Zaitzeff Sirloin Burger on a Portuguese Muffin
When you start talking burgers with someone, you are inevitably going to enter into the debate about the best burger you’ve ever had. You might even pull out the top 3 list. But it’s not everyday you enter this great debate and then are told that one of those on the list is right across the street from where that very conversation takes place. So at 11pm last night I felt I could not pass up the opportunity to check out Zaitzeff, a previously unknown to me burger joint on the Lower East Side. The ambiance is simple — with lamps providing a soft light, paintings on the wall and candlesticks on the table, Zaitzeff sort of feels like you’re eating in someone’s home. The menu mirrors the simplicity of the surroundings and is the key to why this burger is in fact so delicious. You can choose between American style Kobe or Grass-Fed Sirloin freshly ground onsite, which is served with lettuce, tomato, sauteed onions and the real key to this delight, a Portuguese muffin. If you are feeling like you really want to jazz it up, there are a selection of cheeses, bacon, avocado and even a fried egg that you can add for an additional charge. I have to agree, this was one delicious burger, and thankfully because it’s made from such lean beef it didn’t have me leaving wishing I had made that choice earlier in the evening.
The Skim: It’s all about the bun. Generally an afterthought to what goes in between, the slightly sweet Portuguese Muffin compliments the sweet sauteed onions and premium grass-fed sirloin or Kobe to create a simple, yet delicious burger. You won’t have grease running down your elbows, but you will likely be licking your lips after a visit to Zaitzeff. {18 Ave. B, bet. 2nd & 3rd Street}
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