The Good Life, located in Massapequa Park, New York, opened its doors in 2010. The English themed pub and restaurant, with an American spin on its dishes, features an old style British telephone booth as the entrance. Upon entering there is a bar and a dining room located up a half-flight of stairs. I climbed these stairs not knowing what I was about to bite into. Also, climbing these stairs reminded me of how great of an impact these burgers are having on me. The waitress placed two menus in front of us, but let's face it. I already visited the website, I already viewed the menu, and I already knew exactly what I was going to get before I even got into my car to travel here...The Good Life Burger: Gruyere Cheese, Blue Cheese Fondue, Bacon Jam.
The Beef: The beef was a freshly formed, thick and juicy, serving of beef. It was very well-seasoned, and cooked to order. 3 out of 4.
The Bun: The bun was gigantic to the eye. The top bun was of normal proportions, then looking at the bottom bun, it seemed as if its purpose was to put this almighty burger up on a pedestal. And that's exactly what this burger deserved. The bottom bun was over an inch thick! Between the toasted insides, and the smooth glaze on the outside, this was an all-around delicious bun. 3 out of 4.
The Beef to Bun Ratio: Remember how I said this bun was gigantic to the eye? This burger-holding-pedestal was there just for show. As soon as the top bun was placed over the burger, and bitten into, the bun immediately shrunk down to normal size. Unlike normal brioche buns, which are thick and dense throughout, this was light and airy. Therefore, the beef to bun ratio was a great proportion of beef to bun. 3 out of 4.
The Presentation: Served with sweet potato tater tots, a pickle spear, and a side of ketchup and mustard, the finely topped burger sat on my plate staring at me. The kitchen definitely took the time to prepare this burger and top it to the best of their ability. Between the gruyere cheese, blue cheese, bacon jam, and finely sprinkled scallion garnish, this presentation is worthy of a 3 out of 4.
The Cheese: The cheese was very prominent in this burger. The explosion of the blue cheese mixed with the creaminess, and sweetness of the gruyere cheese was an excellent mixture. The cheese would rank in on a 2 out 3.
The Sear: I would like to take a moment to congratulate The Good Life for obtaining the first perfect rating on any part of the BBSR rubric. This sear could not have been better. After peeking at this beef patty under the bottom bun, the entire burger was perfectly cooked and seasoned on the outside, creating a distinct and delicious taste upon taking each bite. 3 out of 3.
Overall Taste: The combination of cheeses, the hint of bacon jam (which wasn't overpowering the burger as bacon sometimes does), the generous portion of beef, the toasted fluffy bun, all combine for a well-deserved 4 out of 5 rating.
BBSR: 21 / 27
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