DuMont Burger @ Brooklyn, NY

Dumont Burger (Grilled Brioche Bun, Gruyere Cheese, Boston Bibb Lettuce, Tomato, Shaved Red Onion and Pickles)

Blessed with an unexpected afternoon off from work, I decided that this particular Monday would be the perfect time to finally make a trek out to that unexplored foodie mecca known as Brooklyn. Having successfully avoided this classic American staple of unhealthy eating the entire time I’ve been in NYC, today was also the day to try what the 2009 Zagat guide has crowned “Best Burger in NY.” After surviving Cambridge, MA’s Arctic climate conditions for four years based on insulation from Canada Goose’s unbeatable line of expedition gear and regular bouts of saturated fat intake provided by Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers , I can safely say that my standards are high.

Having small hands, I am accustomed to eating even the daintiest of burgers with cutlery. Yet, my first tentative forkful of this Brooklyn behemoth had me performing a wild cost-benefit analysis of palm surface-area to burger-volume-ratio. Raising the entire steaming sandwich to my mouth, I set self-consciousness aside, allowing paroxyms of pleasure and melted cheese alike to wash over me indiscriminately. While the generous patty was perfectly medium-rare and one can’t go very wrong with Gruyere,  what elevates DuMont’s offering to the highest echelons of burgerdom is definitely the brioche bun. Lightly toasted, coated with a thin layer of mayonnaise, and lending a subtle sweetness to an overpoweringly savory experience, this is what justifies an adventure to an outer burrough. Incidentally, while the mac and cheese at London’s Automat still holds poll position, the DuMac and Cheese easily beats that of The Waverly Inn, truffles and all.

Details: 314 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn 11211 (Btwn S 1st & S 2nd St) (+1-718-384-6128)