10 Downing

“The world’s most famous front door.”  Phrase frequently used in reference to Number 10 Downing Street (the fancy one in London)

10 Downing (photo by MJ Byers)

Eatery:   10 Downing, 10 Downing Street (yes, really), New York

The first thing to say here is that this place is not especially English or British, despite the name.  I suspect the owners couldn’t resist going with the flow of the address in branding this establishment, hence the high falutin’ moniker and rather earnest-looking door. The eclectic menu has loads of great stuff – the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Curry Spice & Coconut Pot Pie and Cheddar Grits are particular favorites of mine.  But always, in the back of my mind, I planned to come back and try the 10D Burger (made with Kobe beef and shortrib), which looked so amazing when it was served at a neighboring table on my first visit with friends.  Why not just order it right from the beginning?  I don’t generally do my research meals with folks other than Husband and a site collaborator of mine – the whole process of taking photos and making notes is enough to bring a night out with friends to a sudden, screeching, awkward halt.  It is, quite frankly, weird behavior.  And so return I did, though this post actually came very close to being about an intriguing item called Buttermilk-Tabasco Fried Chicken…….I am sadly undisciplined when it comes to sticking to a meal plan.   I guess you could say that I’m super-proud of forgoing fried food in favor of read meat (is it any wonder I can’t make any headway with my weight loss project?)

The 10D Burger is served on a ciabatta roll and comes topped with a choice of cheeses (I had gruyere) and caramelized onions.  Bacon can be added at an additional cost (yep – I got the bacon).  And the presentation is terrific – it comes on a wooden serving board with a bowl of fries and two sauces alongside, and a pickle spear pinned to the top of the bun with a toothpick.  This kind of rustic staging sells me every time – it reminds me of simple, homemade fare and is, well, just downright inviting.

10D Burger at 10 Downing (photo by MJ Byers)

The good news is that the taste of the food matches up to the attractive manner of serving.  The meat was cooked just right (medium) and was the first tasty note.  The bacon was kind of unnecessary (plenty of flavor without it) though its hickory smoked flavor and crunchy texture were lovely.  The sweet note of the onions was nicely juxtaposed with the sharpness of the gruyere.  As happens all to frequently, the juiciness of the burger was a bit too much for the bun – so my eating this wasn’t the prettiest thing you’re ever going to see.  Finally the fries, though browner and less crispy than I normally like, were a pretty tasty accompaniment.

Stayed tuned for Buttermilk-Tabasco Fried Chicken……and the inevitable weight gain.

Price:  10D Burger, $16.00 ($2.00 to add bacon)

Destination Burger:  A restaurant definitely worth going out of your way to visit, but there are lots of great things on the menu.

Fat/Calorie Worthy:  Yes.  Satisfying for the belly, the eyes and the soul.

Optional French Fry Rating:  Pretty good.

Today’s Weigh In:  Holdin’ steady….better than gaining.

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