Mouth-watering Burgers Make Debut on Main Street in Woodbury

Woodbury’s newest eatery, Zeeburger, made its unofficial debut Tuesday to rave reviews from the community.

“I starved myself for a couple of days, and may have to put another notch in my belt,” quipped First Selectman Jerry Stomski, who couldn’t wait to try one of noted restaurateur Carole Peck’s mouth-watering burgers. “This is going to be a nice fit for the community. I’m particularly excited that they’re using farm fresh ingredients. I think that’s what really is going to attract crowds of families here and others traveling through town.”

Peck, along with her French husband Bernard Jarrier, who is the inspiration behind the name “Zeeburger,” welcomed a crowd of about 75 friends, family and local business people into their newest establishment at 670 Main Street for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Zeeburger officially opens for business on Monday, May 2.

Peck, the trend-setting chef/owner of the acclaimed Good News Café, also located in the Sherman Village Plaza, said the proximity of her new eatery to café was something she couldn’t pass up. Zeeburger was formerly occupied by Sandwich Construction.

“I see a real need in town for a family place where people who are pressed for time can enjoy a burger that’s tasty, healthy and fun, and that‘s what Zeeburger is all about,” Peck said. “Burgers are totally hot again and everyone loves them, so why not engage the community by giving them what they love and support our local and regional farms.”

Peck said she’s particularly proud to be using local products from area farms in her cuisine. She is sourcing meat for the burgers from several organic and grass-fed farms. And the milk for Zeeburger’s milkshakes and floats will come from Arethusa Dairy Farm in Litchfield. A maple syrup shake will come courtesy of fresh maple syrup processed right in Woodbury.

As people milled about the 1,800 sq. ft. eatery, Peck passed out trays full of mini burgers, or sliders, to the hungry crowd.

Rick Richardson, president of the Woodbury Business Association, along with Bernie McManus, WBA vice-president, gave Peck’s burgers two big thumbs up.

“As a business person, I’m here to support our newest member, but I’m also here for selfish reasons, as a hungry customer,” Richardson said. “The burger I had was fantastic, and it is truly ‘zee’ burger. This is such a wonderful addition to town; local, healthy and delicious.”

McManus, who sampled the salmon burger, expressed similar kudos about the grub.

“It was very, very good,” he said.

Zeeburger’s menu boasts a variety of fare, ranging from hand-formed organic beef burgers, all served on brioche buns to vegetarian choices, like the ZeeMeat or the Without Feet salmon burger. Hot dogs are also on the menu, including the Zee Tweety Dog, with cranberry carrot ginger relish and the Zee Mean Kobe Beef Dog, with smoked jalapeño relish.

The burgers and dogs can be complimented by side orders of Zee hand-cut French fries and sweet potato fries. Those who prefer lighter fare will have several salad choices to pick from, as well.

To top off the meal, and to satisfy that sweet tooth, Zeeburger will also offer real and hand-dipped milk shakes and floats in classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to more fruity flavors like banana, raspberry and mint.

Peck said it took about two and a half months to renovate the space, and she’s anxious to welcome people in. Using organic and locally grown products is something Peck’s prides herself on.

“This will serve people’s needs for fast and fresh comfort food,” she said.

Peck is one of the first chefs in the northeast to embrace the benefits of farm fresh and natural ingredients. She was one of the first women to be selected to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where she received classical training as a chef. Peck has earned numerous awards and recognition over the years, including being featured in Zagat’s Guide, the New York Times and Connecticut Magazine. She is also the author of The Buffet Book, a collection of her favorite make-ahead dishes for party buffets.

For more information about Zeeburger, visit www.zeeburger.com