DUFFY'S SPORTS GRILL BEST BURGER

Palm Beach County chain

By MARK SCHWED

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, August 18, 2005

The snazziest joint of the bunch, Duffy's (another chain; we went to the one in Palm Beach Gardens) is famous for its jumbo wings (try the "death sauce") and sports uniform-attired hosts.

The theme is unmistakable: sports. Everywhere there is sports paraphernalia. A great place to catch any game, especially with those giant projection-screen TVs.

But again, we're here for the meat.

Duffy's serves up an 8-ounce Angus burger in a soft sesame seed bun on a white weighted restaurant plate. (Mondays-Fridays, from 2-4 in the afternoon, get a 40 percent break on all your food orders!)

Chef Alex with the cheeseburger at Duffy's Sports Grill. His verdict: 'The Worcestershire adds a nice touch. The meat is good, it's charred, and it actually has a flame-broiled taste.'

Burger breakdown

Meat: 8-ounce Angus sirloin burger on a soft sesame-seed bun with vine-ripe tomato, leaf lettuce and french fries or cole slaw. $7.50.

Cooking method: Baker's Pride Grill, 900º, flame-broiled radiant heat.

Special sauce/seasoning: A 5-to-1 salt-and-pepper mixture made specially for Duffy's. Plus (again, another secret) a drizzle of Worcestershire to finish the burger.

Atmosphere: Like you're in the huddle of an NFL game. Sports rules.

'Tude factor: Friendly.

Company line: 'All products are superior,' says executive chef Eric Parker, an 11-year veteran. 'The best of the best is always the easiest.'

Extras: Giant-screen TVs blasting every sports game of the night.

Chef Alex says: 'The presentation is great — a real heavy restaurant plate. A soft bun, not toasted, excellent seasoning, perfectly prepared. The Worcestershire adds a nice touch. The meat is good, it's charred, and it actually has a flame-broiled taste. It tastes like it's been cooked on a grill.'

Details: 11588 U.S. 1, Palm Beach Gardens, (561) 721-2650, open 11 a.m. to midnight