Burger Lift Creators Talk Burgers
Burger lovers, tired of soggy buns? The Burger Lift is the must-have gadget that will save your burger. Created by burger fans, just like you, the Burger Lift is a small trivet that elevates your juicy burger off the plate, keeping your bun high and dry.
“The Burger Lift was based off one simple idea; we love hamburgers.”
Previously, we spoke to the Burger Lift team about the genesis of their bun-saving device. Now, we talk to the team about the meat of the matter – burgers.
Meet the Team
In their Kickstarter video pitch to fund production of the Burger Lift, the team says their idea was based on one simple idea – “we love hamburgers.”
In a March interview, Best Burger Review, asked them about that. Their hamburger passion is clear.
Matt Hureau, is a middle school teacher in the Bronx. He came up with the Burger Lift concept. Growing up, Matt says his main exposure to burgers was McDonald’s and his Dad’s grilled burgers, which he apologetically said resembled hockey pucks.
Matt — My real love for burgers began when I moved to New York 12 years ago, and I discovered places like Corner Bistro and Shake Shack. From there, I expanded my horizons and started regularly visiting some of the top New York burger places with a few friends. Living in the city and without our own outdoor space, opportunities to grill are few and far between, although we did invest in a grill pan that does a solid, if not spectacular, job.
Matt met Jasmine Katatikarn 15 years ago at at Vassar College. She is the lead Burger Lift designer. By day, she’s an animation artist on movies (Ice Age Series, Rio Series, Epic…). She’s also married to Matt.
Jasmine — I like the adventure of trying different burgers. Burgers are a very simple straight forward idea and it’s the little things that can just make it that much better – the choice of the cheese, the type of meat… the type of bun! We also enjoy experimenting with our own burgers in the comfort of home…” Jasmine echoes Matt’s lament about lack of outdoor space, “but we do our best!,” she said.
Jasmine brought fellow animation artist, Mike Tanzillo into the burger Lift project. Mike is in charge of production; translating the Burger Lift designs into a real-world product. His first love is the home cooked burger.
Mike — I love playing with the flavors and getting everything right. From the grill marks, to the toppings, to the cooking temperature. Nothing says summer, friends, and relaxation to me quite like putting some burgers on the grill.
Burger Favorites and Fantasies
BBR: What is your favorite burger?
Matt — I really love In-N-Out. I’ve been known to search locations pretty much anytime I’m anywhere near the west coast.
Jasmine –I have a secret love for a juicy lamb burger with feta – I know, it’s not the traditional choice (perhaps this should go down in the embarrassed to admit section).
Mike — You can’t beat a burger at a summer cookout. It could be the greatest Michelin rated restaurant in the world and I will prefer a simple burger off the grill outside with friends and family any day!
BBR: What’s the Best Burger in your current city (NYC)
Matt — I’ve only had it once, but the Bash Burger* at Lure Fishbar is amazing. I definitely need to get back there. (*The Bash Burger isn’t on the menu, so ask for it).
Jasmine — La Esquina NYC. They have a great juicy burger – and what makes it even better is that they top it with fresh avocado!
Mike – The Spotted Pig
BBR: Which burger is on your bucket list?
Matt — I’m not sure about bucket list, but I’ve been meaning to try the Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern for a while now.
Jasmine –Every burger I haven’t eaten yet!
Mike – Holeman & Finch Public House Burger in Atlanta. I have heard enough legends about that place that I need to try it.
BBR: What burger do you love but are embarrassed to admit?
Mike — There is no such thing as a burger I am embarrassed to eat!
Matt — I’m with Mike. No shame in my game… Give me a burger and I’ll happily eat it!
Jasmine — Agreed. You put meat (even veggie), cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce on a bun and it’s pretty hard not to eat it.
The Kickstart
With just a bit more than a week to go with their Kickstarter fundraising, the Burger Lift has 125 backers and is almost 70% funded. However, Kickstarter is all-or-nothing. If you want to see the Burger Lift become a reality, they need to reach their goal of $10,001 by April 14. Pledges start at a dollar, but the more you pledge, the better the swag.
You can have your very own Burger Lift (and a koozie) for $20, but you can get double the deal for a mere $8 more – Two Burger Lifts and two koozies, for $28. Check out the Burger Lift Kickstarter campaign and pledge today. Some pledge packages are limited, so don’t miss out.
(4.25 / 5)
