Vin S.’s Review

The Experience

I return for my series of reviews of the burgers at Trimana at the downtown Los Angeles food court, 7th + Fig. Nothing really changed about the experience as in my first review in the series. Again, I think the wait is a little too long for a food court situation. Granted, Trimana is usually the most crowded place in there (besides that excellent Greek place), but still it irks me. It usually takes just a little bit longer than I want.

The Burger

Regular What the Burger?! readers will recall that my experience with the #1 was disappointing. And I know you are waiting to see if things improve, and I’m happy to report that they do.

First, I’ll note that I skipped the #2, which was the same burger as the #1, but with cheese. Fine, that’s probably an improvement, but not exciting enough to try. I proceed to the #3, BBQ & Cheddar. Initially, I was hesitant, the menu also indicates that this comes with grilled onion and bell pepper. I, it should be noted, am not a bell pepper fan. I’m not totally anti — I’ll eat them but only if burger reviews require it. The burger came and immediately I could tell it was an improvement over the sad and unhappy appearence last week. And was it! OK, that’s a bit too much excitement for this burger, but after last week, it fits.

Best of all was that the added ingredients added quite a bit to the taste. Especially with the stock lettuce, tomato and pickles to balance out the bell pepperse that I’m not fond of. There was maybe slightly too much BBQ sauce for my taste, but not to a degree where I will penalize the rating. All in all, I was pretty satisfied with the BBQ sauce, the cheese, and the toppings.

All in all, good flavors and quality toppings = just fine. Still the weak point in Trimana burgers is likely the meat and bun, but with the right toppings, this can be overcome.

Bottom Line

Average rating:

3.34/5

 

Vin S.’s Review

The Experience

Taking my quick lunch break, I walked up the street to the 7th & Fig food court at the corner of 7th and Figueroa Ave. in downtown Los Angeles.  The food court is far less crowded than it used to be; though Trimana still seems to have a bit of a wait during the lunch hours. They’re efficient though, and nice–the manager and his pretty wife behind the register almost overly friendly.

The plan for me, while I am working downtown, is to find the burger places for this lovely site.  Trimana (with an umlaut on the m, no less!) was first, and they have 9 burgers on the menu to choose from.  I plan to sample them all, for you, fine whattheburger readers, one a week until I’m done (or I get laid off first).  

The Burger

Thus, the first of the burgers on the menu was labeled #1, and called "All American."  It consists of the classic toppings: onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, the sauce.  Yes, "The Sauce" is what it says on the menu.  What could be more all American than generic unnamed sauce, adding its badass flavor all over your tastebuds? Spreading freedom like sauce should?

I ordered the #1, along with my water, confusing the lady at the register because I didn’t want the fries combo.  Just the burger, thanks.  I received it, and went to sit down.  The sandwich came with some cole slaw, however, which would turn out to be the best part of the meal.

The All American was a bit of a letdown.  I’ve had burgers at Trimana in the past (though it has been a year since I worked in this area), and not minded them, but not this particular item.  The best things I could say for it are the size (just right for lunch; lunch can’t be too big or I’ll doze off all afternoon.  Heck, I probably will anyway, but not because of food coma at least.)  Also the toppings were fine enough quality, actually.  But the meat (charbroiled double patties) felt rubbery and the bun was too hard (overgrilled or stale, not sure).

What it comes down to however was that there was just not enough flavor to be memorable.  Yes, and that means you, The Sauce.  I barely noticed you.  I still don’t know what you are.  In fact, Trimana has a bunch of different dipping sauces for their fries, and the burger got better when I added some of the Hot Mustard.  For shame, The Sauce, for shame.

Bottom Line

Average rating:

2.44/5