Mid-City: Checking Out Burgers at Fat Cow at The Grove

The Fat Cow at the Grove hasn’t gotten the best press beginning with its awful name and “I’ll eat there because I’m catching a movie or doing some shopping” Grove location. I have to admit it wouldn’t necessarily be my first option if I was watching a movie but my friends seemed to think it was a grand idea. And Gordon Ramsey is behind it.

So, first the name– considering Chef Ramsey is British, he should know calling someone a Fat Cow is a bit of an insult. But we are in California and maybe he was trying to go for that “happy cow” business. Well… I’m hoping anyway.

And secondly, competition. Never mind the fact you’re at the mall but you’re at a mall with several burgers options. You have Short Order, Umami, Mixology 101. And for other sandwich-y stuff, there’s Mendocino Farms across the street. Plus there’s the little shops at the Farmers’ Market (and for you veggies, there’s Veggie Grill). So how do you compete with all that?

Well, they do have a good location- right next to the movie theater.

I started out with the stuffed squash blossoms. I really enjoyed these. They were quite hearty and I liked the corn in the blossoms.  And friends who had never had stuffed squash blossoms before enjoyed the novelty.

I ordered the fanciest Fat Cow burger. I asked for it to be medium rare. Unfortunately it came out nearly done. And for a burger over $20, I was disappointed. The patty was made with short ribs and was awfully thin.

I was then jealous of friends enjoying the meaty looking turkey burger with its cutesy name of “Cow-lifornia” burger.

I’m always a bit bummed out when burgers don’t come with fries. The sweet potato fries were good.

The way to go would be to get the regular burger with a fried egg. The thing was massive and juicy.

Our server recommended the sticky toffee pudding. It was very well received by the table though my favorite is still at King’s Head in Santa Monica.

 

My three friends also really enjoyed the donuts. I couldn’t help but think of the ones at Littlefork.

I did however enjoy my Grassy Grove cocktail (Hendrick’s gin, lemon, basil, celery bitters). Dessert in a glass for me!

Overall though? After I stopped griping about my burger? I was surprised when I said I’d actually come back. Maybe this convenience thing isn’t really an issue. I’d just stick to the regular burgers, squash blossoms and cocktails.

 

The Fat Cow

189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036  —  (323) 965-1020 

 

© The Minty 2013