Opening Tonight, New Burger Bar Offers Ramen Burgers

A knock-off of one of this summer's New York-based food crazes, Keizo Shimamoto's Ramen Burger (burger with ramen noodle buns), will be available starting tonight. Buzz Bar, a new "gourmet burger experience" in the old Blue Stem Martini Lounge space, opens tonight with former The Savoy chef Brian Greene running the kitchen. [UPDATE: Greene says he's not associated with the project anymore and was surprised to see his name printed on the menu and named chef by ownership. He says his only involvement was drafting the original menu and connecting ownership with purveyors.]

Although "Ramen Burger" was trademarked on August 2, the term still appears on Buzz's menu. Sunda tested a version of a ramen burger during brunch service on August 31 and September 1, but took it off the menu and are unsure if they'll offer it again.

Ramen burgers aren't the only trend Buzz Bar is jumping on, as they only serve organic, locally-sourced grass fed beef, owner Marcel Somfelean says. The menu features eight other burgers, including a short rib stroganoff "burger," the "Alamo" with two types of chorizo, a Cubano burger, and a foie gras burger. Crispy pig ears, "Hipster Poutine," four types of salads, and elotes are also available.

Although Buzz includes "barrels and beer" in its long-form name, it will open as BYO. Somfelean is launching lunch service in one month and booze service in two months. The inside space seats 50 and an outdoor patio will open next spring. Their ramen burger, however, is available starting tonight.