The decadent union of burgers and beers has found a new home in Midtown East’s upcoming pan-Asian hot spot, Beer & Buns which is scheduled to open later this month in The Court Hotel at 130 East 39th Street.
Located near Korea Town, Beer & Buns will dish out Asian spiced sliders to be paired alongside international beers, providing a new experience to the typically American fare.
Chef Wisit Panpinyo, also known as Chef Nok, hails from Thailand and created the menu of ten sliders which come in sets of three ($12) or five ($17) with great names from Bollywood Bite to Southern Smack Down. But what really has brought the media into frenzy is the house specialty burger, The B&B Indulgence.
Listed at $250 and taking the rank of the second most expensive burger in New York City (next to Serendipity 3’s Wagyu beef hamburger valued at $295), the B&B Indulgence burger must be ordered at least one day in advance. The contents that make up this luxurious burger is a Kobe beef patty topped with fresh truffles, pancetta, Foie Gras sautéed in Sauternes, and Beluga caviar on a homemade artisanal bun.
DOWNTOWN was able to attend a private media event held on March 18 where four of the sliders (plus the B&B Indulgence) on the menu were sampled alongside recommended beers:
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The Seoul Secret bun (slow-cooked short ribs, vegetables, Korean sauce on a ‘Mantou bun’) was paired with Xingu Brazilian Black Ale, a malty mildly bitter beer that allowed the sweet and tender beef to shine. Next was the Bangkok Dangerous bun (traditional Tom Yum Shrimp patty cooked with lemongrass and lime on an artisanal bun) was paired with Harpoon UFO White—the citrus and coriander notes in the beer was a perfect compliment to the grassy flavors of the shrimp.
The Grouper on Fire bun (Grouper filet with spicy chili and sweet basil sauce served on an onion brioche) followed and was paired with Founder All Day IPA, a bitter IPA to cleanse the palette and mingle with the heat of chilies.
Finally, the Southern Smack Down bun (marinated pork shoulder, herbs, and soy sauce) with the Radeberger pilsner was mellow and earthy with an interesting Japanese take on southern pulled pork.
Overall these sliders are a delicious, out-of-the-box and healthy alternative to red meat sliders. Beer & Buns also serves fusion appetizers and salads for those with dietary requirements.
For more information on the restaurant’s opening and menu, please visit : BeerAndBuns.com or email beerandbuns@stgilesnewyork.com.
–Joseph Amella, Jr.
