Great Burgers and Ice Cream: Burger Joint and Handel’s

Burgers and ice cream go together like cream and sugar. One of the newer burger palaces is located near Anthem in Henderson, Burger Joint. It sits in an Eastern Avenue strip mall and you have to look closely to find it, but don’t hesitate to make the search.
 
Each burger is made with certified black Angus beef that is organic, grass-fed and brought in from Eugene, Oregon. Chicken is hauled west from Englewood, Colorado and is all natural. Even the buns are specially baked in a local artisanal bakery to their rigid standards.
    
The Classic burger includes the usual toppings plus white American cheese and secret sauce. I sampled the Bleu Cheese offering that was cooked to perfection. 

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By the way there are four ways to order the meat: Unique that is still bleeding, Occasional (medium rare), Common which is medium and Okay that is delivered well done.
    
Veggies and taters are tantalizing sides. Cauliflower wings are served Buffalo-style with white bean hummus. Crispy Portobello mushrooms are immersed in yuzu aioli. Stuffed mini-peppers are made with peppered goat cheese and pimento aioli for a little kick.
     
The hand-cut fries are very good; enhanced with sea salt and fresh-cracked pepper. There are both sweet potato and regular tater tots, and if you really want to bulk up, settle for Poutine, that increasingly-popular Canadian import with fresh mozzarella, mornay sauce and brown foie gras gravy.
     
Wash everything down with a craft beer or homemade sangria. All-in-all this is a quality experience in a vary unpretentious spot.
     
Do you remember when ice cream was just that, made with real cream, not soy that is unfortunately creeping up in many recipes these days? A visit to Handel’s on the west side will re-affirm your love for this American classic.
 
The one and only location in the valley is near Summerlin on Tropicana Avenue and there is no indoor seating. Instead you order at the window and enjoy it at an outside table or in the car, preferably with the AC blasting during these summer months. You can even take a pint or quart home.
 
The ice cream is very fresh as they make it every day and there are as many as 50 flavors to choose from. My favorite is Cherry Vanilla.
 
The fruit is generously placed throughout the vanilla body that is so icy cold it will momentarily freeze your mouth. You will do well by ordering a single scoop. It is a generous portion in a cup of or a cone. Other creative flavors include Caramel Pretzel Crunch, Heavenly Hash and Key Lime Pie.
    
I’ve yet to try the banana split, but if it is anything like the cups I’m sure it will be a huge mouthful. Handel Pops feature a scoop of homemade goodness covered in rich, dark, gourmet chocolate.
 
The Hurricane is a custom creation where you can include additions like Nestlé’s Crunch, M &M’s, and peanut butter cups. But don’t add too much, the natural flavors of the ice cream shouldn’t be covered up. They also offer sorbet and yogurt.
 
Burger Joint, 10890 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 108 Henderson (702) 818-5996. www.burgerjointlv.com.
 
Handel’s Ice Cream, 10170 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 150 Las Vegas (702) 749-9299.www.handelsicecream.com.
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