Dubai: If you are a burger lover and have been looking out for a slightly different kind of a ‘patty-in-a-bun’ experience, then this one’s for you, guaranteed.
The Counter that launched operations by the Reel Cinemas at the JBR Walk and Elevation Burger that opened their second branch at the Al Ghurair Centre on Al Rigga Road, in recent times, are two burger specialists with a serious motive: to give you some real good taste minus a load of high calories. Sounds good, read on!
The Counter
The Counter’s founder Jeff Weinstein opened his first burger joint back in 2003 with an aim to challenge the traditional burger joint and he claims to do so by offering over ‘a million possible burger combinations’ - through a choice from five proteins, 15 cheeses, 44 toppings, 23 unique sauces and seven types of buns.
This swank new outlet offers a range of ready made burgers anyway but if you chose to build your own burger, which is highly recommended, the first step is to pick a ‘protein’ – from ‘hormone and antibiotic free’ beef to ‘100% natural’ chicken breast to housemade vegan veggies. Moderately hungry at the time, I went for their ‘2/3 lb chicken’ done well. Step two was to pick one of the 15 varieties of imported and domestic cheeses. Of all the exotic ones, I went for the one I haven’t had too much of – the Swiss Gruyère.
Next, it was about choosing one of their 23 sauces, 14 of them made in-house, I am told. I picked the thick creamy Chipotle Aioli, a great addition, if you ask me. You have to chose four out of their 44 toppings and I ticked the ones I was certain not to find anywhere else in a burger in Dubai – like an onions confit and grilled pineapple.
The penultimate step was to chose a bun but I was keen to try their ‘burger in a bowl – Salad style’ without any bread. But if you are a bread lover, you have a choice of at least 7 artisan-baked buns to go for. Some amazing sides and custom-made shakes go on to make it a real culinary affair, all for a small price of Dh 39 to Dh 100 per person.
That’s however just one side of the story.
Elevation Burger
The other joint - Elevation Burger, who pride themselves on creating an ‘elevated’ burger experience through their 100% organic ingredients, is all about some real good quality beef. Their range of burgers are all made of 100% United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-certified organic, grass fed, free range beef. The real gem among them of course is their signature Elevation Burger (Dh35) that comes with two beef patties, measuring up to a decent 510 calories. This one is all about meat that’s grilled-to-perfection. I am particularly a beef lover but I had nothing to complain about this tender organic beef patty that tasted even better when topped with my favourite caramelized onions. It’s a topping you don’t normally get here in Dubai.
You also have a choice of building your own burger, the Vertigo, where you can stack up anywhere between three to ten patties in between two buns, depending on your appetite. While for those who do not eat meat, there’s also a delicious Veggie Burger that’s a savoury blend of mixed veggies and cheese. Not the kind of traditional veggie patty burger offered by other popular chains and therefore worth a try.
Before you walk out though don’t forget to try their ‘rich chocolate milk shake with oreos’. If you thought oreos were meant only for kids, this one is sure to shake your belief, available nowhere else!
Elevation Burger
Meal for Two: Dh100-150
For reservation contact: 042955520
Diner Timings: 11am-2am
Location: Al Ghurair Centre
The Counter
Meal for Two: Dh100-250
For reservation contact:
Diner Timings: 10am-midnight
Location: The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
