There aren’t many tidbits of knowledge that get past me when it comes to the food scene in this area, especially if the subject is burgers. Occasionally, despite my well-paid informants out there on the streets (joking, maybe), I might miss one because of its exclusivity. And this time, the spot I’m talking about is the Batali and Joe Bastianich’s Tarry Market in Port Chester.
Famous for its Italian specialty groceries, expertly made coffees and espressos, and a few of the best sandwiches on the planet (shout-out to prime rib and porchetta), they also have a burger that’s only available on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am-4 pm at the La Cucina lunch counter.
Joe B’s Burger—no doubt named after Bastianich—is a Pat LaFrieda beef blend, topped with Fontina cheese, an oven-roasted tomato slice, bacon, balsamic onion jam, a small amount of lettuce, and a few pickles all on a buttery brioche bun. It’s served with more than a handful of crispy, perfectly salted fresh cut fries.
When this mini beast arrived, I stopped, admired, then did my food writer thing and snapped a bunch of photos. Others around me who also had burgers stopped as if to say, “C’mon, bro. Just go for it.” I quickly put down the camera, grasped the concotion with both hands, and chowed down.
The $14 helping has everything a connoisseur would appreciate; the beef is well-seasoned with a crust on the exterior, mildly pungent cheese, salty bacon, briny acidity from the pickles, crunch from the greens, and sweetness from the onion jam, and the brioche bun holds up throughout the experience. Plus, the beef—cooked medium—was flavorful and juicy without creating a mess. I even chose to forego ketchup because honestly, it didn’t need it.
Did I mention I finished this bad boy in less than three minutes? And you should, too. If you’re a burger fanatic and you’re near Tarry Market on the weekends, stop by and order up. You’ll thank us.
Tarry Market
179 N Main St, Port Chester
(914) 253-5680; tarrymarket.com