The 'gourmet' burger trend comes to Atlantis

Sat, Aug 27th 2016, 10:15 AM


The Hangover Remedy: French fried topped with melted cheese, chorizo, picked jalapenos and fried egg. (Photos: Shavaughn Moss)

With items like The K.I.S.S. (keeping it surprisingly simple), The Boss, Into the Blue, 77 Degrees West, Hog Island, Hangover Remedy, Hashtag, Pit Bull, Cry+Fry, The Stampede, The Little Boss and Marina Brake-Fast, it would be near impossible to determine that these are items on a menu at a burger joint, but they are exactly just that -- and can be had at Atlantis' newest casual dining restaurant -- The Village Burger Shack.

The Burger Shack which opened in June prides itself on its "gourmet" burgers, vegetarian dishes, an extensive list of sides and unique milkshake combinations and beverage selections.

Ever thought of topping pulled pork with bacon, chorizo and American cheese? Well, that's exactly what you get when you order the hog island; The Boss lives up to its name -- a 12-ounce double burger, bacon rashers, provolone, cheddar, fried onion rings, a fried egg and pickles -- this burger definitely rules; then there's the 77 Degrees West with queso fundido, jalapenos, guacamole and pico de gallo for a blend that's perfect; the Ranchero Crunch features Swiss cheese, pickles, ham, chipotle ranch and of course potato chips for the crunch factor.

The Burger Shack also specializes in flat top dogs that are split and griddled crisp with the Pit Bull as the top dog of the trio -- a foot long all beef hot dog topped with bacon, crispy onion shards and cheese sauce; the classic and chicken dog round out the offerings.

No burger meal is complete without a side of French fries or onion rings or combination thereof, and The Burger Shack has a selection ranging from just fries, to cheese fries, and then upping the ante with bacon cheese fries, Canadian fries (mozzarella and gravy), and their aptly named Hangover remedy (with bacon, chorizo, pickled jalapenos and a fried egg lording over it all).


The Boss, a 12 ounce double burger, bacon rashers, provolone, cheddar, fried onion rings, fried egg and pickles that is definately one of a number of boss burgers ont he menu at The Village Burger Shack.

While the entire menu does not fail to fascinate, their specialties include The Reef Treat -- a fish filet, tartar sauce and fried onion rings; the Hashtag which will satisfy the vegetarian -- a black bean veggie burger, topped with crispy quinoa, mayo, mushroom and Swiss cheese. And for the health conscious there is always a bunless opportunity in which any burger -- angus beef pattie, chicken breast or veggie pattie can be served on salad greens with their house vinaigrette.

The Mac Bar allows for pasta lovers to enjoy it three ways -- triple cheesy; Vitamin B (bacon, blue cheese, BBQ pork and bologna) or garden pesto. The macaroni offerings are said to be incredible.

For those persons wanting to indulge their milkshake fix with one of their super indulgent Ben&Jerry's shake offerings, there's the option to go a little healthy from the salad portion of the menu. There's the Fit For you with quinoa, arugula, toasted nuts, tomatoes, cucumber, dried apricots served with EVOO vinaigrette; The Stampede -- chopped romaine, salami, provolone, pickled peppers, crispy garbanzo beans, tomatoes and cucumber served with red wine vinaigrette; and the Spicy Sriracha Caesar -- tomatoes, red onion, parmesan, croutons, pickled jalapenos, serve with Sriracha-Caesar dressing.

Now back to those milkshakes, some so thick that your cheeks get a workout trying to suck it up, you have the vanilla bean, cookies and cream, tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, banana and nutella, triple chocolate and berry buzz to satisfy almost every taste profile.

If you have room left, the desserts even though simple in concept -- apple pie and cheesecake, there's nothing simple about them at all. The apple pie is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle for extra decadence; and your own individual cheesecake is bathed in raspberry sauce.

And the kids of course aren't forgotten as there's a simplified Little Boss just for them with American cheese, bacon and onion rings; the Hamburger KISS; cheeseburger; grilled cheese and the ever popular chicken tenders.

The Village Burger Shack is located in the former Johnny Rockets restaurant. Atlantis wanted to continue with the idea and concept of a restaurant that was not too expensive, but still provided the Atlantis experience.

With premium burger restaurants one of the hottest trends worldwide, Tim Moriarty, Atlantis' vice-president of food and beverage said the resort wanted to ensure that they compete with what's happening in the world.

Moriarty said The Village Burger Shack is a nice option for guests and locals.

"We tried to think outside the box, and didn't want it to be different but in keeping with the current trend. The burgers are incredible, and we partnered with Ben&Jerry's for the shake combinations," said Moriarty. He praised J-son Armbrister as their shake king.

"The [restaurant's] theme is a Bahamian twist with the music and wall decor. We wanted to make it 'burger-ish' but in a Bahama-specific way. Johnny Rockets was famous for parties and cost effective way to come to Atlantis, we've kept it that way. We wanted to keep up the same idea -- not too expensive and provide the Atlantis experience."

The food and beverage vice-president said the restaurant that opened at the beginning of summer in June has fit in well with the Atlantis dining scene as it's nice for people to have options.

The Village Burger Shack is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Shavaughn Moss, Guardian Lifestyles Editor

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