A trip to Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer wouldn’t be complete without a Crazyshake and the classic all-American burger. Chris Barish’s favourite is the latter. Barish and his wife Julie Mulligan reflect on their incredible journey on the fifth anniversary of their Singapore outpost.
“We’ve come so far from our 15-seat burger joint in Soho, New York City, in 2015 to 19 locations across the globe. I am so proud of our team,” says Barish. Every outlet is unique to its community, he says. Aside from menu items inspired by local ingredients, the interiors also feature murals painted by local artists.
Being married, they understand the challenges of running a business together. They travel frequently to visit Black Tap restaurants around the world. Whenever one of them is away from family, they support each other and step up in their roles. “We align our schedules as much as possible to ensure we spend quality time with our loved ones when we are in town,” says Barish.
With delicious New York-style grub at the core of Black Tap’s menu, the power couple are experts at making a fantastic burger. Here are three of their recommendations.
Raoul’s, New York
The classic Soho burger bistro has been around since 1975 and serves a delicious burger au poivre touted as one of America’s best. Sandwiched between a challah bun, the butter-seared patty is a delight, thanks to the cream and cognac au poivre sauce that accompanies it. A side of crispy duck fat fries completes the meal.
The Apple Pan, Los Angeles
This homely 1940s institution has a retro diner ambience that’s ideal for enjoying hickory burgers and its famous apple pie with a distinctive domed crust. The hickory burger features a quarter-pound beef patty, crunchy lettuce, pickles, and a tangy home-made sauce. The apple pie served with vanilla ice cream is the perfect sweet ending.
Ferdi, Paris
A hole-in-the-wall eatery beloved by Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, the celebrity hotspot’s cheeseburger is to die for. It is served medium or rare and includes a beef patty, cheese, fried and raw onions, pickles, mustard, and a home-made sauce. Oh, and you can’t leave without trying the chilli cheddar fries.
