Quest For Perfection

Why is it so difficult to get a good burger in the GTA? I’ve seen, I don’t know how many “Best Burger in Toronto” ads that don’t live up to the hype. Most places think the idea of a great, homemade burger is to open a pack of ground hamburger, form it into a patty and slap it on the grill for 5 minutes a side. I don’t know about you, but I like flavour. I like seasonings – salt alone doesn’t qualify. A good burger doesn’t need a ton of toppings if you take the time to flavour the meat.

I don’t know, maybe I’m just spoiled by having had good food growing up. My Mom is a fantastic cook – everything was always well seasoned. Her talents and love of good food rubbed off on her three kids. When I make burgers at home, I add whatever seasonings satisfy the craving … the standard egg, pepper, garlic powder, diced onions and breadcrumbs are just the beginning. Open the fridge and the pantry and the combinations are endless. In the mood for Mediterranean flavours? add Oregano and Thyme and top gwith Feta or Chevre (Cheese made from Goat’s Milk). Looking Middle Eastern? Some Tumeric and a dash of Cumin and Nutmeg or Cinnamon are fabulous. Add your favourite Barbecue Sauce. It’s so easy. C’mon people, get with the program. Live a little.

I’ve been to a few fast food joints lately which serve mainly burgers and fries that are of the ‘homemade’ variety – i.e., not a pre-processed patty. There’s a Big Boy’s Burger in Whitby which has them lining up out the door for a burger where the only discernible flavour is the grill marks left by cooking. I was really disappointed with this place – the toppings were good, but not enough to justify the cost. They make good fries though. Starr Burger is a local favourite and they make a pretty good burger, but it’s way overpriced and not as good as it used to be.

My current favourites are Five Guys Burger and Fries (Ajax) and South Street Burger Co. (also in Ajax). Five Guys cooks up simple burgers with a lot of toppings – very similar to what you would have at a backyard event. Great fries too – unfortunately I can’t bring my youngest daughter to this place because of her Sesame Allergy. I love Sesame buns, but a plain bun would be a nice option on the menu. Also, don’t go there if you have a peanut allergy! Not only do they cook their fries in peanut oil (which makes them so yummy) but there are open boxes with peanuts that you can enjoy while you’re waiting for your burger. The price is very reasonable too.

South Street Burger Co. probably has my favourite burger toppings – garlic mayo and goat’s cheese anyone? The burger is good – but small – and they serve New York Fries. What’s not to love about that? They are pricier than Five Guys, but it’s probably because of the NYF connection. Is it worth the money? Depends on how hungry you are.

All-in-all, I’d still rather eat a great burger at home. I think I know what’s on the menu this weekend …