The Agora Burger
Deconstructing The Ultimate Burger
In our Kitchen, we believe that simplicity is a special art form. And when it comes to food, there is no better canvas for this philosophy than crafting a humble burger.
A burger may seem straightforward — just meat and a bun, right? However, it’s deceptively complex, with countless variations and the potential for triumph or mediocracy.
That’s why getting our burger to be just right was such a prized goal for us. Our kitchen’s goal is more than just making food; we focus on creating an experience that evokes memories of shared meals and the simple joy of authentic flavours.
The Bun: The Unsung Hero
Too often, the focus is solely on the meat, but in The Kitchen, we know better. The bun is the foundation. While many default to a brioche for its light and buttery texture, we’ve found that this bun choice often fell apart under the weight of a juicy meat patty. That’s why we’ve turned to the potato bun—our secret weapon. We start with fresh potatoes, which we gently cook and mash to extract the natural starch and sweetness. The particular process isn’t just about the flavour of the bun; it’s about the structure. The starch from the potatoes creates small fibres that give the bun a unique texture — airy like a brioche, but resilient enough to soak up the delicious juice without disintegrating. Think of it like a sponge — it traps flavour, enriching every bite without stealing the spotlight.
The Meat: Freshness is Key
The spotlight, of course, is the meat. But it’s not just about buying the best cuts; it’s about how you treat those quality cuts as well. At Novél, we grind our meat fresh to order, ensuring that every burger has the ideal texture and flavour. We use a blend of chuck and short rib, balancing lean meat with rich fat to achieve the appropriate fat content of around 30%. It’s this fat that gives the burger its mouthwatering juiciness.
Important Note: When grinding the meat, we do it gently, respecting the integrity of the beef. We roll it into balls with care, creating small air pockets that allow the burger to cook evenly and rest before it meets the grill. This process is all about letting the meat speak for itself, without overworking it.
The Toppings: A Lesson in Simplicity
When it comes to toppings we keep it simple. We believe that the ideal burger does not need to be overloaded, but instead well-balanced. And so, we only use 4 condiments, each chosen to enhance the natural flavours of the meat without overwhelming the entire burger.
First, there’s the raw red onion, which adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of sharpness. Then, our homemade pickles bring a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat. We top it off with mature cheddar, chosen for its bold, tanginess that complements the beef. Finally, our homemade burger sauce ties it all together, adding a touch of umami that brings out the best in every ingredient.
The Result: A Burger Worth Devouring
The result: An original American classic packed with all the best flavours. It’s simple, it’s honest, and more importantly, made from scratch. At Novél, our passion for food is at the heart of every dish we create, and our burger is no exception. It’s not just about getting the ingredients and proportions right; it’s about creating something memorable that will stay with you from the first bite to the last.
NO BS, no extra fluff — just a damn good burger.
That’s the Novél way.