Burgers and Chinon in the Neighborhood

Flatiron Wines is surrounded by some of the finest restaurants in the United States, indeed - some of the best on the world.  It is true - in New York you can get whatever you want.

Sometimes though, you just want something simple and pleasing. I have discovered that Chinon and Cheeseburgers are about as satisfying as can be. A neighborhood insider tip - If you go to Shake Shack at 4:30 or 5 there is NO ONE IN LINE!  A little knowledge  is a dangerous thing...

Recently Susannah and I enjoyed the new Shake Shack limited edition Parkburger.  Then we tried the new Roadside Shack Burger with caramelized onions simmered in beer and bacon. Susannah had hers with no cheese because she doesn't really like American cheese but I found that the American cheese and rich, ripe, lush Chinon ushered in a new Chapter of Franco-American amitie.

A burger with Jasper Hill raw milk cheddar cheese sauce & Niman Ranch applewood smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato - Holy cow!  Simply superb with 2012 Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches.  Pretty dark cherry fruit, very well balanced, not noticeably tannic, nice palate cleansing acidity on the finish. This wine will improve with age but boy oh boy it's pretty damn good right now.  Marries very well with the fat in the burger, the cheese sauce and the smoky bacon.  No need for ketchup with these burgers - I find that the vinegar in the ketchup doesn't work with red wine.  The fabulous smoky, cheesy and bacon-y Parkburger and the savory onion-powered Roadside Shack Burger.  And Chinon.

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