Internet sensation Salt Bae, who has opened several steakhouses around the world, has faced criticism after diners discovered his restaurants charge $99 for milkshakes and offer free vegetarian burgers ‘for ladies’.
An eagle-eyed guest dining at one branch of Nusr-Et Steakhouse noticed that the vegetarian burger on the menu was described as being free for ladies. Author Amor Towles was shocked to discover the burger on the menu, which consists of a patty made from squash, carrot, coriander, white onion and lettuce, and is served in a bun that’s been dyed pink was complimentary for women only.
It is unclear why the burger is marketed towards women or why it is free for only them, especially as many men also follow vegetarian diets. Several commenters online also pointed out that the burger may not even be suitable for vegetarians, as the menu cites that it uses Parmesan cheese, which is often not vegetarian because it traditionally uses calf rennet.
Towles also spotted a Golden Shake which was priced at $99. The milkshake is topped with gold leaf, an ingredient that is widely recognised as nothing more than a visual stimulator, which doesn’t add any new flavour or texture to dishes and drinks.
Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gökçe, first made headlines in 2017 when a video of his seasoning technique went viral on now-defunct video sharing platform Vine. He capitalised on his internet fame to open several outposts of his Nusr-Et Steakhouse around the world, with outposts in the glitzy likes of New York, Dubai, Miami and Mykonos.
A London branch of Nusr-Et Steakhouse is scheduled to open at The Park Tower hotel in Knightsbridge, but the opening date has been pushed back several times.
In other luxury food news, Ginsters is selling Cornish pasties filled with Wagyu beef and truffle oil.