The Other Critics

Nagrant thinks M Burger Gets the Price Right; Shouse Finds Soup Dumpling Perfection at Tao Ran Ju

The double with cheese will only set you back $4.29
The double with cheese will only set you back $4.29 Photo: M Burger

For Michael Nagrant, M Burger distinguishes itself from the crowded pack by mimicking a fast food burger both in style and, crucially, in price. He has some issue with the fine grind of the meat, “after a night of drinking beer in the back of a limo with his shirt off, Patrick Kane might mistake the patty for a puck”. In the end it reminds him most of In-N-Out, which qualifies it as the best fast food burger in the city. [New City]

Heather Shouse is not fond of the gristly skewers at Tao Ran Ju, a new Taiwanese spot in Chinatown. But she can’t stop thinking about the soup dumplings, which are, “are probably the best you’ll get in town.” Hot pots are the main draw here, and she gives a handy guide to tackling the large cauldrons of broth, including tips on condiments and table etiquette: “to really eat the soup like a regular, start slurping loud and proud.” [TOC]

It’s not much of a surprise that the food came second to the music for David Tamarkin at Dee’s Place on Division, considering he felt like the musicians weren’t so much “playing in a dining room,” as you were “eating on their stage.” Still, the place has “has an atmosphere unlike any other on this stretch of Division,” and all the food that touched the deep fryer is worthy. [TOC]

Nagrant thinks M Burger Gets the Price Right; Shouse Finds Soup Dumpling