This Burger Won't Break Up with You on a Post-It

So I still haven't really gotten over my meal last night. Let's backtrack a few days. I was driving home from the gym and all I could think about was having a CHEESEBURGER. It took everything inside of me not to pull into the In-N-Out drive thru, but I haven't been able to shake the craving yet.

Last night, I had a date with a couple funny friends of mine, and I chose the place. So, I was in search of the perfect burger, and folks, I think I found it.

25 Degrees is located in the Roosevelt Hotel and is far from the typical burger joint. This joint has dark leather booths, funky chandeliers and velvet textured wallpaper (read: the place has style). I'd read up on the restaurant a little before committing to the meal. 25 Degrees, which opened in February 2006, is the creation of husband and wife, Tim and Liza Goodell. The restaurant joins the Domaine Restaurants family, which has bread other great spots like Red Pearl Kitchen and Dakota.

The menu is simple (with a twist). They offer 3 pre-packaged burgers, and then a "make your own burger" option, with a choice of meat, cheese, toppings and sauce. There are 12 cheeses to choose from, ranging from farm house cheddar (described as: cow / lightly sharp / firm / england) to red hawk (cow / triple cream / lightly salty / long pungent finish / california). So you pretty much know this place is going to rock your world. I could have made a meal on the cheeses alone (p.s. they do offer a 3 cheese plate for $9, or 5 cheeses for $15).

But let's get back to business. Since it was my first time at 25 degrees, I decided to go with one of their signature burgers rather than build my own (I was excited and may have blown the whole experience by pairing the wrong sauce with a hard cheese and needless to say, ruined my evening). I went for Burger #2 with roasted tomatoes, crispy prosciutto, burrata cheese and pestoooooooooooooooooooooo. SORRY, I just had a flashback and my hand seemed to freeze to the keyboard. This burger was (okay here it goes) THE BEST BURGER I'VE EVER HAD. There! I said it, it's out there, so deal with it.

The first bite was heavenly: juice dripping down my arms, roasted tomato all over my face, a tantalizing burger experience. My two dates seemed to immensely enjoy their burgers as well. One also chose a signature burger, opting for #1 with caramelized onion, big woods blue, crescenza, bacon, arugula and thousand island dressing. My other friend went for a build-your-own in the vegetarian vein: veggie burger, crescenza, and thousand island dressing. He was very impressed by the quality of the veggie burger: no hockey pucks in sight. You may also want to compliment your meal with a box of fries for $6, (one order was enough for the three of us to share).

Well, my craving was met and my hunger, satisfied. On to the next obsession, to be determined at a later date.

25 Degrees
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 785-7244
$$

Does a Body Good

With a new outcropping of Pinkberries flocking to Los Angeles, it's nothing like a gelateria to remind you what chilled dairy is really supposed to taste like. MILK is the newest and hippest gelato shop to hit Beverly Boulevard, offering those east of Westwood an alternative to Diddy Reese. However, it's not really fair to compare the two as MILK is truly in a league of its own. Offering classics such as Vanilla and Chocolate Chip to some unique flavors like Coffee Toffe Crunch, Hazelnut and Banana Dulce de Leche, the cream is mm mm good. So let me get to the good part. When a cone or cup just won't do, for $2.50 try a scoop sandwiched in between two homemade macaroons, and a for a $4, you can have your choice of gelato in between two chocolate chip cookies.

And we're just getting started.

MILK also has an assortment of creative concoctions such as "milkies" or bon bons and ice cream bars. The baked goods aren't too shabby either. From Banana Walnut bread to blue velvet cake, sweet tooths beware. MILK also has a panini and salad menu with daily made soups. Fridays and Saturdays you have until 11pm to get your fix. Here's your chance to follow your mom's advice and have some MILK.

MILK
7290 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-6455
$-$$

6+2 Reasons to Love Fred 62

In case you were a loss for words regarding this fantastically funky Los Feliz diner, I will provide you with 6+2 (that’s eight, folks) reasons to ask for seconds (please):

1. Breakfast all the time. All. The. Time.

2. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, sunrise, sunset. Meet Tevye for a late night nosh.

3. Mocha milkshakes – that’s right: coffee and chocolate in one glass.

4. The real deal Udon noodle bowls – overflowing with goodness.

5. 50/50. Sometimes you feel like fries, sometimes you feel like onion rings. At Fred 62, you can have both.

6. Baked goods. Need I say more?

7. Outdoor seating.

8. Something for everyone – whether it be the Juicy Lucy Burger (amazing) the SWS salad (or any other - haven’t had a bad one yet) or the Cali Calamari (amazing), you can satisfy all appetites. If you haven’t been here yet, GO!

Fred 62
1850 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles
($$)

A Cantaloupe Martini, You Say?

From the funky chandeliers and an eclectic collection of martini glasses, to the live music and fantastically unique drinks- how can you go wrong? Nic's is simply to die for!

Okay, I have to be honest - I have yet to sample their menu, but from what I could see, and what I've heard, it's wonderful. I plan on going back for dinner or small plates soon, so when I do, I will be sure to add a few more cents into this piece.

But what I can stand behind, is the quality of Nic's martinis.

I tried both the Cantaloupe Martini which was by far the best martini I've ever had, as well as the night's special: Pistachio Martini. The Pistachio Martini was good, not great, but it might satisfy someone looking for an alternative to their regular whistle wetter.

And did I mention the VODBOX? If you're in the mood for an adventure, check out their freezer room where you are lent a fur hat and coat to wear (don't worry, it's fake), and are able to sample rare vodka accompanied by assorted caviar. This might not be your everyday adventure, but if you're in the mood to feel as Stalin must have once felt in all his glory (minus the rough exterior and ghastly 'stash), try it out!

Things I've discovered in my research which make this place even greater:

1. If you throw a private party for 8 or more during happy hour, it's only $10 a person for 5 appetizers. Can you say, "cha-ching?"

2. On weekdays from 5pm to 7pm, the cocktail food menu is discounted, with most items in the $7 to $9 range. Can you say, "room for dessert?"

3. Donate a unique martini glass and receive one complimentary cocktail and a martini-making class for you and three friends. Can you say, "let's get wasted?"

Although the martinis can run a little high ($12 made with 42 Below), with the happy hour menu and the rockin' atmosphere, you really get what you pay for. Cheers!

Nic's Restaurant and Martini Lounge
453 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
$$-$$$