Esquire magazine today released its list of this year’s best new restaurants. Of course, we need to ask, “OK, but can they make a burger?” Surprisingly, and encouragingly, eight of the 17 restaurants selected menu America’s favorite.
Chef Kris Morningstar
Recognition goes first to Kris Morningstar (at right), executive chef at one of the winners, Ray’s & Stark Bar, Patina Group’s striking restaurant in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In these haute surroundings, Morningstar delivers what sounds to be a masterpiece: his Benedict Burger, with house brioche, red-onion confit, Gruyère cheese, sunny-side-up egg, watercress, béarnaise and gaufrette potatoes.
Seven others on Esquire’s 2011 list also have created burgers:
● Ai Fiori, New York City. The White Label burger is 8 ounces of Pat La Frieda prime ground beef with Nueske’s bacon, American cheese, black tomato and pomme dauphines.
● Chicago Cut Steakhouse, Chicago. Not fancy but prime is the Chicago Cut Prime Burger.
Fiola
● Fiola, Washington, D.C. The Fiola BLT Burger is topped with smoke provolone cheese and served with rosemary fries.
● Millesime, New York City. The Millesime Burger is topped with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, roasted red peppers, spicy onion rings and french fries.
● The Pullman, Glenwood Springs, Colo. The Pullman burger begins with grass-fed beef and adds caramelized onions and white Cheddar.
● Tico, Boston. The menu reflects Chef-owner Michael Schlow’s interest in the foods of Mexico, South America and Spain but, yes, there’s a burger. The Great Bacon Cheeseburger is served with house-made fries.
● Towne Stove and Spirits, Boston. The Deluxe 8-oz. All American Bacon Burger is a 70/30 mix of ground skirt steak and short rib, with or without Cheddar.
Esquire’s other best new restaurants, which don’t yet offer a burger are:
● 1500°, Miami Beach
● Boulud Sud, New York City
● Congress, Austin, Texas
● Cotogna, San Francisco
● Dominique’s on Magazine, New Orleans
● Legal Harborside, Boston
● Lincoln Ristorante, New York City
● Salinas, New York City
● Sotto, Los Angeles
Can't keep track of all the new menu additions? Check the 
The May Burger of the Month at R.J. Grunts in Chicago is the Chihuahua Burger. That's a ground chuck and sirloin patty topped with Chihuahua cheese, jalapeño cabbage slaw, pickled red onion, cilantro, and Cholula garlic aïoli. To see the full list of May's best Burgers of the Month around the country, click
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