It was by no mistake that Venezuelan songstress Carol Souki crooned to the crowds at the launch of Elevation Burger’s latest gastronomic adventure. To the delight of visitors, the Al Seif location was a celebration of the lights, colors, sounds and tastes of South America when Elevation Burger introduced The Chimmi to Kuwait.
As with all things Elevation Burger, you can rest assured that the best ingredients are used to make this tasty new burger. On a lightly toasted bun rests a base of shredded organic red cabbage. On top of this and placed in the center is a thick slice of fresh, red tomato which is slathered with a generous helping of house made Chimichurri sauce.
Layered on that is a juicy 100% USDA organic, grass-fed, free-range beef patty onto which has been melted a hearty slice of Manchego cheese and pressed onto that a roasted jalapeño chili. The end result is delicious, and so different to anything Kuwait has encountered in the realm of the burger before.
Elevation Burger has made a concerted effort to develop the community of farm to table endeavours in Kuwait. Ethical farming ensures the produce is clean, you know the source and no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used. Utilizing relationships with local clean food entrepreneurs to add an authenticity to its offerings continues to make Elevation Burger not only the healthier option but the socially responsible one too, helping local farmers, suppliers and chefs. Elevation Burger also provides community spaces which are often shared with local performers and artists as well, such as in the Al Seif and Al Bida’a locations.
Courtesy of Elevation Burger
Kuwaiti Maryam Al Nusif is a graduate of Le Cordon Blue London Culinary School and a gastronomic entrepreneur who has been helping local residents and businesses to engage in their communities through various projects like ‘Shakshooka Market’ and ‘The Secret Garden’, a community garden open to all. The organic garden is looked after completely by volunteers and as well as the prerequisite flowers are grown vegetables and herbs which can then be picked for use by visitors enjoying the space.
It is a natural fit for Elevation Burger to approach the local chef with international influences for her input on developing a new burger. Both parties have similar values and ethics which include providing clean, sustainable food, community engagement, and using public spaces to build a sense of shared commonality and neighborhood. Maryam admits that when the internationally franchised restaurant chain first broached the subject of a joint project she was a little sceptical, being a supporter of cottage industry, but spending time with Elevation Burger was pivotal to her deciding to say ‘yes’.
“I saw their food and how it’s been made and I actually really enjoyed working with the team.” Maryam clarifying, “They really do care about the community.”
Taking inspiration from new world South America, Elevation Burger and Maryam worked on developing a burger with a chimichurri sauce. Already one of Maryam’s specialities, the chef confesses that the sauce is closest to her personality.
“I love the combination of tangy and salty, the freshness of the herbs and a little spicy kick.” This sauce is more often than not found in the asados of Argentina or Uruguay, being used to marinate and baste the cuts of beef for the grills. Intensely tasty, chimichurri has a base of cilantro, oregano and parsley with lots of garlic packing it with a flavorsome punch, an ideal partner for the Elevation Burger organic beef patty.
After trying a few different cheeses with a South American or Spanish vibe, finally the Manchego was chosen. A hard cheese from La Mancha in old world Spain, it has a nutty taste. This is one of the rare cheeses which is also described as “meaty” and has a creamy bite to it, as sheep milk has a higher fat content to it than cow milk and is also easier to digest. At only room temperature, you can see the richness of the cheese coming through which makes Manchego an excellent melter for your burger.
To top it all off, fling on a locally grown fiery roasted Jalepeño and The Chimmi delivers a uniquely layered, flavor profile experience. While you enjoy this you can be contented in the fact that you are supporting local farmers and producers too. In three words Maryam describes the burger as, “bright, tangy and spicy” and given customer feedback, is pleased with the result.
“We wanted to do something different and related to my personal taste in cooking. It is not your typical American burger, so I’m happy with it”.
This burger is sophisticated, global, has depth and is undeniably like nothing you have tasted in Kuwait before. It is only going to be on the menu for a limited time, so don’t hesitate to visit an Elevation Burger near you and choose The Chimmi!
Follow #TheChimmi and @ElevationKW on Instagram for more juicy pictures or visit Elevation Burger at Al Seif, Menus, The Avenues, Al Hamra Luxury Center, Mubarak Al-Abdullah (West Mishref), Al Bidaa, Qortuba, Discovery Mall, The Promenade, Vibes and Square Park. Find Elevation Burger on Facebook @ElevationKW or visit www.elevationburger.com for more information.
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