Let's Eat - Gourmet Burgers, Reasonable Prices: Bobby's Burger Palace

Bob Gourley

By: Bob Gourley

Gourmet burger places are popping up all over the valley, but many are so expensive that a percentage of the population has said "No thanks." But famed celebrity Chef Bobby Flay has opened an upscale burger restaurant that not only has great food, but the prices are considerably cheaper as well.
      
Bobby's Burger Palace features certified Angus beef for all of their burgers. But if you want to go beef-less there are also ground turkey and whole chicken breasts available.
     
What an array of selections await! This is, after all the home of the Crunchburger. This creation includes a generous-sized patty, double American cheese and potato chips all scrunched in between a fresh bun.

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For those who are missing the south-of-the border atmosphere of Southern California, order the L.A. that is a combination of avocado relish, watercress, cheddar cheese and tomato.
   
Sometimes tart blue cheese is in order, and that wish is fulfilled with the Bobby Blue. Not only is there plenty of cheese melted perfectly around the patty, but bacon, lettuce and tomato are also present.

And yes we have our own sandwich to be proud of - the Vegas with white American cheese, Fresno red chilies and BBQ crunch.
     
The southwest is well represented with the New Mexico burger. Roasted green chilies, pickled red onions and queso sauce make up this one. Fans of Florida will want to feast on the Miami - a collection of pressed ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise.
     
Grilled cheese sandwiches are all the rage and they have a version with four different cheeses artfully pressed between nicely-prepared bread. American, Swiss, Cheddar and Monterey Jack are included along with fresh tomato.

There is another classic that hasn't been seen in public for years - the Griddled Pimento Cheese and Bacon Sandwich. Melted spicy cheese is accompanied by crispy bacon and tomato.
     
As you might expect, there are sides that are just waiting to be ordered. Classic French fries are served with a custom-made fry sauce.

Sweet potato fries are enhanced with honey-mustard horseradish dip. Beer battered onion rings are also available.
    
 A couple of salads are on the menu, including the Crunch with chopped vegetables, romaine, crispy tortillas and white cheddar cheese all immersed in balsamic dressing. A Topless Burger Salad includes baby greens and dressing.
An impressive list of milkshakes and malteds are designed for just about any taste and can be ordered with or without real whipped cream. There are traditional vanilla bean, dark chocolate and strawberry editions.

But you can also get black and white, mocha, pistachio and coconut. If you really want to live on the edge, order a spiked version.

A trio of selections includes Vanilla Caramel Bourbon, Pineapple Coconut Rum and Mocha Kahlua Vodka. Other libations include a frozen Cactus Pear Margarita, wine and select beers like Sam Adams Lager, Blue Moon and Corona.

Since this is a family place, a kids menu aimed at little ones up to age 12 is featured. Burgers are served with or without American cheese plus French fries and a kid's soda.

It is good to know you can enjoy a quality, gourmet burger experience without having to take out a second mortgage.
    
Bobby's Burger Palace, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 3750 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Paradise (702) 598-0191. www.bobbysburgerpalace.com.