Umami Burger
Since Umami burst onto the burger scene in 2009, I have been a loyal convert to their savory ways -- their Cahuenga Urban Jungle location opened mere blocks away from my office at the time, leading to many a lunchtime trek to the tempting burger haven. Their focus on the fifth "umami" taste (an addition to the traditional salty, sweet, bitter, and sour range) brings a rich, caramelized burst of flavor to the classic American burger that leaves your head -- and taste buds -- spinning in a delectably pungent haze. The addition of soy-based "Umami Sauce" and dried fish and porcini mushroom "Umami Dust" help achieve this robustly meaty flavor, and when served on a soft Portuguese-style bun, it's hard not to dive right in. From the insanely rich Royale with braised short rib and truffled aioli, to the lighter seared Ahi burger with pickled ginger and wasabi flakes, I'm never disappointed by gambling on a new soon-to-be-favorite Umami burger.
Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Bag: Kate Spade
Glasses: Bonlook Urban Dandy in Black
Lips: Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet
Housemade pickle platter.
Molten onion rings.
The Cali Burger, with butter lettuce, slow-roasted tomato, house spread, house-made American cheese, caramelized onions.
The Royale Burger with a beef patty topped with braised short rib, truffled aioli & truffle cheese.
The Ahi Tuna Burger with hand-chopped ahi tuna, crushed avocado, daikon sprouts, pickled ginger, wasabi flakes.
