8 oz. Burger Bar

Last Friday, I went to my local Starbucks and was reading LA Weekly and enjoying the cool June Gloom when a very handsome man, dark skinned, dread locks, and a smile sat at a table behind me. I was reading the article about well, I don't remember, because I couldn't stop thinking...this guy looks familiar. It was Govind Armstrong, owner of the old Table 8 and current 8 oz. Burger Bar on Melrose.

This foodie blogging has given me some extra confidences, so I turned to him and asked if he was busy. With a little chuckle, he said no, and I started my parade of questions.

What happened to Table 8?

How are your other restaurants doing in Miami?

What are your upcoming projects?

Govind was patient and kind. He answered all of my questions as I shared with him about my new Foodie Therapy blog and the struggle I face between doing what I love and having to sell myself as a product(therapists have to balance the work with how to create a business). He understood. He shared the parallel. He told me about how he spends more time now managing and traveling and marketing than cooking and how the cooking is his real passion. He shared "I want to get back into the kitchen and do more fine dining again."

He shared that being a chef is hard work, long hours, little pay at first. He almost was gently steering me away when I mentioned "Culinary School." He said "If you love cooking, being a chef might change your view." As for having a family life, Govind shared that his work has cause him to be all over the country without much time to settle down. Govind Armstrong gave me some things to think about, but mostly I was left with a feeling that this guy was real. I liked him, his energy, what he's about. I get him on some level. I just hope he gets back into the kitchen and gives LA a chance to enjoy his foodie food again. I remember Table 8-beautiful plates of food and an elegant atmosphere. His plans changes, like most of ours. He was going to open Table 8 in the old Chocolat space and when the market collapsed, his investors went bankrupt and he had to give that up. (now that space is the new Red 0-Rick Bayless' first LA venture-I'll be reviewing it sometime in late June).

8 oz. Burger Bar is the trend now. Govind shared he is expanding Burger Bar in LA soon. I've been there a few times. It is a cool place for lunch. I recommend the 8 oz. Burger combo ($15). The meat is juicy and he uses a combination of sirloin, tri tip, short rib, and cured chuck. You can choose a side (I like the onion rings) and a "sud" (they have some nice choices on tap). The "extras" and "sauces" are interesting too: purple mustard, friend caper tartar sauce, red onion marmalade.

The Burger is consistent and if you don't live near a Father's Office, it is a good option. With the Burger Bar Concept spreading all over LA, there are too many choices. Here are my favorites and not in a particular order:

Father's Office
Stout
Umami Burger
8 oz Burger Bar

There is something great about going to 8 oz Burger Bar on the weekend. There are people sitting outside watching the tourists shop, drinking their milkshake or bloody mary's, and enjoying a delicious burger...what a good way to have lunch.

8 oz. Burger Bar
www.8ozburgerbar.com
7661 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 852-0008