the burger effect
once at zark's, the first thing you notice is the smell. the smell of grease, that is. i first came here when i had just finished my entrance exam for my Master's Degree and i felt like there is nothing like a good 'ol burger to satisfy the 'i freakin' deserve this after my hard work' urge. and since i tend to overdo things, i ordered, without hesitation, the worst- yet best possible option - the deep fried burger. judging by that, i think it's safe to say that i.. am no health buff.. i'm no health-- anything. so, with that i'll say, under this certain circumstance (that is, brain drain from answering basic algebra and fractions all morning) that i liked it. as a matter of fact, i truly enjoyed the deep fried burger. and we're not talking deep fried patty here - this was the whole thing dunked in oil!
what is was, was 1/2 lb. of beef patty, cheese, tomato and caramelised onions inside the bun - all sunk in perfect temp. oil. and let's face it, when you deep fry bread, it is just delicious, the layer upon layer of flavor brought out in this one crisp, juicy burger. this meal cost me Php 140.00 plus 20 bucks to add fries and a drink. not bad for a heavy meal.
now, i can't really guarantee you'll have the same satisfaction -- unless you took the same test as i did, or maybe you just broke up with someone (because that's the ultimate excuse to eat whatever ain't it?) then i'd definitely recommend this burger.
the second time i came to zark's was a whole new experience. first, i didn't take any test prior to going there and also, i was with a burger connoisseur, a guy who lives for BURGERS -- in more commercial terms - the burger king (pun intended). so that meant that the appetite was low, and the expectations were high. this time around, i ordered the three pointer burger which was made of the usual all beef patty, mozarella cheese, cheddar cheese and cheese sauce - with tomatoes and caramelised onions. all in all Php 135 plus another 40 to have it with fries and unlimited iced tea. this was one cheesy burger and surprisingly the 'cheese sauce' unbeknownst to all, was NOT cheez whiz.
i really thought the patties at zark's were delicious - it's very reminiscent of burgers my grandmother would make. all beef, straight to the point, and no other added spices or herbs. their fries- excellent. crisp on the outside, home-cut french fries. which is more than i can say about the place that also serves burgers right below them (overrated, overpriced so-so burgers and burritos - but HEY that's another review altogether!)
the place is no 5-star resto, but it's clean, it's near my old alma mater which i think is a great location although it has a very hole-in-the-wall-feel to it, but that really only adds to its appeal. on their wall, a hall of famer display of those brave enough to eat a huge burger in under 15 minutes. parking was a hassle, but value for money was great. the menu selection - extensive. they may be zark's burgers, but they're just not about the burgers, they have hotdogs, fish, chicken and crazy, Paula Deen-ified desserts like deep fried snickers ala mode and Krispy Kreme donuts with ice cream.
after all that's been said and done - or eaten for that matter, i will give zark's burgers a solid 3.5 stars. it's probably not the best burger ever.. but it sure is the best on that block. it's comforting to know that people are coming up with better food ideas around the area. more importantly, you know that when school bugs you - which it usually does, there's a place like zark's to comfort you - that is, until your next class.
(zark's burgers is located at 2464 Archer's Nook, Taft Ave. Manila, Metro Manila)
