Burge’s Bistro: Go Beyond the Burger
How much does Burge’s Bistro’s founder Sorry Liu love burgers? So much so that he named his son Burger Liu and cites McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc as one of his heroes.
But entering his new Bistro just across from the Topwin Center in Sanlitun, you’ll come to realize that what this veteran of Beijing’s F&B scene has created is far more attractive – and ambitious – than simply a burger joint.
Oh the burger is good – no, it’s in fact great – but there’s just one burger on their extensive bistro-style menu that is far more akin to the offerings of a fine dining establishment than your typical Mickey D’s.
First, let's discuss that burger: it melts in your mouth. A juicy, tender beef patty is served with melted fresh bocconcini (buffalo
mozzarella), caramelized onions, and black vinegar mustard-mayo. Served
with a side of tiny gherkins, this signature burger is something to
behold. Feeling gluttonous? Go for a double – or a triple.
In addition to the burger, you'll find Roast Chicken, Iberico Pork Ribs and Wagyu Beef; charcuterie plates, Burrata and Parma Ham starters, and a page full of exotic tapas served in jars.
Think of it not as a burger joint but rather an all-day bistro, where you can go for late-morning brunch, kick back with a coffee to people-watch in the afternoon, dine in the evening, and relax with some live jazz after hours.
While it only swung open its doors a month ago, Burge's prominent location and its flashy debut at this year's Burger Fest has launched it into the scene with a bang.
Prior to last week, they were only open in the late afternoons and into the evening – however, they’re ready for all-day dining now, have kicked off their new 10:30am opening hour, and launched a brunch menu to boot!
Front and center on the new brunch menu is the Francesinha -- Italian ham and beef patties with house-made gravy served between two pieces of buttered toast and topped with melted white cheddar cheese and an egg. Served surrounded by fries, you’ll fall in love at first bite.
This isn’t Liu’s first shot at food – he’s actually a former top contestant on one of China’s most famous reality TV cooking shows, Master Chef China, and has experience running Chinese restaurants as well. For this venture, he’s assembled an all-star team of veterans from local fine dining establishments and high-class bars. The professionalism shows.
Burge’s dining room, previously occupied for years by the relatively low-key Swallowtail Butterfly Thai restaurant, has been remodeled with wide-open picture windows that give diners the opportunity to sit and enjoy a breeze as they watch the throngs of people that are typically walking, biking and driving by — a very European café bistro feel.
The interior is done up in swanky lounge style, with dim lighting, muted tones, soft couch seating along the back wall, and café style seating in front. In the center is a well-stocked bar that mixes some impressively original cocktails, such as the Bistro Kitchen (RMB 68): a Gin and Tonic with a dash of flavor from basil, olive, tomato and aged black vinegar.
That’s just one of an impressive list of creative cocktails that make Burge’s a great place just for a drink. They’ve gone beyond the call of duty to create memorable cocktails that aren’t your typical restaurant toss-ins. With imaginative names as well: the Disco Time at 10 O’Clock features Gin, Campari, Vermouth and Earl Grey tea with a twist of lemon.
All of this adds up to a place that makes for a great visit no matter what time of day you might be passing by – a late morning brunch, a burger at lunchtime, a coffee in the afternoon, a great dinner after work, and even a late-night watering hole.
So while you may have tried their burger and loved it at Burger Fest, you'd be missing out if you didn't stop by Burge's Bistro to find all the other surprises they have in store. You won't be disappointed.
This article is sponsored by Burge's Bistro.
Images courtesy of Burge's Bistro.