WEIGHING IN: 8 OZ. BURGER BAR

SoCal culinary star, Govind Armstrong, is known for his spin on California Cuisine. He's also had his hand in television as a judge on Bravo's Top Chef, as well as a contestant on the very iconic Iron Chef America on the Food Network. He traces his beginnings to Beverly Hill's Spago (when he was thirteen), and furthered his training during his college years in San Francisco at another Wolfgang Puck mainstay, Postrio.

Armstrong has certainly come a long way since his humble beginnings at Spago. He has since traveled Western Europe, landing gigs at famous establishments as Excelsior at Hotel de l'Europe, and Arzak. He has been mentored by legends like Pedro Subijana (Restaurant Akelare) and Juan Mari Arzak.

It wasn't long before Chef Armstrong found his way back to Los Angeles. He eventually worked several gigs, including setting up shop at Pinot Hollywood. Eventually, the talented chef would find himself at the helm of his own restaurant: Table 8. The restaurant first opened in Los Angeles, and quickly became a favorite of the Hollywood set. Soon after, the restaurant went bi-coastal, and set-up shop in trendy Miami. And now NYC is looking to host the restaurant this year in NoHo's Cooper Square Hotel.

Last year, Armstrong decided to move Table 8 on Melrose. No word on whether or not the move has taken place, but 8 Oz. Burger Bar has already made its home in its former spot near Fairfax. 8 Oz. Burger Bar is still, obviously, Armstrong's doing. Since it's opening, it has become a strong contender against the likes of other L.A. area gourmet burger spots like Santa Monica's Father's Office, or West L.A.'s Apple Pan, and it looks like it's here to stay a while.

The signature 8 oz. burger is made of a house blend of sirloin, tri-tip, short rib and chuck cured in the restaurant's Himalayan salt-tiled locker. The burger is cooked medium rare to medium, and is served with standard iceberg lettuce, pickle, tomato, white onion, and the 8 oz. "special sauce." Also on it's menu of burgers: the Melrose (house blend, wild baby arugula, garlic roasted tomatoes, and red onion marmalade) and the Estancia Grass Fed Beef (heirloom tomato ketchup, garlic aioli, sliced tomato, onion, pickle, charred escarole, and roasted mushrooms). Other items to note: the Short Rib Grilled Cheese (served with onion marmalade and bel paese cheese), a number of salads, Mini Kobe Corndogs, and Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds. For the non-red-meat-friendly: Grilled Chicken Sandwich (ranch dressing, iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion, and grated carrot), Fillet of Fish, and Veggie Burger are for the taking.

An array of beers, as well as shakes, malts and floats, are available to accompany each meal. And for happy endings, there are delectable treats such as Banana Rum Bread Pudding, Banana Split, and cupcakes (chocolate or carrot).

The space itself is pretty casual, with a hip gastro-pub feel. On busy nights, the restaurant boasts music playing background to the sounds of conversations of all types. Tables are full, and even the small bar area plays home to local hipsters and Hollywood-ers. Despite this, 8 Oz. Burger Bar gives off no air of pretention, and will surely have you craving more.
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8 Oz. Burger Bar, 7661 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323.852.0008

(Photo courtesy of EaterLA.com)