Onil Chibás, the chef/owner of Deluxe 1717, isn’t just serving burgers — he’s crafting a layered, flavorful experience. As Pasadena celebrates its annual Cheeseburger Week, celebrating the city’s claim as the birthplace of America’s favorite mistake, his take on the classic cheeseburger stands out.
“We do a burger, it’s a half-pound Angus burger that we then grill,” Chibás said Thursday. “It’s served on a brioche bun. It has a tomato-bacon jam, crispy shallots, arugula and brie cheese.”
Thus, the Deluxe 1717 burger is a perfect mashup of comfort food and elevated indulgence. Chibás takes particular pride in his house-made tomato bacon jam, a unique addition that brings depth and sweetness to balance the savory elements of the dish.
We noticed that right away.
“We thought it’d be nice to have something, a different condiment on it,” he said. “And we came up with the tomato-bacon jam, which is the only thing that we use the tomato bacon jam on—this burger.”
The result is a yummy combination of textures and tastes.
“It kind of hits all the buttons for me in a burger,” Chibás said. “The half-pound patty is nice and big and juicy. We cook it to about medium unless you want it cooked differently.”
When it comes to the bun, Chibás has a clear preference. “I like a brioche roll,” he said. “I know some people like a potato roll better, but I like a brioche roll. It’s very satisfying.”
And then there’s the greens one chooses Unlike traditional iceberg lettuce, which primarily adds crunch, Chibás opts for arugula to introduce an extra layer of complexity.
“It does have a little bit more flavor than just, say, even a romaine,” he said. “And so there’s a different purpose.”
For Chibás, Cheeseburger Week, which ends this weekend, the restaurant’s presence in the local culinary scene has been years in the making. Originally a catering space, Deluxe 1717 evolved into a full-service restaurant during pandemica.
“We were doing delivered meals all over L.A. during the pandemic for 18 months,” he said. “And then as more things kind of kept evolving, we were able to build this outdoor lanai space, built storage, and then turned this into a proper dining room.”
As the week (and the month) spins towards its close, Chibás’ creation at Deluxe 1717 is not to be missed. The combination of brie, crispy shallots, and house-made tomato bacon jam sets it apart as a standout selection during this year’s celebration. But you be the judge.
You can still vote for your favorite cheeseburger at the Cheeseburger Challenge. Click here.
Deluxe 1717 is at 1717 East Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA. (626) 818-3963. www.deluxe1717.com.
