CHILE RELLENO BURGER / THE CLIFF
A brioche bun is buttered and grilled , then topped with a wagyu patty before the magic ingredient — a stuffed chile relleno , fried in tempura batter — is placed on top . “ This burger is a great blend of the flavor profiles of California and Mexico ,” says James Brice , chef at The Cliff . Crispy bacon and sliced red onion complete the burger , which is served with jalapeno aioli and a side of sweet potato fries .
ANDREW TURULA
MOZAMBIQUE STEAK BURGER / MOZAMBIQUE
Help combat waste with this option at South African-inspired eatery Mozambique . “ We wanted to utilize every part of our highquality steaks , so we use the end trims of our tenderloin and rib-eye to build an amazing steak burger ,” says Angel Velazquez , the restaurant ’ s chef . The 8-ounce patty is seasoned to perfection , cooked over an open flame and layered on a brioche bun with cheddar cheese , applewood-smoked bacon , lettuce , tomato , red onion and Monte Carlo sauce .
BLACK BEAN AND PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGER / HARVEST
This vegetarian patty features black beans , mushrooms , corn , quinoa , lentils , shallots , garlic , cheese , breadcrumbs and spices , all consolidated by hand before half of the mixture is pulsed in a food processor . “ This helps bind the ingredients , but also keep some texture ,” says Kyle St . John , executive chef at Harvest . After baking in the oven , the patty is placed on a potato bun with vine-ripened tomatoes , butter lettuce , a grilled portobello mushroom , caramelized onion , melted Swiss cheese and harissa aioli .
COURTESY OF RUBY ’ S DINER
Clockwise from top : the chile relleno burger at The Cliff ; the Mozambique steak burger ; the black bean and portobello mushroom burger at Harvest ; the guacamole burger at Ruby ’ s Diner ; opposite page : the OC Sourdough Burger at Reunion Kitchen & Drink
BOB HODSON PHOTOGRAPHY
GUACAMOLE BURGER / RUBY ’ S DINER
In a state that values avocado above all else , this just might be the quintessential Californian burger . A generous helping of guacamole sits right on top of the other ingredients — a juicy beef patty , two slices of Swiss cheese , crisp lettuce , fresh tomato and signature RubySauce — to create a classic with a twist that locals and visitors alike will want to tuck into .
LEFT : MARIELENA VERDUGO
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 47