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DB Bistro Moderne

When it arrived on the scene back in 2001, Daniel Boulud's haute hamburger was NYC's priciest (the $41 Old Homestead version now holds that title) and most controversial. Seven years later, the hype (and backlash) are gone, and what's left? A damn tasty burger, actually. Boulud stuffs ground sirloin with braised short ribs, foie gras, and black truffles, then packs the patty into a house-made bun layered with melted Parmesan cheese. Purists may say it's too gussied up to be a proper burger, but our taste buds require us to disagree. Sure, it's annoyingly pretentious, and too rich to eat on a weekly (make that monthly) basis, but it's a perfect business-lunch dish: It lets you indulge your inner pretentious prick while giving the appearance of being just a normal, burger-lovin' guy, all on someone else's dime. Would we pay our own money for it? Good question—we've never tried.
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Weight: 9 ounces
Height: 4.5 inches
Bun: House-made toasted Parmesan-brioche roll
Cooking method: Broiler
Price: $32
Location: 55 W. 44th St. NY, (212) 327-3434