Umami Burger, Valli - California USA

I apologise for the lack of posts. I’ve been struggling to figure out how to go about blogging of my USA adventures. Inititally, I was going to split them up by cities, but found there’s just too much I want to include so I’ve just decided to do individual posts and some combined. Here’s the first of many eats in the USA :)

After 15.5 hours of flying and 4.5 hours of transit time, we finally make it to mainland USA. It’s late and we still need dinner but who cares about the time when you’re on vacation. So off we go to meet up with my American cousins, and brother, sister-in-law, and brother’s best friend who flew in a couple days earlier. 

We make our way to Umami Burger in Valli. It is a fusion between Japanese and American flavours created by Adam Fleischman. My cousins have raved on about this burger joint for a while now and really, there was only one test – to eat it!

Truffle Cheese Fries

These were made to order and was not on the menu (clearly my cousins knew what to order for us, or for themselves – either or). Crunchy shoe string fries are served with melted cheese and truffle oil. It had just the right amount of truffle oil so that it wasn’t too overpowering.

Tempura Onion Rings $3

I don’t know what it is but Americans sure do know how to make onion rings the best! A soft and tender onion ring is covered in generous yet light and crunchy batter. Oh it was the bomb. 

Cheesey Tots $4

These babies were essentially a cheese and potatoe gem. Can’t go wrong at all.

Complimentary sauces – aioli, ketchup, ranch and a special sauce! I especially loved the special; it was creamy and spicy, almost like a home made chipotle.

Umami Burger $11

Would you take a look at that sexy beast!!! A medium-rare beef patty is wedged between a slighty toasted soft bun, topped with shitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomato, a parmesan crisp and umami ketchup.

I have never, ever had a burger that has made me weak in the knees like this before (except for IN-N-OUT but that’s on a different level). Each layer is distinct and it has its very own flavours. The parmesan crisp takes you to your happy place. An absolute winner!

Truffle Burger $12

The Boy ordered the Umami Valli Specialty Burger – the Truffle Burger with house-made truffle cheese and truffle glaze.

Again, Umami have put the perfect amount of truffle. I personally find that truffle can sometimes be overpowering and it does leave a sick feeling in my stomach, but not this time round. It felt like this was the epitome of a plain cheeseburger, only gourmet style. Seriously, all burgers need to be cooked like this!

Pizza Burger

My brother’s best friend orders the pizza burger. I didn’t get a taste of this but he did say it was good, but not as good as the truffle burger. 

I now have a high standard for burgers with many thanks to Umami – great flavours, great produce and reasonable prices. It’s no wonder the Umami Burger got named GQ’s Burger of the Year in 2010.

http://www.umami.com/umami-burger/

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