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What is more
classic than hamburgers and hot dogs? Nothing, except perhaps the regal American
wagyu “Kobe style” counterparts at Kings of Kobe in Hell’s Kitchen. At
Kings of Kobe, they have taken American favorites, elevated them with fine
ingredients, and made them into royalty.
Even though
there is an on-the-go feel inside the small space, complete with colorful
murals and fiery orange stools set against dark furniture, it is apparent that
thoughtful innovation has inspired the most regal makeovers for the plain
burger and dog. The small storefront on 9th Avenue offers big
flavors, because King of Kobe dresses up what goes between the buns with a
range of unexpected combinations that come together like classics.
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Kings of Kobe is
keen to lay on the fresh toppings and unique sauces for both their dogs and
burgers. We are here for the freshness that comes in the form of fruit relishes,
fresh vegetables, an assortment of cheeses, amongst others. Each addition works
together to make the high-grade beef kingly.
There is nothing
typical or bland about the list of hot dog and hamburger offerings. Even the King’s Classic hot dog isn’t
topped with just plain ol’ mustard, but there is sauerkraut and sautéed red
onions to take it up a notch and the King’s Standard burger goes beyond the
standard with roasted tomato, pickles, white cheddar, and a not-so-standard
cherry pepper aioli.
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The All Nighter
hot dog at first glance seems more traditional: bacon, sautéed red onions,
bleu cheese dressing. But Kings of Kobe would add on the surprising element of lemon
zest. That brightness of lemon highlights the tang of the bleu cheese and brings out
the sweetness of the onions and the saltiness of the bacon. It is not a battle
of toppings that could outshine one another, but rather a song and dance that
make us want to call the hot dog Your
Highness.
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The Louis Louis
has a lot going on underneath that bun. The burger is topped with spinach and a
runny sunny side up egg, and crowned with a heaping pile of crunchy bacon and a
thick drizzle of roasted garlic aioli. Here, the silky earthiness of the
spinach overwhelms the burger, which is not quite front row center. Although an
egg is reminiscent of breakfast, this egg does the savory work and pulls the
flavors together with a smooth ribbon of yolk. The varying textures on this bun
are pleasing and engaging.
Please, do not
skimp on sides ranging from chili fries, to onion rings, to slaw, to a mixed
green salad. The herbed truffle fries make you feel like a queen. There is the
crunch, the aroma, the salt, all of the things one wants most from delicious
fries.
And don’t forget
dessert. After chowing down on the umami of layered savory hot dogs and
burgers, give that sweet tooth a chance to come out and play with the royals. A
tall twist of whipped cream hides the loose banana pudding studded with
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in the playful All Hail the Banana dessert. Like
with the savories, even the sweets play deliciously to American nostalgia.
Kings of Kobe
has truly created the burger and hot dog monarchy.
RER
10.7.17
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| RER 8.23.17 |