Place In The Sun

The burger revolution has long been underway in Tokyo. It was perhaps 2006 when I discovered AS Classics on 駒沢通り、just west of 自由通リ, and knew «the burger» still had a future.
Since then, Japan’s contribution to beautifying and enhancing the taste of the traditional American gut-​buster has only accelerated.
Of the many new gourmet burger shops that have sprouted around the city in recent years, A Place in the Sun, just off Hibiya Dori, and around the corner from the Mita Kaikan is another gem.
The outside sign is hardly noticeable. The entryway is narrow. Most of the restaurant is actually at the lower level, and with only one table at ground level, the hidden message seems to be that this place should remain a secret for just the regulars.
At ¥1,650, the Bacon, Avocado and Cheddar Cheese Burger is awesome. The Mango Genovese Burger at ¥1,400, with a dollop of pesto sauce, as is interesting as it is delicious, too. All orders are served with fries and onion rings — except they always seem to arrive separately and before the burger.
(C’mon guys… Some traditions shouldn’t be screwed with. Fries are always served on the side and the customer should be able to determine when to eat them.)
The buns are light and airy and sprayed to shine when they come off the grill. The lettuce, tomato and onion condiments are fresh and perfectly stacked, with ketchup and mustard squirted on the bun artistically, as is the surface were a canvas.
Like all of these new burger shops, A Place in the Sun lends new meaning to the term «piled high». Although this isn’t ramen, it is advisable to remove your tie when eating here — and use the «Burg-​A-​Velope» thing they give you just in case some sauce unexpectedly shoots out the side.
It might only be ketchup from lunch you have to explain to your significant other, rather than foreign lipstick on the collar — but save yourself the trouble.
The burger still has a future, I am happy to say, and it exists in Japan — at places like A Place in the Sun