Rachael Ray Planning to Open New York City Burger Joint
Posted by Carey Jones, October 8, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Photo courtesy of RachaelRay.com
This Friday night at the New York City Wine & Food Festival, Food Network fixture Rachael Ray will be hosting a "Burger Bash," pitting sixteen of the city's best burger-flippers against each other, as the New York Postreports. But the juiciest tidbit to come from this article? Ray plans to open her own burger joint, right in Midtown, some time next year.
Does Rachael know her burgers? Given the 46 different recipe renditions offered on her website, one might hope so. (Her reported favorite? A sirloin-pork blend with garlic, fennel, hot pepper and Worcestershire, topped with Provolone and an EVOO-heavy tapenade.) Contrary to her super-casual home chef image, she's going for "fine dining in ground form"—a place that caters to a high-class lunch crowd looking for martinis with their sliders and white tablecloths under their plates of fries. No word yet on whether they'll be in and out in under 30 minutes.
Burgers are the new pink. We went to the Top Chef tour in Orlando a couple of weeks ago and both Spike and Richard Blais from Top Chef have opened burger joints as well.
I can't wait until she closes her burger joint. The description of her favorite burger sounds like meatloaf on a bun. A silk purse out of a cow's ear? Seriously, we're talking burgers here. This is DEVOO.
I'm with you, I haven't even tried her burgers but the thought of more Rachel Ray in my life (and on A Hamburger Today) makes me sick. I honestly liked her at the start, I saw her at Chelsea Market one time and she looked cuter in person than on TV, but it was a one time deal. Now I want her to go away. Who the hell wants a martini with their sliders? Yum-O? More like Yuck-O.
Cute, yes, but she sounds like Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Food Channel will probably come up with Food Channel 2 featuring Rocky, er, Rachel 24/7. Rachel Ray on Food Channel. Rachel Ray at A Hamburger Today. Call it Rachel Ray creep. I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for you to go away today.
Why does she have to make burgers? Answer: because she cannot cook anything else. Who could screw up a burger? Answer: Smandra Lee, Retchel and Auntie Paula. Wait everyone time for us to reveal our tablescape. Todays color ketchup red.
Take a break from the hate-fest. Sheesh. Think about it... it's the best of both worlds: (a) the woman clearly knows how to write a burger recipe, she has like 50 different unique and delicious ones, so as a restaraunt concept, I think it would really work well, and (b) what are the odds you would actually run in to her there? Slim-to-nil, I believe... So, unless the joint has talking menus *shudder*, you'll be safe from yum-o-zilla. Able to appreciate her skillz from afar without having to endure the cuteness. Although, wow, imagine being caught there by a photographer and having it show up in the times. I hope they have CarryOut.
It's not a hate-fest. It's a "I've had it up to here" fest. Enough is enough. Unless, of course, you're from the "too much is not enough" school. From my point of view, having 50 different burger recipes kind of undermines the simple but delicious nature of a burger (ground beef and hot skillet in perfect harmony). Hey, you wanna throw your money down that hole, go right ahead. Anyway, you should probably stop watching TV. It's bad for you. By the way, does she have a yak burger?
So, what are you saying - that RR is just hamburger meat? To paraphrase the old blues song, "you've got a hamburger for her bun"? Is that what you're saying, jonny? Well, I guess you'll be lining up.
@burgerboy: I don't understand the comparison. Not to be a big defender of my former employer, but Bobby Flay was a chef in NY long before he had any kind of TV presence. Mesa Grill opened in '91 or '92 and before that he was at Miracle Grill. Rachael was what? A grocery store demonstration person that happened to fall in to a sweet deal. And she admits to not being a chef. Bobby may not be a hands-on guy with his restaurants, but he is more than just a set of shiny teeth.
I have 50 different burger recipes. Maybe someone should get me a show.
Calling Oprah now. Hello Oprah, tell Gail I said hi. Can we talk fries please? What is that Dr Phil loves to eat, hey I think we got a winner.
.I'm a bison steak tartare person myself, so I like my burgers black & red w/ just onions, garlic, salt & pepper. Alas, that's no longer legal fare these days. The ultimate burger has succumbed to the tasteless buds of the FDA.
Yo phauxtoe,
You're right ... a good aged steak (my choice is a thick filet) is best 'black & blue'.
However, fresh ground meat (my choice is bison) should be bloody ... therefore the term for a perfect Burger of my choice is 'black & red'. (I'd almost prefer to leave out the 'black'.)
I just wanted to say that some of the best food I ever had was not cooked by formally trained chefs. Rachael Ray and/or my grandmother can cook for me anytime. Rachael speaks to regular people -- not food snobs. Since the economy has taken a nose dive I am sad to say that Rachael Ray's new burger joint will probably not happen. -- But hey! -- Just watch a 30 Minute Meals episode on tasty burgers, go grocery shopping and...problem solved.
For those that are sick of Rachael Ray's cuteness: just take a break from it and come back for more when you're ready. I think the reason that I'm not tired of her is that I don't watch her everyday on TV. -- Too much of anything can be a bad thing and I bet Rachael Ray would agree with that.
I understand the Rachel detractors, but you can't deny her fan base. Ever since she endorsed the burgers at Thalia (9th ave? Hell-s Kitchen vicinity) we have been unable to get in without a reservation days in advance. We don't plan hamburger meals that way. I am delighhted she will a place that hopefully lures the fans away from Thalia and we will be able to enjoy once again a good hamburger in mid-town. Otherwise it is Fairway or Big Nick's on the Upper West Side.
@Bobby_Likes...
'Contrary to her super-casual home chef image, she's going for "fine dining in ground form"—a place that caters to a high-class lunch crowd looking for martinis with their sliders and white tablecloths under their plates of fries.' - - This sounds like food snob territory to me, Bobby. And, just in case you think having a large fan base is an indication of deliciousness, just remember that McDonald's advertises "billions and billions sold". I'd say that's a pretty large "fan" base.
Hey Rachael Ray, to me,mom of six,not too much into fancy cooking,has been my lifeline for food recipes and easy ways to cook.
She is the normal everyday person just trying to make it thru the day to me..with her ideas and SIMPLICITY..
Too many people, are above and beyond with cooking..not me and my family..we like it simle and yes burgers are good eats..
Canadian Mom,
Ann
my guess is the place will be JAMMED with tourists, and there will be a LONG LINE for takeout. lots of success to you, rachael! keep it simple. don't forget to have two or three classics along with all the other 47 varieties. can't wait!
p.s. five guys burgers & fries in dupont circle has great french fries! check em out!
@AHT
We'll, there goes the neighborhood. I'm kind of wondering why recent commenters are addressing Rachel here. It's...bizarre. Please make it stop. It looks like Canadian Mom Ann didn't get the news that the RR burger joint will be up-scale. I thought that part of posting a comment was actually reading earlier comments and accompanying article. I'm gonna go and hang out at Slice for a while.
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22 Comments:
O.K first it was Bobby now Rachel. I have to now say it's the beginning of the end.....
burgerboy at 2:51PM on 10/08/08
Burgers are the new pink. We went to the Top Chef tour in Orlando a couple of weeks ago and both Spike and Richard Blais from Top Chef have opened burger joints as well.
katarina_santiago at 3:56PM on 10/08/08
I can't wait until she closes her burger joint. The description of her favorite burger sounds like meatloaf on a bun. A silk purse out of a cow's ear? Seriously, we're talking burgers here. This is DEVOO.
Summerfield at 4:52PM on 10/08/08
@Summerfield
I'm with you, I haven't even tried her burgers but the thought of more Rachel Ray in my life (and on A Hamburger Today) makes me sick. I honestly liked her at the start, I saw her at Chelsea Market one time and she looked cuter in person than on TV, but it was a one time deal. Now I want her to go away. Who the hell wants a martini with their sliders? Yum-O? More like Yuck-O.
NYC Food Guy at 5:39PM on 10/08/08
@NYC Food Guy
Cute, yes, but she sounds like Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Food Channel will probably come up with Food Channel 2 featuring Rocky, er, Rachel 24/7. Rachel Ray on Food Channel. Rachel Ray at A Hamburger Today. Call it Rachel Ray creep. I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for you to go away today.
Summerfield at 10:35AM on 10/09/08
Why does she have to make burgers? Answer: because she cannot cook anything else. Who could screw up a burger? Answer: Smandra Lee, Retchel and Auntie Paula. Wait everyone time for us to reveal our tablescape. Todays color ketchup red.
JerzeeTomato at 1:41AM on 10/10/08
Take a break from the hate-fest. Sheesh. Think about it... it's the best of both worlds: (a) the woman clearly knows how to write a burger recipe, she has like 50 different unique and delicious ones, so as a restaraunt concept, I think it would really work well, and (b) what are the odds you would actually run in to her there? Slim-to-nil, I believe... So, unless the joint has talking menus *shudder*, you'll be safe from yum-o-zilla. Able to appreciate her skillz from afar without having to endure the cuteness. Although, wow, imagine being caught there by a photographer and having it show up in the times. I hope they have CarryOut.
ohiogirlie74 at 9:26AM on 10/10/08
I liked Rachael at the beginning, too. I do like some of her soup recipes.
IndyGal at 9:43AM on 10/10/08
@ohiogirlie74
It's not a hate-fest. It's a "I've had it up to here" fest. Enough is enough. Unless, of course, you're from the "too much is not enough" school. From my point of view, having 50 different burger recipes kind of undermines the simple but delicious nature of a burger (ground beef and hot skillet in perfect harmony). Hey, you wanna throw your money down that hole, go right ahead. Anyway, you should probably stop watching TV. It's bad for you. By the way, does she have a yak burger?
Summerfield at 10:14AM on 10/10/08
I have the biggest crush on Rachael Ray.
Just saying is all.
jonny509 at 10:58AM on 10/10/08
@jonny509
So, what are you saying - that RR is just hamburger meat? To paraphrase the old blues song, "you've got a hamburger for her bun"? Is that what you're saying, jonny? Well, I guess you'll be lining up.
Summerfield at 6:38PM on 10/10/08
@burgerboy: I don't understand the comparison. Not to be a big defender of my former employer, but Bobby Flay was a chef in NY long before he had any kind of TV presence. Mesa Grill opened in '91 or '92 and before that he was at Miracle Grill. Rachael was what? A grocery store demonstration person that happened to fall in to a sweet deal. And she admits to not being a chef. Bobby may not be a hands-on guy with his restaurants, but he is more than just a set of shiny teeth.
BrianPrestonCampbell at 11:02PM on 10/10/08
I have 50 different burger recipes. Maybe someone should get me a show.
Calling Oprah now. Hello Oprah, tell Gail I said hi. Can we talk fries please? What is that Dr Phil loves to eat, hey I think we got a winner.
JerzeeTomato at 2:45AM on 10/11/08
.I'm a bison steak tartare person myself, so I like my burgers black & red w/ just onions, garlic, salt & pepper. Alas, that's no longer legal fare these days. The ultimate burger has succumbed to the tasteless buds of the FDA.
swish at 6:50AM on 10/11/08
Hey Swish,
the term is "Black and Blue", or "Pittsburgh style"
- meaning charred on the outside and "blue" rare (very rare or cool) on the inside.
the Only way to eat a good steak! Yum!
phauxtoe at 11:08AM on 10/11/08
Yo phauxtoe,
You're right ... a good aged steak (my choice is a thick filet) is best 'black & blue'.
However, fresh ground meat (my choice is bison) should be bloody ... therefore the term for a perfect Burger of my choice is 'black & red'. (I'd almost prefer to leave out the 'black'.)
swish at 6:52PM on 10/11/08
I just wanted to say that some of the best food I ever had was not cooked by formally trained chefs. Rachael Ray and/or my grandmother can cook for me anytime. Rachael speaks to regular people -- not food snobs. Since the economy has taken a nose dive I am sad to say that Rachael Ray's new burger joint will probably not happen. -- But hey! -- Just watch a 30 Minute Meals episode on tasty burgers, go grocery shopping and...problem solved.
For those that are sick of Rachael Ray's cuteness: just take a break from it and come back for more when you're ready. I think the reason that I'm not tired of her is that I don't watch her everyday on TV. -- Too much of anything can be a bad thing and I bet Rachael Ray would agree with that.
Bobby_Likes_Burgers_3000 at 8:27PM on 10/12/08
I understand the Rachel detractors, but you can't deny her fan base. Ever since she endorsed the burgers at Thalia (9th ave? Hell-s Kitchen vicinity) we have been unable to get in without a reservation days in advance. We don't plan hamburger meals that way. I am delighhted she will a place that hopefully lures the fans away from Thalia and we will be able to enjoy once again a good hamburger in mid-town. Otherwise it is Fairway or Big Nick's on the Upper West Side.
JohnFred at 9:42AM on 10/13/08
@Bobby_Likes...
'Contrary to her super-casual home chef image, she's going for "fine dining in ground form"—a place that caters to a high-class lunch crowd looking for martinis with their sliders and white tablecloths under their plates of fries.' - - This sounds like food snob territory to me, Bobby. And, just in case you think having a large fan base is an indication of deliciousness, just remember that McDonald's advertises "billions and billions sold". I'd say that's a pretty large "fan" base.
Summerfield at 12:20PM on 10/13/08
Hey Rachael Ray, to me,mom of six,not too much into fancy cooking,has been my lifeline for food recipes and easy ways to cook.
She is the normal everyday person just trying to make it thru the day to me..with her ideas and SIMPLICITY..
Too many people, are above and beyond with cooking..not me and my family..we like it simle and yes burgers are good eats..
Canadian Mom,
Ann
Ilovekids at 3:03PM on 10/13/08
my guess is the place will be JAMMED with tourists, and there will be a LONG LINE for takeout. lots of success to you, rachael! keep it simple. don't forget to have two or three classics along with all the other 47 varieties. can't wait!
p.s. five guys burgers & fries in dupont circle has great french fries! check em out!
mary00 at 3:16PM on 10/13/08
@AHT
We'll, there goes the neighborhood. I'm kind of wondering why recent commenters are addressing Rachel here. It's...bizarre. Please make it stop. It looks like Canadian Mom Ann didn't get the news that the RR burger joint will be up-scale. I thought that part of posting a comment was actually reading earlier comments and accompanying article. I'm gonna go and hang out at Slice for a while.
Summerfield at 5:47PM on 10/13/08