Carmel. You hear the name and you think quaint, quiet, high end shops and well, that Eastwood
guy. Bet you don’t think of, hamburgers, do you? Can I help change that?
Nestled on the corner of 7th and Mission in is Carmel’s first and ONLY, gourmet burger establishment, 400 Degrees. This casual yet modern newbie is managed by the same
folks who brought you one of the finest restaurants on the central coast, Luca’s.
I loved the atmosphere as when we entered. TV screens on multiple walls are great eye candy and the décor is classy, casual and hip at the same
time. We stepped up to order at the Burger counter where the service was warm and very friendly. The menu is simple
and uncluttered. We ordered The Jack, Kobe and their namesake, The 400 Degree Burger. The chef and staff at 400 Degrees are
pedigreed from Luca’s in Carmel, so I was really looking forward to our meal.
400 Degrees is a great name. In this case, the locally owned and operated store get’s its name from a special one-of-a-kind grill that
operates at 400 degrees. This grilling element is critical for optimum flavor and texture. No
one else has this grill, it is an exclusive to 400 Degrees. Great, now my mouth is really watering.
As we approached out table, we noticed something else that was unique to 400 Degrees - a tablet
computer.
This 7 inch interactive, versatile marvel that allows you to do many things. You can order from the tablet, and your food magically appears.
You can also alter you order, in case you change your mind.
You can also play games on that magic box. Games for kids, couples and if you’re flying solo, games just for you. And when you’re done,
you slide you credit card on the tablet and you are good to go. No one else is using this on the central coast – it is an exclusive to 400 Degrees and it is very cool.
After updating my status on the tablet, our food arrives, with a pleasant surprise – SMOKEY Thousand Island dipping sauce for the fries.
OK, now I am drooling.
The Jack Burger is juicy grass fed beef with Ortega Chiles, pickled onions and jack cheese. The buns are excellent with a sheen that says, “Oh
yeah, I taste good.”
Our first bite was phenomenal. The Jack just pops. If you love a great southwest flavor, this is the burger for you. The chilies really bring
out the flavor of the beef. Excellent.
My friend Marty, who along with me is a Burger Connoisseur. It takes allot to impress him. He was not disappointed. I can tell by the burger
juice on his face.
We sampled the 400 Degrees signature burger – The 400 Degree Burger. Adorned with Sweet Onions, and sauces make this one a burger to reckoned
with. Marty loves onions. He eats them raw like an apple. So his opinion is critical on the 400 Degrees Onion rings. When I asked how they were,
well, honestly, I couldn’t tell you what he said as his mouth was full, but the onion ecstasy on his face said it all.
Kudos on the Garlic fries as well. Also, thumbs up on the House wine on tap. The reds are great with the Jack Burger.
So, now when you are in Carmel, you have a choice of a gourmet burger in a classy, relaxed atmosphere where it won’t break the bank.
If you miss this, you’re missing out.
Address: Corner of Mission of Seventh Street
City: Carmel by the sea
State: California
Phone: 831-244-0040
FEATURED BURGER: The Jack, 400 Degree Burger, Kobe Beef Burger.
