The Perfect
Burger?
By Tara Ryazansky Photos by Max Ryazansky
W
hat makes for a perfect burger? A 100-percent beef patty cooked when you order, served with fresh French fries that are hand cut daily? Diesel & Duke offers delicious classics, but it also keeps things interesting. You could try a cereal infused milkshake with flavor options like Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It offers new seasonal flavors each month along with vanilla and chocolate. Or order The Smokeshow, a burger topped with hand battered onion rings, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, aged cheddar cheese and bacon. It’s as good as it sounds. “Everyone loves burgers,” owner David Cusumano says when I ask him what made him want to open a hamburger restaurant. “I grew up in the food industry so this is something I’ve always wanted to do.” 32 • Jersey CITY Magazine ~ FALL | WINTER 2021
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David Cusuman
Family Foodies His mom owned a few establishments, including a Diva Lounge in Montclair where Cusumano grew up. “After school and after practice I would go there. I always found myself in the kitchen probably because I like eating food,” he says with a laugh. He shares his favorite menu items at Diesel & Duke. “I would have to say our poutine is my favorite thing,” Cusumano says. “It’s a Canadian fry dish that we’re really popular for. It’s something that when people see it on the menu, they either know about, it and they’re excited about it, or they ask about it, and they try it, and they love it.” For those not in the know, poutine is French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. “It’s pretty much like disco fries, but way better. “After that, the Breakfast Burger is my go-to. Breakfast sandwiches are probably more of a staple in my diet than they should be. It’s a New Jersey thing. It’s an homage to that for sure.” Cusumano doesn’t weigh in on the Taylor ham versus pork roll debate. “I love an egg on a burger.”
