Drama Burger is an amazing restaurant with Lithuanian roots that serves burgers with house-smoked pastrami and lots of drama. I recently had the pleasure of attending a private event hosted by Drama Burger in partnership with Six Ten Brewing for an evening of amazing burgers and delicious brew.
The first thing to notice about Drama Burger is their quirky artwork, signage, slogans and where the overflow parking is located. Yes, their sign says “Duck Pastrami.” Once inside, more artwork lines the walls and uniquely decorates their menus.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Manfredas Bajelis, one of the Drama Burger owners. Upon learning that I recently made the switch to a vegetarian lifestyle, he immediately recommended their veggie burgers and even offered to deviate from their planned menu to accommodate me. I was not disappointed. To start, everyone was served delicious smoked artichoke with dipping sauce and instructed on how to eat this potentially prickly, but delectable vegetable. With the appetizer was Six Ten Brewing’s Blouser Belgian Triple, and for each course we were provided a delicious pairing of gourmet Drama Burger creations and Six Ten Brewing’s expertly brewed beer.
After the artichoke came the best vegetarian burger I have tasted. This is the sweet potato burger, dressed with pesto, avocado sauce, Manchego cheese, arugula, served on French brioche bread baked daily. They also lovingly house-smoke their pastrami. Their beef brisket takes 9 days to prepare. Drama indeed!
Other highlights included a sampling of the Drama Burger house pickles (briny and fresh), their own kimchi recipe, duck pastrami (my table mates raved about it), all followed by a mouthwatering ball of dessert divinity. Local crafters, Six Ten Brewing, provided pairings of their Blouser Belgian Triple, TPA Double IPA, Shameless Blond Ale, OWC American IPA and with desert, their Porter. Admittedly, I'm not much of a drinker, yet I really loved Six Ten Brewing’s pairings with Drama Burger’s cuisine. The Porter especially, with the dark chocolate and hazelnut cream covered ball of pistachio cookies, was a perfect finish.
The only thing better than the food was the company. I had the pleasure of sitting with Manfredas throughout the night as he was up and down from our table making sure everything was running smoothly. He is a kind, passionate food lover and a well-traveled individual with insightful anecdotes about his travels, passions and his past.
[Pictured above from left to right: Drama Burger Owner Manfredas Bajelis, Chef Adam Jagnoras and Six Ten Brewing Master Chris Johnson]
Drama Burger provides not a culture shock, but definitely a jolt. To the eyes, to the mouth and to the soul. I can’t recommend their sweet potato burger enough and have to admit that the prospect of duck pastrami has me second guessing my decision to swear off meat. Hurry in and have a dramatic, gourmet burger at Drama Burger for your next cultural cuisine experience!
