The truffle fries at Ten 01 are a happy hour legend. The $1 oysters are a screaming good value. But I'm not going to talk about either of those things today. In this installment of the goodist's quest for the best burger and cocktail I'm simply going to extoll one of the best ways to spend $15 between 3 and 6pm.
Pistache - Aged Rum, Pistachio Cordial, Lime
The elusive nutty-sweetness of pistachios is amplified by a subtle rum boost and tempered with just enough lime to keep things in control. Refreshing, uniquely simple, and a perfect quencher with the chorizo burger you'll be spending your remaining $7 on.
Chorizo Burger - Housemade Chorizo, Pickled Shallots, Fried Egg, Provolone
This is art - the chorizo is so deeply rich and spicy that the egg and cheese almost seem to lighten things up by absorbing some of the heat. Finding acidic equilibrium required the employ of both pickled and fresh onion. Nduja immediately came to mind with the almost funky spiciness that's at work here, it's perfect.
Ten 01 also makes a stellar 'standard' burger with a patty so flavorful that it actually stood up to the Point Reyes blue cheese. Accoutrements are basic and sometimes that's exactly what I want, but I'm starting to get spoiled by fancy pickles and pastes. As much as I salute the use of pork fat in Clyde Common's burger, I'd love to swap this patty in between that perfect bun and tomato puree.
With a classy ambiance that paradoxically seems to lead to rapid inhibition and some of the best staff in town it's easy to be comfortable here when you're looking to unwind. If I still worked banker's hours downtown I'd be tempted daily by a smooth quencher and a burger with enough bite to wipe my mind of the day's drudgery.
was 'inhibition' supposed to be 'inebriation'?
Posted by: ConOat | July 17, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Inhibition best describes it. Even though Ten 01 has a bit of a classy feel I don't feel overly compelled to be so myself. But yes, this typically leads to inebriation...
Posted by: Tim Don | July 17, 2009 at 04:20 PM
oh my god i want that burger. I miss burgers.
Posted by: amy | August 02, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Yes, it was the perfect stop after Powell's with my young adult children visiting during the holidays. We took photos of the classy (yet still friendly) presentation and watched the first snowflakes come down, lingered, and got caught in the weather problems!
And I'm still raving about the Pistache! Wonder where you can buy pistachio cordial in town.
Posted by: Tinkertoot | February 23, 2010 at 09:03 AM