Burger Greatness at Rustic Canyon

by Examiner.com Los Angeles, March 29, 2010

The burger reportedly stared its long, wonderful journey at Louis’ Lunch in New Haven Connecticut. Louis’ has been selling ground beef patties between two pieces of toasted bread to busy office workers since 1900. Burger guru George Motz profiles them in his book Hamburger America, and they are also featured on the DVD that accompanies the book.

LA is hit and miss with it’s burgers. Or inexpensive, good burgers anyway. In-and-Out Burger reigns supreme for the best tasting, cheapest burger. There are some great King burgers in South Central LA if you dare to make the trip. There are a handful of gourmet burger joints around the city like Father’s Office, Lucky Devils, 25 Degrees, The Counter, and 8oz. And several restaurants that have their own version of the classic sandwich, The Hungry Cat, Marmont, Village Idiot, Morton’s and the like.

Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica is another one of those great restaurant burgers well worth it's price tag of $16. Chef Evan Funke, who can be seen nearly every week browsing the rows of fresh produce at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, is at the helm creating seasonal cooking at its best. The menu, constructed of fine small plates, a couple of pasta dishes, and main dishes like a Root Vegetable Shepherds Pie, California Rock Cod, Pan Roasted ‘Jidori’ Chicken, and of course the Niman Ranch Burger.

The burger is a beautiful presentation. An 8oz Niman Ranch ground beef patty stacked on a soft and chewy bun, with a slice of sharp Vermont cheddar, a single onion ring, house made pickles, wild arugula. Throw $2.50 in there for a precisely cooked fried egg on top and you have yourself a fine example of what a restaurant burger should be.

Rustic Canyon
1119 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-7050