Lost In Translation

Roppongi Hills Gourmet Burger Grand Prix 2015: Rigoletto

I was in Roppongi today since the Shibuya Tipness was closed and decided to try one of the 28 2015 Roppongi Hills Gourmet Burger grand Prix choices. Where to start? I see that Rigoletto won a prize last year, and although I have often eaten and drank there, I have never had a burger there. In addition the special limited menu option looked good the Smoky Burger with smoked bacon and smoked Gouda cheese with an egg on top with drink for ¥1720. I think the egg was protein overkill but didn't detract from the smoky flavor. I can say that Rigoletto makes an elite burger

Hungry Heaven

I found another elite burger joint in Meguro in Hungry Heaven. I usually order a cheeseburger first visit to a new shop, but this time I tried the Grill Grill Grill-grilled onions, tomato, bacon (Japanese style so closer to ham), and mozzarella cheese, fries and a drink for only ¥950. Great bun and burger, not a big fan of Japanese bacon and the tomatoes made it slippery and hard to eat. Still It's one of the best I've eaten at in Tokyo-next time I'll go for something simpler.

Shake Tree

I was introduced to Shake Tree, a gourmet hamburger restaurant in Sumida in between Kinshicho and Ryogoku stations, at Taste of Tokyo. I thought I'd try it out since it was on my way home from my Monday job. I got the bacon cheeseburger (¥1250) and it was excellent-complete with handmade buns and squeeze bottles of ketchup and mustard.

Port of Call

Port of Call is a restaurant/clothing store on the border of Daikanyama/Shibuya near Pizza Slice that has some interesting looking burgers. This time I tried the Swami Burger-roasted green chiles, house American Cheese, and roasted garlic aioli. I don't think there were enough chiles and the burger was a tad small, but there were several other burgers I wanted to try out, so I'll be back.

Bebu at Andaz Hotel

Bebu Cafe at the Andaz Hotel in Toranomon Hills has offers great gourmet burgers. I tried the "Classic" with cheddar cheese and smoky bacon for ¥1100, however, there's a lunch set with salad, a drink, and dessert for ¥1800.

El Pato

El Pato is an American style restaurant and bar in Koenji. Their burger is mighty fine, but it might be second best burger joint in Koenji-see Fatz's Burgers. However, they do have two types of Shiga Kogen craft beer (one of my favorite Japanese beer makers) on tap and outdoor seating.

Jade 5

There's a great new little breakfast and brunch place in Hiroo, Jade 5. I had the breakfast burrito, but I'll be back to try the omelet, eggs benedict, and burgers.

Update: Two more visits and I'm happy to say the omlet is top notch as well, still need to try eggs benedict.

The burgers are above average, but not as good as those at nearby Homework's or Burger Mania. The fries were tasteless. I was intrigued by the bacon chicken sandwich, and that would be the next lunch time choice.

36 Style

36 Style is a new restaurant/bar just down the street from my apartment that has several hamburger set lunches. The cheeseburger set was less than ¥800, but barley a step up from a place like Freshness burger.

NOTE: No longer open-now a steakhouse.

Graham's Cafe Los Angeles

Graham's Cafe Los Angeles in Kyobashi has a burger that holds its own against the gourmet heavyweights in Tokyo. I prefer my burgers without special BBQ sauce,however, the one they use here is not overpowering. A bit pricey at ¥1600, but high quality beef and grease resistant buns are a plus.

Two Rooms Bar and Grill

I've been meaning to sample the burger at Two Rooms Bar and Grill. It is 200 grams of goodness, but it was ruined by a too sweet BBQ sauce, and it's not cheap at ¥2600. If in Omotesando I'd choose Beacon over Two Rooms for their burger.