Reviews
HAMBURGER UNION, SOHO
Gourmet burger chains are popping up all over the place, but the one that gets my vote is Hamburger Union. It's a world away from fast food. All their hamburgers are handmade on the premises each day from grass-fed additive-free beef, garnished with quality ingredients like chorizo, halloumi, or jalapeno peppers, and served on fresh floury buns that definitely haven't come out of a package. Add to this some fresh chips ("proper chips, never frozen") and a thick milkshake or malt, and you have a very grown-up version of the old childhood favourites. And if you're really looking for the adult experience, you can order some wine, beer, or one of their delicious cocktail shakes with your meal.
Unusually for a burger joint, vegetarians are well catered for too. I can confidently say that the Citrus Marinated Halloumi Cheese option with red onion, piquillo pepper, beetroot and rocket is the most delicious sandwich ever made. And for those on a low-carb diet, all the burgers are available "Protein Style" (served between lettuce leaves without a bun).
You place your order at the counter and take your number to one of the long polished wooden tables, neatly accessorised with tomato-shaped ketchup bottles - just the right balance between a quick fix eatery and an elegant dining experience. The food and drinks are swiftly delivered to your table by cheerful and friendly staff, and then you can get down to some serious eating. The order-at-the-counter set-up makes it less formal than a normal restaurant, and there's no waiting for the bill at the end, so you can move on to your next adventure as soon as you've finished your meal.
Hamburger Union is the perfect place for a quick but delicious nosh before a big night out.
Written by gigi on September 29, 2006 | Filed in Famished Girl