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Captain Davis opened a week ago and already this new eatery has created a buzz for itself around town. Enticed by the mouthwatering images I saw on Facebook and Instagram I had to be one of the first people to go down to Sin El Fil and try it. A big yellow sign facing Antoine Library cannot be missed. The beautifully designed logo of Captain Davis will welcome you into a uniquely designed space where good food is served at affordable prices.
Captain Davis is the latest American diner to open in town specialized in burgers and steaks, serving Angus beef patties and some specialties new to this country.
Who's captain Davis:
Davis Fletcher of Athens, Texas have invented the hamburger. According to oral histories, in the 1880s, he opened a lunch counter in Athens and served a Burger of fried ground beef patties with mustard and Bermuda onion between two slices of bread; with a pickle on the side. In 1904, Davis and his wife Ciddy ran a sandwich stand at the St. Louis World's Fair.
We reached a beautifully lit space, walked a couple of stairs up where large glass facades welcome you into a modern square shaped restaurant filled with thick high-end wooden tables surrounded by a variety of metallic grey, black and red chairs. The place is really a work of art. The ceiling is covered in wood while the floors are in grey concrete tiles. An interesting touch is added on the walls, where black and white vintage images are hung.
You can't help but notice the small details added to the places interior.... the lamps pending from the ceiling, the beautiful bar, the indirect lighting, the mini flower pots, the small terrace... I stood amazed by the mix of simplicity turned into a piece of art.
The menu at Captain Davis is divided into many sections including starters, burgers and buns, specialities, from the grill, extras, desserts and drinks. Owned and managed by Ziad Corban, the place is definitely a place to consider for your next outing.
We were welcomed by the crew, a team of aviators each in his rank, introducing us to this new concept. Cheese and thyme sticks landed on our table as we waited to be served. Their signature bites include "El Sombrero Burger" for the spicy sensations lovers, the unique "Manzanita Tuna Burger", a premiere for me, or go for the simple cheese burger. Only Angus meat is used and buns from Prunelle.
I was too excited and ordered two burgers for myself. I wanted to try Captain Davis' meat and their tuna burger which intrigued me. Dinner was exceptional...
The food is beautifully presented on wood boards... your mouth will water just by looking at the food being served. At Captain Davis it's not the size that matters but the perfection of how different ingredients are used and blend together with moderation and love.
Let's taste some fine diner food:
- Davis Pepperoni L.L7,250: Served on a white round plate, toasted puff pastry is covered with melted cheese and pepperoni cubes. That's what I called, redefined simplicity at its finest. Every bite is crunchy and full of taste. You will enjoy a combination of textures. Crunch, melt, bite and enjoy... Bravo for this creation.
- Spicy Chicken bites L.L8,750: Haven't we had enough chicken strips served all around the country? But trust me, the ones served at Captain Davis' are different. Using chunks of chicken makes the envelop crunchier and the inner core juicier. Served in red bowl, these chicken bites comes with a lemony spicy sauce that makes all the difference as it ignites flames of fun under your palate. Start by enjoying the chicken by itself followed by the second with some dip. You'll understand the fame of this starter. Hot and enjoyable on all levels.
- Manzanita Tuna Burger L.L14,250: (Fresh tuna, herbed caper mayonnaise, lettuce) Let's start by the tuna followed by the meat burgers, I said to myself. The same bun is covered with mayonnaise mixed with capers than topped with a small piece of lettuce followed by a generous piece of tuna. Some real sashimi tuna cooked to perfection, leaving the inner heart slightly red. Despite being cooked, the tuna remains juicy, enjoyed with the brioche bun. I loved how creative this bite is, how enjoyable this burger is and most importantly no fish flavor is felt. If you're not a meat eater and want to enjoy a burger? That's the next big thing, I imagine many will copy.
- Blue Almighty L.L16,250: (beef patty, bacon, blue cheese, iceberg, tomatoes). Simply exceptional; Imagine a slight crunchiness of the bun, chewy fried bacon, strong blue cheese taste and the same perfectly cooked meat. What a burger! I loved the generosity of the cheese, the way bacon is cut in chunks and the juiciness of the meat all served in a perfect bun
- El Sombrero Burger L.L16,750: (Beef patty, grilled onions, grilled jalapeños, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, iceberg, guacamole) It was my favorite if I may say. Blending together guacamole with jalapeños and thin sliced vegetables makes of this burger a guaranteed trip to Mexico in every bite. With its strong spiciness, this burger is not for the faint at heart. I personally loved it and recommend it to all.
While enjoying our dinner, a man, who was welcoming and very polite approached us. He was dressed exactly like the other waiters, only that he's the owner. I liked this point. Ziad Corban, the owner, works exactly like his teammates and most importantly listens and searches for his customers comments. Some tasting notes:
- The meat is good... even very good: Adequately fatty, doesn't slide or squeak under your teeth, perfectly cooked with no red traces and juicy
- 150grams of rich beef, thin and enjoyable
- The bun, produced by the famous Prunelle, melts under your teeth like butter
- The sauces are mastered to perfection, each filled with tons of passion and dedication
The things I loved:
- The burgers don't spill out. Each is enjoyed with class and finesse
- Look closely as each burger is served with a different kind of bread. At Captain Davis, every detail counts
- If you're not a fan of coleslaw, no problem, as three different salads are proposed
- Chips or potato wedges, it's your choice
- Refined burgers the casual way
- Just enjoy the burgers as they are. No additional condiment is needed
- The chips are excellent and a must try
I think that Captain Davis managed to create refined burgers, served in a casual way.
After such a good dinner, you wouldn't want to skip dessert:
- Apple Davis L.L5,250: Just imagine and dream: An enjoyably chewy, caramelized dough covered with apple slices, soft like butter, adequately sweet, mixed with cloves, moist and tender. Every bite leaves an enjoyable aftertaste that lingers in your mouth for five minutes guaranteed. This is a very good dessert.
- Chocolate Heaven L.L4,500: A simple chocolate cake made from premium callebaut dark chocolate. No sophistication. I would have personally added a kind of twist to it, making it a signature item.
I'll change:
- The potato wedges need some fine tuning. Homemade and nicely covered with paprika, but the skin is too thick and the inside is too condensed and hard
- I would like to have a free refill draft Pepsi policy in a diner
- Portions look a bit small especially the starters and desserts
