Everyone who considers themself a foodie—I prefer “gastronaut,” but you do you—has a specific restaurant experience that set them on the path to culinary exploration. My own quest began at the long-gone Acme Burger Company, a gourmet burger restaurant where former Sundance Resort Chef Adam Kreisel experimented with proteins like grass-fed beef and ostrich to create some truly special burgers. By showcasing non-traditional flavors and techniques through the medium of a hamburger, Acme Burger broadened my horizons for what local food could be, and I’ve always kind of missed the place.
Maybe that’s why my visit to Trolley Square’s new dining darling Burger Fusion was a bit emotional. Trolley Square has always been a fantastic ecosystem for exciting local businesses, and Burger Fusion definitely fits that bill. Owned and operated by Mike Jardine—who co-founded the dirty soda concept Twisted Sugar with his wife, Tonia—Burger Fusion is a win for those who get weak in the knees at the mention of beef tallow.
The restaurant’s interior is also a great mix of casual and chic. Upholstered booths with moody lighting and a rich black paint job contrast nicely with the exposed brick accent wall that proudly proclaims “we love burgers.”…