Melissa Quayle
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Superiority Burger has quite the reputation for being some of the best vegetarian food in the city. When it first opened, it was a whole-in-the-wall take-out restaurant serving seasonal treats and, of course, their famous veggie burger. This past year they re-opened in the old Odessa Diner space with a bigger menu and even more delicious desserts. While keeping the charming integrity of the diner, they have created a fun neighborhood spot that is definitely worth the hype. Now open for lunch and late-night for industry folks, you truly have no excuse. And if you can get your hands on their focaccia, savor it for as long as possible!
Full name, age, where are you from?
Melissa Quayle, 42, originally from Seattle but Brooklyn has been home for 15 years
What is your title and where do you work?
Head of Party Burgers (Events) at Superiority Burger
What inspired you to work in the food industry?
I've always worked in events so the transition to restaurants from live music and nightclubs was an easy one. Who doesn't love to eat at a party?
What is your biggest customer pet peeve?
My biggest customer pet peeve is when people disregard the menu they are given and try to order with the server or bartender by looking at old posts, social media or Yelp.
What is your most blissful food moment?
My most blissful food moment is eating fresh bear claw donuts from my grandfather's kitchen as a child. My grandfather was a talented baker who once owned a bakery in Vancouver, BC.
What dish do you want to perfect in the kitchen?
I am still refining my Ancho Chile Mezcal Brownies recipe. The perfect ratio of ancho to mezcal is proving difficult to pinpoint.
If you could shout out a colleague or friend in the industry who would it be and why?
Shout out to Kerim Lopez - my industry bestie for 10 years. Kerim is a talented restaurant powerhouse who loves the dancefloor as much as I do. She and I have been coworkers in several different restaurants over the years. She's provided me with kindness and support through all the ups and downs.
What is the best food city?
Aside from NYC, Tokyo is my favorite food city. The pastry shops are mind-blowing and I never get tired of pan-fried gyoza and grilled shisto peppers.
How do you relax outside of work?
I relax outside of work by walking my dog, jumping double dutch jump rope, and visiting industry friends at their bars and restaurants.
What is your astrology sign (including moon and rising)?
Scorpio (no idea about rising?)
