Depressed? Try a designer burger

If there’s one food item that has endured as many costume changes as Lady Gaga, it’s got to be the hamburger hands down!

The classic grilled beef patty served between a sesame seed bun with a dollop of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle slices now comes in different variants — fish, pork, chicken, and veggies — with delish relishes, premium fillings, toppings, and healthier bread alternatives to choose from.

In 2001, French chef Daniel Boulud created a stir at his DB Bistro Moderne in Manhattan with his US$26 DB burger. The hamburger was definitely far from ordinary as the patty (ground sirloin) was stuffed with truffles, foie gras, and the meat from braised short ribs! The floodgates have opened and burger lovers never looked back.

And so, the humble hamburger now goes by the name “designer” or “gourmet” burger.

Burgers by design

In 1999, when designer burger was unheard of in the Philippines, chef Enrique Jose and his brothers Martin and Daniel opened Brothers Burger along Meralco Ave. in Ortigas, the first designer burger joint to offer a half-pound, flame-grilled burger in the country.

“We were actually afraid to launch Brothers Burger at that time because of the Asian crisis. But we later found out that the timing was perfect. During that time, a lot of people got depressed. And when Filipinos are depressed, they either shop or dine out to feel good. They were looking for comfort food and our half-pound burger fit the bill,” recalls Martin, president of Brothers Burger.

At Brothers Burger, the patties (made with premium beef), aren’t cooked in fat, they’re flame grilled. Plus, guests get to design their own burgers. Each of the burger on the menu caters to a unique taste and preference, allowing diners to discover and enjoy their best burger “match,” one that’s designed with them in mind.

There’s the classic, best-selling Brothers Burger that boasts flame-grilled premium beef patty with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, catsup, and mayonnaise in an oatmeal bun.

As for the Designer Burgers, diners can choose from the delectable Blues Brothers, a rich, creamy blue cheese topping with honey-cured bacon; or the Ranchero, with crispy onion rings, melted cheddar cheese, honey-cured bacon, and smoky barbecue sauce.

“A lot of people mistake us for a foreign brand. We’re homegrown. Well, if you look at the history of designer burger joints in the US, a lot of the celebrity chefs there started offering gourmet burgers in 2002. Brothers Burger opened in 1999. So we were actually ahead of all of them,” notes Martin.

While Brothers Burger’s burgers are a bit expensive compared to other brands, Martin hasn’t heard anyone complain.

“People don’t feel robbed when they leave our store, simply because they get their money’s worth,” notes Daniel Jose, EVP for new business and site development.

New Palate Pleasers

Now in its 14th year, Brothers Burger never ceases to innovate. In fact, it recently launched three new items on the menu, which were warmly received by its loyal customers.

Brothers Burger’s crispy fried chicken wings top the list. Marinated with special herbs and spices, the flavors seep into the meat’s fibers. Once you pop, you just can’t stop. Choose from garlic Parmesan or barbecue dip.

Burger lovers can now indulge minus the guilt with Brothers Burger’s Lettuce Wrapped Burger. The signature 150-gram, flame-grilled patty is wrapped in fresh, crunchy lettuce and served burrito-style.

“This burger is designed for those who want to cut down on their calorie intake. I actually got the idea from a friend who would order our signature burger sans the bun after a workout,” says Daniel.

But if it’s lamb you want, indulge in Brothers Lamb Burger. The half-pound, flame broiled lamb patty is smothered with a generous amount of pesto and feta cheese.

“We listen to our customers. These new food items are based on their suggestions and feedbacks,” he enthuses.

In its 14 years of operation, Brothers Burger isn't too focused on expansion. In fact, there are only 20 Brothers Burger branches scattered in strategic parts of the metro.

“As much as we want to open 100 stores, we know that not all Filipinos can afford a P350 burger. Besides, it’s not the number of stores but the quality of the products we put in our stores that counts,” adds Daniel.

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For store locations, promos, and updates, visit www.facebook.com/OfficialBrothersBurger.

For delivery, call 756-5656 for selected Metro Manila areas only.