Shake Shack celebrated Columbus Day with renowned Italian Chef Massimo Bottura.
The three Michelin-starred chef collaborated with the burger joint in New York City's Madison Square Park. They served a limited edition burger, which only 1,000 pieces were sold.
Named after the Emilia Romagna region in Italy, the Emily burger was sold for $8. According to the burger chain's statement, the burger is made of "a custom-blend Pat LaFrieda beef patty ground with parmigiano reggiano, topped with cotechino sausage, salsa verde and Villa Manodori balsamic mayonnaise made with Chef Bottura's Villa Manodori Artigianale balsamic vinegar from Trebbiano grapes grown in Italy."
Bottura served the burgers himself. He's in New York to celebrate the release of his first English-language cookbook entitled Never Trust a Skinny Italian Chef. The chef signed copies of the book and greeted the fans. Copies of the cookbook were also available for purchase at Eataly near the park.
The chef said he loves New York's energy and emotion. Bottura said, "I'm excited to be bringing the flavors of my beloved Emilia-Romagna-cotechino sausage, parmigiano, and balsamic vinegar-to Madison Square Park so that they can be enjoyed in an iconic American way. It is a memory I will dine off for years to come."
Mark Rosati, Shake Shack's culinary director said he admires Bottura's whimsical and imaginative interpretation of the Italian cuisine. "We couldn't be more excited to be partnering with one of Italy's most charismatic and imaginative chefs," said Rosati.
Bottura is the owner of the restaurant Osteria Francescana which is ranked third among the top 50 restaurants in the world. He was awarded with "Grand Prix de l'Art" by the International Culinary Academy in Paris 16 years after the conception of the restaurant. In 2013, he was the Ambassador for Italian Food in the United States.
The event coincides with Shake Shack's last day before it closes for renovation after its opening in 2004. It's the first store of the brand and has expanded in other states and countries. The Madison Square Park location is set to re-open in mid 2015.
