FLIP Burger

For me, FLIP Burger is one of those places that, if I'm in the mood for one of their burgers, no other burger place can satisfy me. When I go there, it's not that I'm in the mood for simply a burger; it's that I'm in the mood for a FLIP burger.

You feel me?

I'm sure we've all got places that crawl onto our permanent list of faves and never leave. My favorite brunch spot til the end of time is Le Petit Marche. My favorite hot dog comes from Yum Diggity Dog. It's not always about the food; sometimes it's the memories of who you ate there with, or the occasion you were enjoying, or the time of your life that just felt so nice.

FLIP Burger happens to be a combination of both the food and the memories. The first time I went there, I was with two of my best friends and we laughed for hours about everything and nothing. I ate the chorizo burger that night, which I cannot recommend enough, and had a milkshake.

Considering the fact that that meal was at least five or six years ago, I am surprised I remember the night so well.

And the food has remained as delicious, in my book. So when I popped in for a quick lunch the other day, I was prepared to be pleased.

I ordered the Trio, which gives you a choice of three miniature burgers from the menu.

From left to right:

• the stack (two slider patties stacked with American cheese, grilled onions, tomato, shredded lettuce, b+b pickles, and flip sauce)
• the rBQ (angus beef, pulled brisket, coleslaw, rBQ sauce, and smoked mayo)
• and the fried chicken (southern fried chicken breast, b+b pickles, and spicy duke’s mayo)

Paired with these golden delicious onion rings.

With a strawberry shortcake milkshake, just because.

There used to be a particular milkshake on the menu, rather cringeworthy, which I believe helped generate a lot of buzz about FLIP in the beginning: the fois gras milkshake. I never had any desire to taste it and ethically speaking I'm glad it was removed, but I do applaud the creativity of this place, because I have no idea how the inspiration struck to invent a milkshake like that!

I think it all boils down (pun intended) to Chef Richard Blais, who presides over the FLIP kitchen and menu. He was the winner of Bravo's season 8 'Top Chef All-Star', and has appeared on Bravo's 'Top Chef: Chicago', the Food Network's 'Iron Chef America', and hosts Upwave's 'Cook Your Ass Off.' With skills that get him on TV, it's not surprising that he keeps things bold in the kitchen.

As described on the website:

FLIP's creative director, chef Richard Blais, is known for his inventive and light-hearted approach to cooking, consistently challenging the definition of "burger" by selecting new and unique ingredients that surprise and delight traditionalists and culinary thrill-seekers alike. His progressive approach leads the development of our seasonal menus and monthly burger specials.

It's been said before, but it bears repeating: FLIP Burger is the kind of place that decides to do one thing extremely well.

In so doing, unexpected flavor combinations (and even artistry) emerges, instantly reminding you that, though you thought a burger was a burger was a burger, it simply ain't.