Gourmet burgers the latest culinary trend

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Mambo Italia at Lavington Curve off James Gichuru road on July 21, 2014 DIANA NGILA (NAIROBI)  

By Jeannette Musembi

In Summary

• Burgers have moved up from the usual fast food joints and feature in today’s menus in restaurants where they are often topped with bacon and blue cheese dressing, pineapple and chillies, and goat cheese with tomato.

Have you noticed the culinary trend that is taking Nairobi by storm? It’s great to see fresh ideas inspiring new places to pop up in town and old eateries to step up to the challenge. One such trend that is slowly making its way to the diner’s plate is gourmet burgers.

 

Just the mention makes my mind wander into the meaty and juicy treats that make up most of my pastime during the weekends. But there is more to the word gourmet, and it is a technique that involves more than slapping a beef patty and a few pieces of cheese and lettuce between two sesame buns.

Diners looking for a burger that is a cut above the preservative-laden stereotype have been making some local burger outlets so popular that it’s not uncommon to see overbooked reservations during the weekends, while some gourmet burger shops have been introduced across Nairobi this year. 

Burgers have moved up from the usual fast food joints and feature in today’s menus in restaurants where they are often topped with bacon and blue cheese dressing, pineapple and chillies, and goat cheese with tomato. Of course, the secret to all gourmet cooking is using the freshest ingredients.

When the hunger pangs come calling, there’s little that can beat a big, succulent burger. Here are a few recommended places to eat that meatiest (or indeed veggiest) of treats.

Aero Club at Wilson Airport

The restaurant, better known as Creative Kitchen, has an inside dining area, a large eating deck and tables in the garden and by the swimming pool. Overlooking Wilson’s 007 runways, it is the ideal spot to while away the hours before you fly away on safari or to unwind on your return. Their hotdogs, burgers and sandwiches are scrumptious and we highly suggest you try the Timau Lamb Burger – a feast in its own league.

Big Square in Karen and Lavington

Located in Karen, they are known for their unique square burgers that come in delicious flavours – from bacon jam to honeydew smoked beef all the way to jalapeno chicken. Coupled with delicious onion rings, you are sure to enjoy this treat.

Brew Bistro and Lounge

Many have taken on Brew Bistro’s monster burger challenge, and few have succeeded. The 11kg burger comes “smothered in cheese, onion relish, pickles, lettuce and tomato all within a specially created bun” and comes with a Sh5,000 bill. If you finish it in an hour, you get your money back as well as Brew goodies for honouring the occasion.

The smaller, more easily digested burgers get good reviews from patrons, too: “hearty, tasty and served with a perfect portion of fries”.

WWW Shop and Bar at the Junction

Famously known for its serious wine selection, few are aware of the restaurant’s delicious gourmet burgers. For example, the orgasmic Greek-styled Lamb Burger has been known to cause a ripple, with words such as “gripping, heart-rending and flavour-bursting” used to describe it.

They have been also known to age their beef, a huge contributing factor to the overall taste of the patty.