The Burger-Fi Revolution Has Begun

–Photo and story by Rachel Galvin–

Restauranteur David Manero, known for restaurants like The Office, DeVito South Beach and Vic & Angelo’s, has opened his newest concept – Burger-Fi – in Lauderdale-By-the-Sea (4343 North Ocean Dr.). Have you tried it yet? Short for Burgerfication, this locale serves up fast food gourmet style and he keeps it natural in both the décor and in the ingredients. From the grass-fed, hormone-free freshly-cooked beef to the hand cut fries, the food here is healthier than your average quick spot for a bite to eat. Besides regular fountain drinks, they have 13 different kinds of sodas with all natural sugars (pure sugar cane) as well as beer and wine. He hopes by putting a hip new edge on the tradition of naturally produced food at a good-for-your-wallet price, that he will start a culinary revolution – a turn back to simple ingredients (you know, the ones you can pronounce).

Manero explained, “We want to … change the way diners eat hamburgers, by reviving the classic American hamburger stand — similar to those that were popular in the 1950s and 1960s …”

David’s wife, Lynn Manero, who designed the interior, said that today, people want natural. The motto is — “If you can’t read it, don’t eat it,” she said. “The whole thing today is that people want to be able to feed a family at an affordable price … also families can come in after their kids soccer game and enjoy a glass of beer or wine. We like to help local producers of products and help the environment.”

The unique décor (mixing modern steel with traditional woods and the whimsy of chandeliers created with meat hooks and vintage Edison bulbs, etc.) even employs recycled materials from the napkins, plates, etc. to the colorful benches on the covered patio outside to the beam that serves as a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. They hope to bring people together not only to enjoy these unique combinations, but also to enjoy the fun of the urban lingo.

Much like Starbucks, they hope those who eat here will create their own tasty combinations and order up some of their specialties with the lingo they created, such as Alternative Style, Green Style or Supreme. An on again, off again menu flashes secret linguistics in the blink of an eye, as if to implant it in your brain ready for the next encounter with Burger-Fi. They hope the concept will draw people in and they will pass it on.

They are already expanding. A second location is in the works to open July 4 in Delray Beach, at 6 S. Ocean Blvd., where Manero’s old restaurant, Shore Restaurant & Beach Bar, once resided. Before becoming Burger-Fi, it was home to SurfSliders. Beyond that opening, Manero will expand his franchise to the West Coast and beyond.

For more information on the Burger-Fi revolution, visit  http://www.burgerfi.com/> www.burgerfi.com.

*P.S.: If you don’t like red meat, they also have a delectable crisp-grilled organic quinoa vegefi burger, with or without cheese. It can be placed between a multigrain bun or served green style (wrapped in lettuce.) They also have hotdogs! Whatever you do, don’t miss the dessert – cupcakes or frozen custard. Try the concrete– thick as a brick, this stuff is so solid that, turning the cup upside down, it still doesn’t budge. Mix-in your own toppings! My new fav… Steve Lieber’s (National Training Manager) caramel and apple pie … with vanilla, of course. Lieber is constantly creating new items for the menu based on his own imagination and customer demand.

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Posted by RachelG on Jul 1 2011. Filed under Broward County, Business, Oakland Park, Palm Beach, Taste Broward. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry