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Umami Burger Los Feliz - Happy Hour
October 10th, 2013
By: Wendy Castellanos-Wolf
I first heard of the term umami while indulging in one of my many obsessions: cooking competition shows. For years I heard about umami and how it was considered one of the five basic flavors, for the receptors of the tongue are able to taste salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami. Often described as a combination between savory and earthy, when referring to Umami Burger, I will describe it as delicious smothered with a little bit of heaven. I think I shed a small tear of happiness as I bit into one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. I have been a vegetarian for over 10 years now so finding a meatless burger that absolutely blows my mind and erases memories of the BBQs of my past, is quite impressive. What could make this scenario better? Happy Hour!
I was completely surprised to find out that Umami Burger serves up their delicious signature burgers at 15 southern California locations. How had I missed it all of these years, especially since last summer on Friday afternoons, I would walk by the Los Feliz location. I would see people eating and drinking on the sidewalk patio and imagine that this is where I was headed instead of actually heading to work. I would notice the Happy Hour specials written on the chalkboard in front of the door and grasp onto the inviting cooking smells that drifted off of people’s plates and onto the street. I kept meaning to get there earlier and sit at the bar to grab some dinner before my show, but of course I never got out of the house in time.
A year later and still missing out on the burger that would raise the bar for all other burgers to follow, I had totally forgotten about my Umami Burger fantasy. This is why I was so excited when some friends suggested we meet up at Umami and as I stated earlier, I was not disappointed.
The Los Feliz location hosts Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 7pm at the bar. (Not all of the Umami Burger locations have Happy Hour so call ahead before heading out.) Their specials include $6 burgers that can be served meatless or bun less by request. My meatless burger was not the typical veggie burger patty but instead, a giant, perfectly cooked portabella mushroom served on a brioche bun and topped with truffle cheese. My burger was the epitome of umami and now I can truly say that I understand what the big deal is with this hard to master flavor. My companions were just as impressed with their burgers. Because we love to eat and eat well, we also ordered some crispy thin cut fries at $3.50 and tempura battered onion rings at $4.50 to share. Both side dishes were outstanding.
Drinks during Happy Hour are $2 off beer and select glasses of wine. Umami does not have an extensive beer list but they did have a solid beer list. I had an IPA called Speakeasy Big Daddy that was just hoppy enough to stand up to the umami flavor of my portabella burger. I need to do a little more “research” at Umami, but perhaps veggie burgers and beer parings are in my future.
XXOO,
Wendy
4655 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 669-3922
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday, 3pm - 7pm
$2 Off Beer, $2 Off Select Glasses of Wine, $6 Burgers
- LA's Premiere Happy Hour Search Site Featuring Over 1,000 Happy Hours Within 50 Cities in Los Angeles County
