I had promised myself not to review burgers in 2015. I didn't want to review just another burger place in town because I believe the country has enough buns stuffed with a patty; 2014 was a mess of copy pastes. Everyone promises a sandwich that is special and unique! Now that MJ's has opened, maybe it's different...because to date few had something negative to say about it.
A one door shop hosts a long table and two wooden side benches. People around here sit together and eat together, sharing the passion hidden behind this burger. Now, I'm pushing those crispy fries under my palate while salivating about the idea that burgers are following. If the fries are that good, what about the burgers?
Light, rugged wood with long benches set around, sauces decorate the tables in a rectangular space made of white, shiny ceramics on the right side and a large black board on the left where the menu is written. You'll want to remember that everything is made with 100% grain fed beef.
The first impression... The things I liked:
- "Ask for your free hug" is written in the wall: American style.
- The music is American.
- The spirit is American.
- There's a large sink to wash your hands after devouring the burgers.
- Brushed concrete covers the floor.
- Soft drink caps decorate the facing wall.
With that don't miss the sauces that come with the fries. The fries are awesome! their dips are even better. The sweet chili mayo is awesome. The mayo isn't felt much alongside some intense spices that tickle your throat. The mustard and beer is also as good as the first one and the third is the tomato basil.
Burgers are beautifully presented with a Laguiole knife stabbed in their heart.
The Burgers:
- A super tender bun, airy and fluffy embracing a thick price of juicy meat lightly red on the inside with melted cheese on top and I was happy to have chosen Gruyere. Caramelized onions add a hint of sweetness and a crisp lettuce on the bottom finishes it all off. I loved the flavors and texture of this burger which definitely needs sauces to be better enjoyed; add at your convenience. The meat is not fatty enough -and I like it to be- to soak the bread, so it's enjoyed as is. The burger is good as a mix, but I was disappointed by the taste of the meat when eaten on its own. It's a bit gooey, kind of watery and lacking in firmness and body.
- The MJ's burger is a big thing. Beef, barbecue sauce, BBQ onion relish, grilled red bell pepper and grilled eggplant with an in-house cream cheese blend. To start with, it's a different burger. It's a burger with innovative ingredients, like the bell pepper or the grilled eggplant. It's a burger that doesn't need any additions. It has the juiciness and the sauce it needs to be great. The fluffy bun, the hint of spiciness, the roast peppers and the eggplant all add the finesse one expects from a burger.
The bad:
- The staff didn’t smile until they recognized me. They clearly lack welcoming skills.
The good:
- The place looks nice, warm and funky.
- The quality of the ingredients is clearly great.
- The french fries rock!
I'm known for saying things bluntly as they are, so ... Don't misunderstand me, I liked MJ's, but I didn't feel the spark I expected to; it can and should be better.
