Searchlight Picture’sThe Menuis a thought-provoking thriller that unsurprisingly revolves around food, with a sprinkle of humor and aside of social commentary. Specifically, the film’s subject is a hoity-toity tasting menu served at an exclusive restaurant on a remote island and Chef Julian Slowik’s unconventional, or rather fatal, dinner plans, played by Ralph Fiennes.
The movie isinspired by the filmmaker’s real-life experiences, and it premiered at the end of last November. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as ‘Margot,’ or at least that’s what audiences are led to believe at the start. She is a stark contrast to her snobby, fellow restaurant guests. While the other diners rave or critique the immaculate platings and decadent cooking, Margot refuses to even touch her food. Not giving away too much, the major plot point at the end involves Margot’s desire to eat, “just a well-made cheeseburger.”
Taking this request to heart, Irv’s Burgers in West Hollywood, CA is serving exactly that. Irv’s is a local staple, and with a walk-up window that always has a line, it’s been a beloved, roadside burger joint since 1946. Irv’s has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to serve a burger that follows the film’s cheeseburger to a tee.
Related:The Menu: Why Was It Shut Out of the Oscars?
The Menu’s Michelin-Starred, Consulting Chef Says, “The Making of a Cheeseburger is Also an Art.”
Dominique Crenn, consulting chef forThe Menuspoke toVarietyabout the seemingly simple meal,
“The making of a cheeseburger is also an art,” the chef said, “The cheeseburger is also the comfort that we are sometimes looking for in a world of pressure. If you do it with love and attention, it’s amazing.”
Irv’s rendition of the film’s burger looks exactly like its onscreen counterpart. It’s served on an Irv’s sesame bun with two 3 oz. beef patties, which are never frozen, always “pressed to order,” according to the local restaurant. The burger also includes American cheese, pickles, onions, sauce, and in full accuracy to the movie, comes with a side of crinkle cut fries.
Going the extra mile, “The Menu"burger at Irv’s sells for the same price that Margot pays in the movie, $9.95. After trying the burger for myself, Margot is definitely on to something in the film, it’s hard to beat “just a well-made cheeseburger.”
It’s not clear when Irv’s Burgers will stop selling the special edition burger, but it’s currently available at the burger stand, 7998 Santa Monica Blvd.The Menuis now available to stream on HBO Max.
