The Foundry Burger on Hawaiian bread

The Foundry on Melrose opened five years ago but it seems like it’s been around as long as Spago (or Lindsay Lohan).

This is a good sign. Longevity means one of two things in the restaurant industry: either the food is great or guaranteed celebrity sightings*.

Another thing this “upscale yet casual” (which is a Los Angeles specialty) spot is famous for is their awesome burger.

I find it comical when a nice restaurant serves a burger.

I can’t decide whether it’s a slap in the face – (“Screw you consumer, we’re making you our version of Burger King and charging you four times as much!”) or a patronizing attempt at not alienating the middle class – (“Oh shoot, we should probably have something on the menu that the tourists can recognize since they probably assume pork belly is our fancy way of saying ‘bacon’ “).

Either way, I’m almost always tempted to see what they come up with.

I’ve had Jar’s $25 off the menu burger and came away disappointed, face covered in burger carnage.

It was over the top, super messy and not at all worth my friend’s hard earned money.

Will I be disappointed again?

No, I shout! Hawaiian buns!!

As much as I cringe at saying “They had me at Hawaiian buns” – how else shall I put it??

What I love the most is they did NOT try to make their own version of said bun but left four of those gloriously ghetto King’s Hawaiian rolls stuck together as the glistening crown on the build your own burger situation.

Impressed.

The appetizers (or “Snacks/Small Plates” as they are now referred to on EVERY single menu lately) were really tasty as well. Loved the mini latkes and the fried chicken was top notch.

BTW, I don’t even remember if the Foundry uses the “Snacks” menu rip off technique but I think it’s absolutely hilarious/ridiculous.

I’m appauled that I find myself MORE than willing to pay $5 dollars for three obscure olives or a deviled Humingbird’s egg.

One minor note of critique…and I’m being super picky. Your front entrance area seems due for a slight update. It really belies the elegant tranquility that is the back patio.

Shut up, Bun Boy. Nobody even knows who you are.

*Such as the infamous Mr Chow

7465 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-0915
http://www.thefoundryonmelrose.com

This is what it looks like when you show up as the restaurant opens (crickets). No, I'm not 85 years old. I'm eating dinner this early for the good lighting. I don't need to explain this to you. You really are a pill.

One of my favorite wines

Delicious Table Rolls

Potato Latke Bites with cherry black pepper marmalade and hazelnut creme fraiche

Pork Belly Scallion Pancakes

Beer Steamed Mussels with sausage, pickled cabbage and mustard

Fried Chicken and Waffles (this year's obligatory menu option)

Earl Grey Creme Brulee. Unappetizing photo. It looks like a crystallized starfish is popping out!