Veggie burgers have an integrity problem.
No, it’s not about ethics. It’s about the fact that they tend to fall apart like a poorly packed snowball somewhere between hand and mouth.
But that was before the Impossible Burger. It’s plant-based, and yet … it bleeds. It . It chars.
What’s more? It’s their best selling burger, besting their bovine selects five times over.
Whether you’re looking to trim up before the holidays or just plain curious, we’ve got the skinny on the four best “Impossible” burgers in town — along with five other new veg-centric haunts for you to try.
Umami Burger
Umami’s Impossible is two patties, caramelized onions, American cheese, miso-mustard, house spread, dill pickles, lettuce and tomato for $16. And if you prefer your transition bite-sized, the Midtown team has just launched a trio of Impossible sliders — regular, Korean BBQ and Umami BBQ — for $15, with $1 going to Red Cross Hurricane Relief every time you dine.
Should you get the herbivore itch afterward, Bareburger, Saxon & Parole and Momofuku Nishi all serve up their own variation of the Impossible.
Jajaja
You’d be hard-pressed to find us going in on nachos that don’t have cheese. Because without cheese — are they really nachos? Turns out yes, they are. Damn good ones at that. Chinatown’s Jajaja has also cornered the market in the faux meat department, most notably using battered strips of chayote for “fish tacos.” Leave any stigmas at the door and start by sharing the “chorizo” nachos.
Ladybird
Adding to his veg empire, Ravi DeRossi — responsible for Mother of Pearl and Avant Garden — recently opened Ladybird with electronica legend Moby. Go for the artichoke, onion and mushroom fondue with sun-dried tomato and basil and we can nearly guarantee you’ll be going back for seconds.
P.S. Kitchen
Every now and then we’ll come across a person or business that makes us realize we could be better people. This is one of those cases. P.S. Kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen not only serves solid, vegetable-based fare — they also donate all their profits to charity. Good for you, good for everyone. The orzo alfredo and strawberry cheesecake are not to be missed.
Modern Love
When it comes to herbivore brunch, it’s tough to beat the ultimate comfort food go-to that is Champs. Until now. At Modern Love, the portions are massive, but you don’t have to feel the guilt or gut rot that typically ensues after tearing through a heap of biscuits and gravy.
Bonus: Chefs Club Counter
On Saturday, October 21st, visiting Chef Sam Talbot of Pretty Southern will be heading up a one-day, three-course vegan Southern brunch for $35 a pop.
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