Posted by Adam Kuban, January 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'm probably going to get ripped by some of you out there who will say the following "burger" is not a burger, but I'm going to mention it anyway 'cause it's interesting.
The owners have plans to snowball the concept into a nationwide chain, so within a few years there could be one opening near you. The next one is slated to open on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood later this year.
But don't look to the place as a diet panacea. Says Zach, "The food is not healthy, just healthier. 30 percent fewer calories than McDonald’s is still pretty fattening."
Zen Burger
Address: 465 Lexington Avenue, New York NY 10017 (map) Phone: 212-661-6080 Website:zenburger.com
I wish I still lived in NYC so I could try them... I am sure it's super tasty. And if the Veggie "chicken" nuggets are like the ones I buy at NYC's Chinatown, they're probably awesome...
I love a beefy burger, but would be far more inclined to order veggie fast food if it's fresh like a beef burger - and not the same Boca-star patty that I have in the freezer.
Fewer calories THAN...:) And I'd rip you too, but the concept of a meatless burger is oxymoronic, and Patty luvs oxymorons. I'm going to be thinking about chickenless chicken and shrimpless shrimp all day. Is a lettuce wrap a breadless bun? What would you use to make potatoless fries? And is eating at Zen Burger a diningless experience?
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Zach Brooks, our weekly Serious Sandwiches contributor at Serious Eats, paid a visit to a new vegetarian fast food joint in Midtown Manhattan for his blog, Midtown Lunch. The place is called Zen Burger, but don't let that fool you. It's not about hippie whole food; its mission is to re-create the experience of McDonald's but with meatless products—with veggie burgers, crispy "chicken" sandwiches, fried "shrimp," and more. 
6 Comments:
I wish I still lived in NYC so I could try them... I am sure it's super tasty. And if the Veggie "chicken" nuggets are like the ones I buy at NYC's Chinatown, they're probably awesome...
Madelyn
KarmaFree Cooking
MadelynRodriguez at 12:31PM on 01/10/08
I love a beefy burger, but would be far more inclined to order veggie fast food if it's fresh like a beef burger - and not the same Boca-star patty that I have in the freezer.
jraphs at 8:49PM on 01/10/08
30% FEWER* calories :)
I hope this place isn't as insipid as McDonald's burgers.
AllenW at 10:40PM on 01/10/08
Consider yourself "ripped". Cheers, TB.
texas blues at 11:56PM on 01/10/08
Fewer calories THAN...:) And I'd rip you too, but the concept of a meatless burger is oxymoronic, and Patty luvs oxymorons. I'm going to be thinking about chickenless chicken and shrimpless shrimp all day. Is a lettuce wrap a breadless bun? What would you use to make potatoless fries? And is eating at Zen Burger a diningless experience?
pattyplus at 11:45AM on 01/11/08
@AllenW and pattyplus: OK OK! I fixed the quote. I didn't want to meddle with someone's words but now I feel I have to.
@pattyplus: "A diningless experience." Heh!
Adam Kuban at 12:11PM on 01/11/08