Mais Oui! Almond's Summer Friday Burger Deal

By JOHN CAPONE

Updated 11:38 AM EST, Wed, Jul 8, 2009

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Courtesy Almond

Damon's Frugal Fridays pop-up at Craft may have just closed, but there is a new reasons for spendthrifts to rejoice their way into the weekend: Almond, the bistro that brought its French-American fare from Bridgehampton to the Flat Iron District last year, is offering a “Summer Fridays” special from 1:30-6 p.m. every week until Labor Day. While all those suckers are sitting in traffic on the LIE, you can be kicking back on Almond’s airy porch enjoying a three piece shrimp cocktail, their signature burger, and sipping your choice between a cucumber-ginger caipirinha or a Blue Point Toasted Lager. Prix fixed at just $21 you may just be able to afford another round. And, it must be said, the juicy (and perhaps Marsala-infused) Almond Burger is a work of art, worth the price of admission itself.

Childhood friends and Brooklyn natives Erick Lemonides, founder of the original Markt, and Jason Weiner, former executive chef for East Hampton go-to celeb-spotting eatery Nick & Toni's, opened the original and wildly successful Almond (named after Weiner's wife) eight years ago. Last year they moved into their new Flat Iron spot looking to exorcise the demons of the previous occupants.

The duo ambitiously (or fearlessly fool-heartedly; take your pick) chose for their New York City location the seemingly cursed cavernous space owned by Jeffrey Chodrow that once housed Rocco's -- spawn of Rocco DiSpirito's reality television show The Restaurant -- and the Mark Zeff-designed hunting lodge that was Chodorow's (with Zac Pelaccio) Borough Food and Drink. The hardwood floors, antique mirrors and tin ceilings give it a cozy feeling even though there is enough space to bring the entire office (and sit so far away from the typing pool you won't even have to listen to them ohh and ahh over the burger). How about, say, this Friday? Your treat, boss.