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2009-06-04
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If there is anything that can spread faster than the flu, it's gotta be one of two things -- rumours and food trends. Rumours and gossips we cannot help, as even the noblest soul can be portrayed these days as "patronizing" and got a spinoff into a perfect example of prime mockery. Food options, however, spread faster than we can anticipate. This day one shop opens, the next day it went on TV, on the newspapers, on the magazines, and then everyone knows about it. The burger invasion was like tha
And now there is one in North Point, precisely, Fortress Hill.
Taking space next to the famed 福元湯丸 is this little joint occupying a storespace with just 2 seats, with the counter doubled as cashier, where the cash machine occupied the narrow space against the fridge/ freezer where the food are kept before ordering. The shop front was narrow and tight and space was not indulged, while takeout is highly encouraged. Burger Mix is the latest venture of burger joints, and opening here in North Point says it all -- the pricing is reasonable for students alike to splurge on lunch, and possibly breakfast since they open every day at 7 am.
The specialty is not to be missed -- the handmade beef burger, each patty weighing exactly 100g (before cooking). The beef was ground but not mushed up. Each one was made into a round patty before tossed onto the hot griddle and pan fried (while being pressed occasionally) until the burger was ready. THOMAS, the owner of Burger Mix, proudly introduced me to the burger and showed me step by step on how the burger is created from the start...The toasted sesame seed bun was first smeared lightly with mayonnaise, followed by crisp onion rings, lettuce, and two ruby red slices of tomatoes. The other half was gently smothered with mustard, ketchup and a few bits of gherkins before the hot pan-fried beef patty atop the entire half-bun. It was executed in such dedication that made me wonder .. at the busiest of lunch hours, would they still bear the smiles and tuck the wrapping paper in like they did with mine?
The burger was of a reasonable size and made with such care that when I unwrapped the paper, I couldn't help but "devour" into the sandwich. When I did, the sauces did not burst all over my clothes, it was just about right. But I expected the meat patty bursting with juices, that, was not up to my expectations. The meat tasted alright, with no influence from an overdose of herbs or a patty out of mythic proportions. The size was just about right, if I could just add one room for improvement, that is, to have the meat fried for shorter time, because after you take it out of the griddle, it will still cook, and sometimes being slightly underdone will end up with a perfect burger patty when the customer eats it.
The burger came with a combo -- with French Fries and a beverage. I upped my combo into cheesy fries (pictured here) and lime soda.The Cheesy Fries was piping hot when served, and despite it tasted somewhat like a less-sloppy version of cheese-whizz over hot potato fries, I must admit that it's rather enjoyable, more so than I paid 30 dollars for a lousy bowl of Mad Potato with the cheese ever so orange and salty that I could worry about future kidney functions over prolonged consumption. Not this one, the fries are crispy and hot and only mildly flavoured with salt, and the cheesy mixture got to the bottom of the paper carton so that all the fries would get at least some cheese, now how's that for being thoughtful? The lime soda was a major disappointment. It was made with a mild green syrup and soda water. The proportions must've been off since I couldn't taste the citrus nor did it look the part. The green colour gave off a slightly blue hue, I know I could've gone for a better soda choice instead.
The special thing about Burger Mix is you get to personalize, much like any other burger joints out there. Instead of froufrou ingredients, Burger Mix is not afraid to show the true roots of "localized" ingredients based on favorites and not novelty. You're free to dress up your burger with additional toppings like an egg ($3), cheese ($4), bacon ($5), even deep fried porkchop or another patty ($10 each). There are also sodas, smoothies and milkshakes to choose from. Breakfasts and Tea-sets get a complimentary beverage while at other times combo range from $27 to $33 with one standard sized fries and beverage. At the time of writing the shop is still new, the service may be a little slow but that I can see improved within a short period of time. I'm glad that the burger which moved eastward was something of familiarity, instead of some high hopes to introduce pretentious burger-look-alike to a neighborhood where the only burgers that ever touched this neighborhood was of McDonald's, and most recently. BurgerKing from 2 blocks away. Let's hope that people will embrace the new burger in the neighborhood!!
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