For a quick organic burger on the go, West Hollywood’s O! Burger‘s the eco-foodie’s go-to spot. But if what you crave is a gourmet organic burger to savor and enjoy with a glass of hearty red wine, head over to BLD on Beverly Blvd.

I very rarely eat red meat, so when I stopped in to BLD a couple months ago, I decided to treat myself to the BLD House Beef Burger — which the waiter assured me was organic. This is one seriously decadent burger — The thick organic beef patty comes topped with a tangy and creamy Spanish goat cheese, flavorful oven dried tomato pesto, and a generous handful of peppery wild arugula, all on a buttery grilled bun. Here’s a closeup:

I opted for a fresh organic green salad over the tempting fries for my side — but the meal was still super heavy, if delicious and rich. The next day my body felt weighed down and my brain felt foggy — though readers who regularly enjoy heavier meals are unlikely to have as extreme a response as I did.

It’ll be a while before I indulge in a burger again, but for those who are craving an organic meaty indulgence, BLD’s a great spot for the ethical omnivore. The eco-friendly restaurant is the brainchild of chef Neal Fraser and wife Amy Fraser, better known for their more upscale restaurant GRACE. Both restaurants feature organic, sustainable meat and locally grown vegetables — soon to be supplemented with herbs and produce grown in Grace’s own restaurant garden.

Though the organic beef, wild boar meat, and Buttermilk Battered Fried Chicken Sandwich get the attention of carnivores, BLD has much to offer leaner eaters. A Vegan Benedict’s on the breakfast menu, House Smoked BBQ Tofu serves as a tempting lunch staple, and the Fresh Vegetable Salad — with edamame, jimaca, daikon sprouts, avocado, fresh corn, green beans, toasted cashews, and hemp seeds — may just be what I’ll order the next time I stop by this restaurant.

That is, unless I get the BLD House Beef Burger again — which apparently changes with the seasons. I looked at the menu today to see that the burger’s been revamped. Now it comes with grilled pineapple, aged vermont cheddar cheese, tomato jalapeno chutney, and wilted arugula!

BLD’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks every day. Would-be freeloaders can try their luck at BLD’s weekly Tweet-A-Dish contest; suggest your best idea for this week’s new dish to Diana Stavaridis, BLD’s Chef de Cuisine at @BLDchefD for a chance to win a free dinner!

BLD. 7450 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. 323.930.9744. Sun. – Wed., 8 am – 10 pm; Thu. – Sat., 8 am – 11 pm.

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