Hache’s truffle burger by Paloma Lacy
Would you like to come and try our new croissant truffle burger?”
That was the offer given to me at the end of the summer.
In all honesty, although it’s a London first, it didn’t appeal. However, I knew a man for whom this would be the ultimate invitation.
I’m a self-confessed truffle avoider, while he is a truffle chaser. I don’t prefer this delicacy but he’s forever telling me I’m missing out.
I know I’m in the minority and that everyone else on the planet raves about truffle – particularly shaved with Parmesan over chips.
I went along to Hache to check out this special burger, which by the way is only available until October 9.
For me, a beef patty stuffed into an all butter croissant was a bridge too far but it apparently works exceedingly well. I have to confess to its surprisingly elegant appearance.
Elegant is not normally a word associated with the burger but this is the poshest burger I’d ever seen.
A thick 6oz beef patty, layered with caramelised onions, delicate truffle mayonnaise, Gruyere and Comte cheeses, held snuggly in a made-to-fit croissant ‘bun’ that’s both flaky and buttery in equal measures.
This is truly a dish oozing Gallic charm. I was reliably informed of its culinary brilliance, with pack-a-punch flavours.
We visited on National Burger Day so there were plenty others that took my fancy.
While I enjoy beef and chicken burgers, I’m often found in the vegetarian burger section just because I’m always keen to find one that lives up to its meat equivalent.
Hache claims to serve the best burgers in London – that’s a matter of opinion but it’s certainly been serving up proper burgers long before restaurant-quality burgers were quite as fashionable as they are today.
The burger menu is separated into two sections, Left Bank and Right Bank, which I hazarded a guess may have some reference to the River Seine.
I asked our waitress but she looked at me blankly and I was none the wiser after our chat.
I went for Beyond ‘Cheese’, a vegan patty by plant-based geniuses, Beyond Meat.
Accompaniments include mustard mayo, tomato, rocket, red onion and vegan ‘Cheddar’ but I dispensed with the latter and asked for it to be replaced with cheese.
Juicy, ‘meaty’, worthy of my attention on National Burger Day, I chose wisely.
However, there were several other ways my tummy could have taken me.
For starters, there are no fewer than five vegan options – Beyond Le Fume sounded interesting, with smoky semi dried tomatoes and zucchini straws but I felt presentation in a smoked filled dome was a bit over the top for me.
Many of the vegan options are replications of the real meat counterparts, which are almost all, steak burgers. There is one other, Chicken Malibu.
The Big H caught my eye as a clear dupe of THE famous burger from that lot at the golden arches.
Two patties and a secret burger sauce is enough to give the game away.
But it’s not just about the burger. Starters at Hache are innovative and downright spot on when it comes to capturing the diners’ mood.
Croque Monsieur Arancini is a fine illustration of this. I defy anyone to read its description and not crave it instantly.
Fried rice balls stuffed with Gruyere, cured ham and béchamel, with aioli. My only suggestion is that there could have been more ham inside these pockets of joy.
A personal favourite of mine, we also tried Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower – doused in hot cayenne pepper sauce, treacle glaze, with added Roquefort.
A vegan alternative to hot chicken wings and blue cheese sauce hits the spot every single time and is my go-to starter and one I am powerless to resist.
Croydon vegan café-bar and community hub Matthew’s Yard has pledged to extend its ‘kick inflation to the kerb’ campaign for customers undoubtedly keeping a keen eye on spending.
For September and perhaps longer, its prices have been reduced by 20%.
A sausage and onion sandwich is £3.95, great for brunch but served all day.
A pint, large glass of wine or a double spirit and mixer is £3.95.
Matthew’s Yard is open all day from 8am to 6pm Tuesday to Thursday, until 8pm Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
Other budget-busting dishes include a mug of tea for £1, beans on toast and tofu egg and cress sandwich for under £4.
An additional 15% discount is available for teachers, NHS, blue light services, civil servants, Croydon council and students.
The Kid’s Table
The age old problem of how to entertain the kids while out for meal has finally been solved.
An increasing number of pubs and restaurants have left it to The Kids’ Table to keep your little ones busy with art and craft.
Best of all, it’s free.
The Spread Eagle in Wandsworth is the latest South London pub to sign them up from 24 th September.
The Kids’ Table is already a weekend fixture on Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm at The Barrel & Horn, Bromley, The Goldsmith’s Arms, Penge, Ninth Life, Catford, Westow House, Crystal Palace, and Boxpark Croydon, to name but a few.
Pictured: Hache’s truffle burger Picture: Hache
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