When I’m Shaking With Hunger

... only a perfectly juicy and superbly flavorful burger will do!   

This morning I had an appointment in Orange, CT.  It was a crazy-busy morning, so I decided to skip breakfast and explore the food-scene in Orange at lunch time. I figured, the 11:30 AM appointment will run till 1-ish, and I should be seated at some restaurant by 1:15.  NOT!  My new acquaintances and I were having such a blast chatting and brainstorming ideas that before I knew it, it was more like 2:30PM.  And by now, I was literally SHAKING with hunger!  

I needed to eat something fast.  And it had to deliver instant gratification with tons of flavor.  A salad or something healthful was just not going to cut it at this point. One of the gentleman, Pat, at the meeting suggested Prime 16, which was practically across the street from the meeting spot.  He specifically said - you must try their Maui burger and truffle fries.  Hey, who am I to say, no?

Prime 16 Tap House and Burgers, also has a location in New Haven.  The menu is very simple - with a few appetizers and then lots of options and flavors for burgers.  Serving 100% organic beef, as well as a great choice of other proteins like turkey, salmon and lamb in their burgers - plus a special menu offering 30 some craft beers...this is the answer to many a prayers.  :-)

I diligently followed my instructions and I ordered the Maui Burger and Truffle Fries. 

I have to admit that I have been hearing a lot of people talk about truffle fries, but today was my first taste of this flavor combo.  It was just as good as I imagined it would be.  The crunchy, salty potato fries (that we are all addicted to, anyway) topped with earthy and delicious truffle flavor.  To make the dish even more irresistible, these fries also had parmesan on them - it heightened that umami flavor experience.  Mmmm....  TDF (to die for)!

Maui burger was simply delish.  Topped with pepper jack cheese, smoked applewood bacon, grilled pineapple, maui onion and a side of tropical mayo.  I loved how the grilled pineapple was ever so soft and juicy ... transporting me straight to a magical place.  The bacon added amazing salty and smokey flavors along with the perfect crunch on top.  And I just could not get enough of that tropical mayo. It was so beautifully infused with tropical fruit flavors - a spectacular complement to this Maui burger.

I was told by the wonderfully attentive staff and manager that just like their craft beer menu, they always have a cheesecake and a bread pudding on their dessert menu. The flavors offerings change every couple of weeks.  I was intrigued.  To have two constant items on the menu like this - means that they are pretty confident about what they are doing.  So I ordered the bread pudding......  Hey!  I was really hungry.  What can I say?

Now brace yourselves people! ... Ready?  This was a chocolate and pecan bread pudding with a rum toffee sauce, topped with butter crunch ice cream! OMG! Remember that movie, When Harry Met Sally, with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal....and that famous scene?  Yeah! I had to restrain myself from screaming, “yes!  Yes!!  YES!!!”. 

Have you been to Prime 16 in Orange or New Haven?  If so, what have you tried on their menu?   If not, what are you waiting for?!!!

Prime 16 | http://prime16.com

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