The $21 burger that's so worth it: Grace, Los Angeles

I get an itching for a hamburger once every 2.5 years. The last burger I had was a $2 happy hour burger August of 2007 at McCormick and Schmick's. I couldn't finish it - not because I was too full but because the burger was just meh, the bun was too bready and the meat was a little like taco bell - and yes, I should have known I get what I pay for. Since then, life has gone on with the ebs and flows of morning star patties, until one day it was that time again. And this time, I was back with take no prisoners vengeance. Best burger or bust. My friend Shelley and I had planned to hit up Grace for DineLA week. I had already picked out my three courses ( one and two consisting of octopus and scallops) weeks in advance.

But something happened.

The night before I went out to dinner with my parents, who took the liberty for ordering something for me while I was in the lady's room. Bless their hearts, they ordered me scallops. The next day I just didn't have it in me to eat scallops again. I wanted the carne. And I had to obey myself before someone died. And then serendipity happened; Grace has Burger Night on Sundays. Truffle burgers ($21). Burgers made with dry-aged beef accompanied with butter lettuce, heirloom tomatoes on the fleur de sel bun. There is also homemade ketchup and aioli, but who really needs that if the beef is good and it's adorned with truffle cheese? I flirted with the idea of exchanging my fries for a salad, but the waitress talked me out of it, rightfully so. These too, were perfect: golden, crispy on the outside, irregularly shaped, and perfectly seasoned.

 And in this corner, we have house made ketchup and aioli.

They have special milkshakes on Sunday to go along with the burgers, however, since I was having such an adult hamburger, I'd better have an adult drink to go along with it (not to mention the sommelier was almost as delicious as my burger). Shelley and I split a bottle of fermented grape juice. The wine recommendation 2007 Â CÔTÉ ($48) from La Fenêtre in Santa Barbara was spot on - a deep red, slightly fruit forward blend.

I was lucky enough to sample Shelley's celebrated Sticky Toffee Pudding with bruleed bananas and hazelnut gelato for dessert. It was like eating a dressed up bran muffin, but in a good way because I love bran muffins. I would eat them for dessert so why accessorize them a bit with a banana hat and gelato bag?

Until next 2.5 years, Grace hamburger!

Grace Restaurant
7360 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-4400
http://www.gracerestaurant.com/

I get an itching for a hamburger once every 2.5 years. The last burger I had was a $2 happy hour burger August of 2007 at McCormick and Schmick's. I couldn't finish it - not because I was too full but because the burger was just meh, the bun was too bready and the meat was a little like taco bell - and yes, I should have known I get what I pay for. Since then, life has gone on with the ebs and flows of morning star patties, until one day it was that time again. And this time, I was back with take no prisoners vengeance. Best burger or bust. My friend Shelley and I had planned to hit up Grace for DineLA week. I had already picked out my three courses ( one and two consisting of octopus and scallops) weeks in advance.

But something happened.

The night before I went out to dinner with my parents, who took the liberty for ordering something for me while I was in the lady's room. Bless their hearts, they ordered me scallops. The next day I just didn't have it in me to eat scallops again. I wanted the carne. And I had to obey myself before someone died. And then serendipity happened; Grace has Burger Night on Sundays. Truffle burgers ($21). Burgers made with dry-aged beef accompanied with butter lettuce, heirloom tomatoes on the fleur de sel bun. There is also homemade ketchup and aioli, but who really needs that if the beef is good and it's adorned with truffle cheese? I flirted with the idea of exchanging my fries for a salad, but the waitress talked me out of it, rightfully so. These too, were perfect: golden, crispy on the outside, irregularly shaped, and perfectly seasoned.

 And in this corner, we have house made ketchup and aioli.

They have special milkshakes on Sunday to go along with the burgers, however, since I was having such an adult hamburger, I'd better have an adult drink to go along with it (not to mention the sommelier was almost as delicious as my burger). Shelley and I split a bottle of fermented grape juice. The wine recommendation 2007 Â CÔTÉ ($48) from La Fenêtre in Santa Barbara was spot on - a deep red, slightly fruit forward blend.

I was lucky enough to sample Shelley's celebrated Sticky Toffee Pudding with bruleed bananas and hazelnut gelato for dessert. It was like eating a dressed up bran muffin, but in a good way because I love bran muffins. I would eat them for dessert so why accessorize them a bit with a banana hat and gelato bag?

Until next 2.5 years, Grace hamburger!

Grace Restaurant
7360 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-4400
http://www.gracerestaurant.com/