Yakuza Burger does is pairs amazing flavors in such a way that makes the spice tolerable, and I can feel all the flavors on my palate creating an amazing piece of artistry with each bite. The goat cheese and greens save it for me, because they act as a somewhat neutralizing element for the ow ow ow hot ow spiciness and actually ask me to appreciate how they're working together. AND anyone who puts shoestring potatoes on ANYTHING wins in my book. You actually can't loose with crispy fried potatoes. You actually can't.
Oh, and all of this is stacked seven or eight inches high, with a skewer holding it together. We pressed ours down with our palms to make it manageable and they both had incredible staying power, structurally, lasting until our last couple bites.
Long story short, if you couldn't tell, working through my issues with spice. I'm an infant. BUT both myself and my darling companion cleaned our plates, finished our Whiskey #2's with pleasure (whiskey, gingerbeer, AND ginger on ice... so refreshing). The staff was really great, nice chill vibe (as always). Overall, totally awesome.
