I’m not really one to jump in the bandwagon whenever everyone raves about certain foods, but Shake Shack I had to try because I kept seeing it on Instagram.
Grace suggested we go to the Upper East Side branch because it has a shorter queue than Madison Square Park.
Shake Shack began in 2001 as a seasonal hot dog cart in Madison Square Park. It became popular with fans who lined up daily for three summers. Then in 2004, they won a bid to open a permanent kiosk in the park.
Sixteen stores later, Shake Shack is known for delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, shakes, beer, wine and more.
Grace and I took a cab to 154 East 86th Street and found a reasonable queue
I ordered the simplest burger and grabbed a table. Grace followed with this beeper and we waited.
As usual Grace and I were giggling because right next to us were four cute Catholic school boys about 1/3 my age.
Well that’s New York for you—cute boys are everywhere.
Minutes later the line turned to this. Our timing was lucky.
The beeper lit up and Grace picked up our order
The fries were hot and crispy—not bad—and I say this because I’m partial to hot, soggy fries.
I had very high expectations, so I thought I would be disappointed. But my burger was perfect. Probably the best burger I’ve ever had. The bread is soft and simple. The burger, crisp on the outside; tender, juicy inside. I like that they understand the meaning of a plain burger.
Perfect with ketchup and Coke
Grace prefers her burgers normal 
A couple of nights later I was back with my mom, sister, and SIL. This time I ordered a strawberry shake because my sister said, what’s the use of going to Shake Shack if you’re not gonna try the shake.
The shake was thick and perfect. I couldn’t finish it though because each sip felt like 3,000 calories.
I also ordered a double burger because I thought double just meant bigger. Turns out it means two patties, which is much too much for me.
Oh and there were cute boys again. No longer 1/3 my age. Maybe half?
Aside from the US, Shake Shack has two locations in the Middle East.
So I heard they partnered with a really huge F&B group in the Middle East (read: pera), so I wonder if they will ever open in Asia? If so, which country first?
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.