EATING OFF THE MENU IS FUN TIMES BY BLONDIES AND BROWNIES

January 9, 2009 - View actual article by clicking here  

As I stated last summer, I've got love for Press 195 in Bayside, Queens. They've got fries, they've got paninis, they've got lots of beer, and not so long ago, they got hamburgers. Few combinations in this world are better than burgers, fries, and beer.

I heard about Press' new hamburger a few months back and my first chance to try it occurred with Bez during the holiday break. At first I was a little perplexed because hamburgers aren't listed on the menu yet, but our waitress let me know they do have them, they're just off the menu. I love ordering things off the menu, it makes me feel "in" and "knowledgeable". The burgers are 'pressed' just like all their other sandwiches, and come with all the fixings, including their chipotle mayo, already placed on the burger. Since I'm a control-freak, I got the mayo on the side. The burger was juicy, but the meat could have benefited from more seasoning. The bun also got soaked and soggy a little past 3/4ths through 1/2 (what is that? 3/8ths?), which is not my ideal bun situation. Though it may not be voted best burger in the city, it is quite welcome in my nabe.sbut the best part of Press, in my opinion, is the ambiance. It's very airy, relaxing and unassuming. Many times, my friends and I have stayed after eating to hang out, and have a few rounds before going home. Yes, we've even hung out here without eating anything, it is on Bell and anything serving alcohol is wise to stay open until 4, but there is something decidedly un-Bell about it. It's sporty without being a sports bar, and a local spot without being an Irish pub. However you categorize it, me likey, and it is now my favorite spot on Bell.