A Hamburger Today
First Look: Cheeseburger from Black Market
Black Market
110 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 (at East 7th St; map)
Open 6 - 12 p.m., closed Mondays
When nightlife impresario Johnny T—part owner of Cabin Down Below, The Bowery Electric, and Niagara—developed the concept for his new bar, he had two thoughts: oysters and cheeseburgers.
And that is pretty much the whole menu at the Black Market. (Get a first look here.) For the burger part he knew he wanted the best beef out there and sought out Pat La Frieda, New York City's burger king. Johnny worked with Pat La Frieda himself to develop the burger. The architecture will be familiar to anyone who has eaten at other Pat La Frieda burger purveyors Shake Shack and HB Burger—the griddle cooked 6-ounce patty is served on a potato roll with your choice American or Blue cheese, fresh cut french fries, and rabbit food for a more than fair $11.
Remarkably, given the seeming ubiquity of La Frieda, it is the only burger from the vaunted meat purveyor sold in the East Village. I tried one yesterday, knowing that the operation is brand new and that the griddle needs seasoning, but nevertheless my experience was extremely positive.
Look for a full review in the near future.