Food that Makes the World Smile
Written
by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
A
Surfrider Sponsor Story
From its humble beginnings in
Queens, New York, in 2008, Bareburger has grown into an international
restaurant sensation known for its awesome hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, and
more – made with "organic, all-natural and sustainable ingredients."
SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel were eager to see for ourselves just how good the food is.
So, when our friend Kathleen
Mulcahy suggested meeting for lunch at the Bareburger in Santa Monica, we
were all in.
Just a short walk from the beach, Bareburger (2732 Main
Street) is a place where locals drop in to grab a bite and meet friends or just
to relax. The minute we walked in the door co-owner Chris Crouch came
over to give Kathleen a hug and resume a conversation they had been having
earlier.
With the natural wood and exposed brick walls, comfortable
seating and artwork all around – much of it featuring bears – it didn't take
long to get settled in and start looking at the menu.
As the name implies, there are lots
of burgers (all cooked to order) to choose from – the El Matador Burger
with guacamole, vegan Prairie Burger, bison Great Plains Burger, On
The Lam Burger (made with lamb, of course) – sandwiches and salads like the
Kail Caesar made with baby kale. Also, Bare Share sides of rings,
fries and tenders for sharing. There are lots of brunch items, as well, with
brunch plates, wiches and bowls featuring egg dishes, French toast, avocado
toast, and more.
Drinks include an assortment of beer
and wine, all-natural sodas, milk shakes, tea and coffee. If you're looking for
a jolt to keep you going, try the cold-brewed iced coffee that's "less
acidic with more caffeine."
Mark Turner, the restaurant's other owner, told SurfWriter Girls that
Bareburger is about more than food – “It's about being part of the community."
Throughout the week there are always things going on to create enriching
experiences and let people express themselves and get involved and connected – “open
mic and poetry readings, movie nights on the patio, and hosted charitable
events."
During the month of January the
restaurant is showcasing the non-profit Surfrider Foundation as its
featured organization. It's a perfect partnership because Bareburger and
Surfrider – which is dedicated to protecting the world's oceans, waves and
beaches – are both strong supporters of the environment.
Bareburger is part of Surfrider's Ocean
Friendly Restaurant program, which means it practices sustainable food
sourcing and handling methods.
Kathleen, a business consultant and
certified coach, says that Bareburger is one of her favorite spots. She calls
it "the ultimate definition of 'social,'" bringing everyone together
both personally and professionally.
With Bareburger franchises from
Japan to Dubai now, founder Euripides Pelekanos has proven: "fresh,
vibrant, clean food served in a fun place can make the world smile."
True to its
mission, Bareburger is building communities – one burger at a time.
Please post your comment below.
Comments will appear the next day.
Sunny Magdaug and
Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material.
Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com
Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites
as long as credit is given.
