Perfect Pair #1
a cocktail pairing from your favorite bartender
Welcome to Perfect Pair, a new series on Burger Diva where I’ll be chatting with some of my pals in food, beverage and nightlife on their hard hitting burger opinions and what they love to pair with their patties.
First up is Reed Yarber, bartender at Rialto Grande and brand new bar owner, part of the team behind Liar Liar. Liar Liar is a new spot in Gowanus owned and operated by four friends who are also service industry veterans, covering all the bases of the nightlife experience. With an accessible wine program, a grounded food menu and their customized hi-fi Polk sound system, they’re hoping to become your next favorite hangout or date spot.
I swung by while the finishing touches were coming together ahead of opening day to pick Reed’s brain and get a sneak peek at what’s to come at Liar Liar.
Burger Diva: What’s important to you in a burger?
Really, McDonald’s burgers are the way to do it. Classic. I don’t want a fancy burger. I don’t want gruyere. I love gruyere, but I don’t want it. Gimme American, you know? Yellow mustard! People hate me for that. And you know what? Honestly, Hellman’s.
BD: Love mayo on a burger!
Mayo on a burger, of course! People are going to deny my Southern heritage because I’m not saying Duke’s. That’s probably my worst opinion honestly.
BD: Hellman’s Over Duke’s?
Hellman’s Over Duke’s.
BD: There’s a spot in Ridgewood [Burger City] that actually markets itself as McDonald’s style, with that fine diced onion, pickle…
I love the fine dice.
BD: Is that your preferred style, as opposed to a slice or thicker chop?
I’m gonna say yeah. You know the red onion rings? Those just fall out.
BD: Oh wait - do you prefer red onion over white onion?
I guess..in a burger? Red onion.
BD: Really!
I guess I want a burger that appeals to my six-year-old sensibilities. Something that I would enjoy as a child.
BD: Are you pro-pickle?
Yes, for sure. As a kid I liked pickles too.
BD: I liked pickles as a kid but I didn’t like pickles on the burger as a kid.
I feel that. As a kid, I didn’t do tomato on the burger and I now think tomato is crucial.
BD: I only think it’s crucial if it’s in-season. If I get a burger with an off-season tomato, sometimes that’s just extra water.
I can maybe…no I’m sticking with it, I’m sticking with tomato.
BD: What’s your unexpected favorite burger?
Shake Shack. I had it for the first time like six months ago.
BD: For the first time?!
Blew me away! So good, that took me forever.
BD: When it comes to a burger, what are you drinking with it?
Martini. Hands down.
BD: And how are you taking it?
Well what season is it?
BD: Let’s say winter, what would you make right now?
Dry and frozen.
BD: Gin or vodka?
Gin. Always. Well…I guess I wouldn’t say always, I don’t discriminate. I guess nine times out of ten it’ll be gin.
BD: Is there a special Liar Liar martini?
Oh yeah there’s a whole martini menu!
BD: Well which of those would you say pairs best with a burger?
I feel like it’s different for everyone! My inclination is to just go dirty…actually we have one with sherry that would actually be really great with a burger. Yeah that’s my answer, the Liar Liar House Martini:
.5 oz fino sherry
.5 oz Dolin dry vermouth
2 oz gin
Served with an olive or a twist.
BD: Does your answer change with the seasons?
I would say I’d go more dirty in the summer.
BD: What about a martini makes it a perfect pairing with a burger?
Crisp and cold as shit. That’s all I want to have with it.
Liar Liar opens at 285 Nevins Street on January 31st and rumor has it that they’ll have a burger on the menu.