GOURMET
HOT OFF THE GRILL
BOLD BURGERS ABOUND WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS AND UNIQUE TOPPINGS AT NEWPORT EATERIES .
BY SHARON STELLO
Come summertime , there ’ s nothing like a sizzling burger right off the grill . And , while you can make a burger at home , it would be hard to compare to the standout options available at Newport Beach restaurants , with their highquality beef , artisanal buns , fresh produce and other toppings that are , well , over the top .
Whether it ’ s an iconic beach burger that hits the spot after riding waves or other gourmet renditions with tantalizing flavor
combinations , there ’ s an option to satisfy every craving .
“ Burgers are uniquely an American comfort food — best enjoyed with a cold beer and with friends ,” says Micah Schiesel , executive chef and regional director of operations for the Lounge Group , which includes Malarky ’ s Irish Pub .
Rich Mead , chef and owner of Farmhouse at Roger ’ s Gardens , adds that “ the allure of grilled meat is timeless , evoking primal instincts and nostalgic memories alike .”
Two smash burgers at Mario ’ s Butcher Shop
Pineapple is the star on the Aloha Burger at Billy ’ s at the Beach .
MARIO ’ S BUTCHER SHOP
For a top-notch burger , it makes sense to go right to the source of quality meat . Mario ’ s Butcher Shop not only sells high-end cuts , but also makes its own charcuterie as well as wood-grilled and smoked meats . Plus its sandwich shop offers a popular smash burger , which comes with Kewpie mayo , mustard , ketchup , grilled onions , pickles and a slice of good old Kraft American cheese — that favorite kind from a plastic wrapper . This burger , made with house-ground Prime chuck , has been on the menu since the shop opened in 2021 . Chefowner Mario Llamas says the patties are smashed on the grill and the toasted buns are from OC-based Bread Artisan Bakery . “ I think the burger stands out because , honestly , it tastes like a McDonald ’ s cheeseburger with our butcher shop ingredients ,” Llamas says . “ It tastes nostalgic and that ’ s the best compliment a customer can give us .” ( 949-316-4318 ; mariosbutchershopdeli . com )
BILLY ’ S AT THE BEACH
For a burger with a taste of the tropics , try the Aloha Burger with waterfront views at Billy ’ s at the Beach . Grilled pineapple tops a half-pound Angus beef patty with bacon , Swiss cheese , teriyaki sauce and pickle , bringing together sweet , sour and salty flavors , says Executive Chef Giovanni Lopez . “ The ingredients really work well together ,” Lopez says . The burger itself is made from fresh , quality beef , grilled to order “ with our magic secret spice seasoning ,” Lopez says . This “ juicy patty ” is then layered on a toasted sesame seed bun , he says , with “ well-balanced toppings ” like homemade teriyaki sauce and the crunch from both bacon and grilled pineapple . “ Burgers are so versatile ,” Lopez says . “ With the right ingredients and balanced flavors , you can create out-of-this-world taste … that can satisfy anyone . Also burgers are very fun to eat , very convenient and affordable .” Enjoy this one with a signature mai tai to feel transported to the islands . Cue Jimmy Buffett singing “ Cheeseburger in Paradise .” ( 949-722-1100 ; billysatthebeach . net )
LEFT : COURTESY OF MARIO ’ S BUTCHER SHOP
24 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM