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9 Charles Street West, Toronto ON 416-555-5295 www.thegourmetburgerco.com Map Approx $20 per person Local Food? some local ingredients Local Wine/Beer? n/a |
Hours Mon to Fri: 11am to 10pm Sat: 11:30am to 10pm Sun: 11:30am to 9pm |
It used to be a computer store. Or maybe it was a copy store. I’ve walked across Charles St. West dozens of times but I can’t remember. And now it’s gone, to be replaced by something of much greater interest. Under a black awning that contrasts starkly against a pale grey brick building, the second location of Gourmet Burger Co. is now open. My mother told me once that a good burger is never less than $5 — I thought this would be a good time to test her theory.
It opened two days ago, and already the small burger bar is packed. Monday’s opening strategy had the store giving away free burgers from 11:30am to 2:30pm to a steady line of customers happy to crowd the sidewalk for their turn to walk out with an ordinary brown paper bag stamped with a faded corporate logo. The Gourmet Burger people are clearly not threatened by the heavily branded McDonalds around the corner, or the Craft Burger a block north. Instead, they’re eco-conscious, ensuring that 100% of their packaging is biodegradable.
The menu is generous, but concise enough to fit on a slim flyer. They offer a beef burger ($5.50), chicken burger ($5.95), lamb burger ($6.75) and vegetarian burger ($5.75). Sauces and a wide selection of toppings, including Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, HP sauce, Hellmann’s mayo, sauteed mushrooms, beets, avocado and roasted peppers. For a single dollar, add double smoked bacon, pineapple, a fried egg, aged white cheddar, goat cheese or even brie.
There’s also a choice of Signature Burgers, like a Spicy Cajun burger ($6), Mushroom Melt burger ($7), and Smokey Bacon burger ($7). Fries, onion rings and salads are all $3.
So how’s the burger? My first one was a true test. I kept it simple with a beef burger. Comes with tomatoes and lettuce, I nixed the sauce. It sat in its paper wrapper and paper bag for a good hour before I had chance to unwrap it yet there were zero grease stains on either paper. I ate it cold and found it highly flavourful, meaty, and fresh tasting. It was cooked through but not tough.
My second burger was better, but though I ate it within 10 minutes of buying it was disappointingly cold. Not even warm. This one was more creatively dressed, I had it with the standard lettuce & tomatoes and added red onions, caramelized beets and ketchup. The combination worked well, I just wish the burger had sizzled a little. I also had an order of french fries — these passed muster. They’re roughly cut, cooked just right, sprinkled with sea salt, came warm and had a good potato flavour.
Service is courteous, organized and efficient. I waited a few minutes but I hoped it was because my burger took time to prepare and wasn’t already sitting behind the counter waiting for a rushed adoption. Judging by its temperature, I can’t be sure.
Gourmet Burger’s $5.50 charge for a beef patty that tastes good hot or cold is, in my opinion, good value. I wouldn’t say it’s gourmet, but it’s a decent burger. Looks my mother is right, again.
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