The Thankful Monster is a longtime friend of the Burger Beast and a true citizen of the world. He takes eating seriously—especially when it comes to burgers. The Beast knows that when the Thankful Monster spots a great one, it’s the real deal. That’s why he’s entrusted him to share some of his burger finds right here on the Burger Beast blog.
All words and pictures are by the Thankful Monster.
The ViceVersa Burger
Having been lucky enough to have enjoyed countless burgers across the world, I can confidently declare that Justin Flit’s creation at ViceVersa stands among the finest I’ve ever encountered. Flit, a chef whose talent in Miami is woefully underrated, has crafted a burger that transcends the sum of its parts.
From the moment it arrives, the homemade potato bun signals a commitment to excellence. Its soft, yielding texture provides the perfect embrace for the main event: two expertly executed smash patties crafted from high-quality beef. These patties deliver that coveted crispy, caramelized crust while retaining a juicy, flavorful interior – a testament to precise cooking and superior ingredients.
What Makes It So Special?
But what truly elevates this burger to an art form are the thoughtful, house-made condiments. The white cheddar cheese aioli is a revelation, offering a creamy, tangy richness that complements the beef without overpowering it. And then there’s the onion emulsion – a velvety, savory counterpoint that adds a layer of sophisticated sweetness, a far cry from the usual raw or caramelized onion. A slice of classic cheddar cheese melts perfectly, adding another familiar yet essential note of savory goodness. Served with a side of crisp pickles to cut through the richness, every component works in perfect harmony.
This isn’t just a burger; it’s a meticulously crafted experience, a testament to Justin Flit’s deep understanding of flavor and texture. It’s a burger that will linger in your memory long after the last bite, serving as a benchmark for all others to come.
Quick Info – ViceVersa
Name: ViceVersa (Elser Hotel)
Address: 398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132
Website: https://viceversamia.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viceversamiami
Hours: Mon 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Throwback to PROOF Burger
January 31st, 2017 – I often get asked – “Where do you eat when you are not traveling?” Though it’s a pretty simple question, the answer is a little more complicated. I have places that I like to go on special occasions or when I have a specific craving.
However, I most often find myself at a couple of local spots that have won me over. Not with the flashy lights or gimmicky hooks that surround many restaurants in Miami these days. But instead, with constant quality and care for what they do. There’s one particular favorite I gravitate toward for its consistently well-executed food and constantly rotating menu.
I’m talking about PROOF in Midtown Miami, where Chef/Owner Justin Flit never disappoints. Over the past two years, I have seen it evolve from primarily serving “pizza and pasta” to a well-executed play on New American cuisine. The dishes range widely from handmade pasta to inventive small plates, seasonal salads, and desserts – all inspired by the freshest local products.
Voila!
And, of course, the pièce de résistance and the reason you are here: their Grassfed cheeseburger with white cheddar aioli and caramelized onions on a homemade potato bun.
To my delight, almost a year ago, they put their version of a “classic” burger on the menu. It was good, but Justin continued to work on it for months, tweaking and testing different versions, even going as far as hand-selecting and grinding special cuts of beef.
If that wasn’t enough, he baked his own potato buns to make sure nothing was left to chance. I have now tried about 6 or 7 iterations of this burger, and let me tell you: “We have a winner.” The griddle-pressed grass-fed patty is cooked with the onions, then covered in sliced mild yellow cheddar and a white cheddar aioli.
It comes together to make one of my favorite burgers in Miami. If you haven’t been to Proof yet, don’t just go, RUN! – and if you have been but haven’t tried this burger yet, hurry back – you’re in for a real treat!
Other Dishes
Above are some of the other tasty dishes from our most recent visit. Please note that the menu changes frequently, so some of these options may not be available when you visit. Order freely. You will not be disappointed.
We started with this beautiful Florida heirloom tomatoes with peppadew pepper vinaigrette and basil. Then, moved on to one of the handmade plates of pasta, fettuccine with duck confit, shiitake mushrooms, and pickled turnip. I couldn’t pass up trying this Porchetta with wild greens. And because there is always room for dessert, “Pastelito de Guayaba” macaron ice cream sandwich – an ode to one of Miami’s most iconic treats.
Shout out to Justin, Malcolm, Aleksey, and the rest of the fantastic team that makes PRØØF such an inviting and friendly place. I look forward to enjoying many more delicious meals with you.
Final Thoughts from Burger Beast
As for the PROOF cheeseburger, it is the BEST in town as I write this (Thursday, January 11th, 2018). If you’re into burgers, then PROOF is your new Shangri-La.
