Located in Madison Square Park, the Shake Shack is known for two things: great food and long lines. With no line due to the recent cold snap, I ordered a single cheeseburger with pickles and I had my burger in three minutes flat. I was ready to embrace my first Shake Shack burger when things started getting weird.
Outdoors at the empty rain soaked tables and chairs, I assembled the two pickles they gave me on my burger. Really it was one and a half pickles since one was only dime sized. C'mon Shake Shack, is the recession affecting your pickle supplies?
I took a big bite, looked up and realized I was being watched by several sets of eyes.
Hungry squirrels and a flock of various birds had silently surrounded me.
The squirrel tried to hop in my bag of shoes from DSW. I sent a big karate kick in his direction and he fled for the moment.
The finches, wrens and other small birds perched themselves on every empty chair around me.
One bold bird made his move. He flew right at me, fluttering its wings a mere six inches from my face, trying to get my precious cheeseburger. I flailed my arms and yelled out, "go away." I must have looked liked like a moron to the group of Asian tourists nearby.
I ate faster because NYC animals are hard core. The birds started tag teaming me and I was thinking of Hitchcock's movie The Birds.... and that scene with the woman's eyes pecked out.
The bird flew for my cheeseburger AGAIN! The squirrel was back standing on his hind legs with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
I quickly swallowed my last bite, grabbed my shopping bag and got the hell out of there.
Be warned - when the Shake Shack is empty, the animal's stomachs are empty too. Unless you are St. Francis of Assisi reincarnated, you'll have to go to battle to protect your food.
The burger was definitely tasty, fresh and fit perfectly in one hand so you can use the other to fight off the animals. But Shake Shack burgers don't compare to the heavenly greasy goodness of Five Guy's Burgers.
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