Burger Love

There are a million ways to serve a burger and a million places to get them and so trying to do everyone justice would be near to impossible. However, there are some establishments that seemed to stand out in the crowd.

in downtown toronto, before the Eaton Centre, the original T. Eaton Company sat at the corner of Queen and Yonge. And deep under the streets where the streetcars clambered overhead there was a modest, yet busy cafeteria where you could reach into cooling fridges for Jell-o and slices of pie or step up to the hot counter to order something warm and filling from the heating trays. It was here that I remember trying one of my first burgers and believe me, it was good. Served warm and tender from a tray of beef gravy, slapped on a fresh bun, gravy intact and then slathered with your favourite toppings, nothing beat it back in the day.

And when it comes to burgers, they have seen a whole lot of changes from the original “sandwich” prepared fresh on the grill at fairs and lunch counters across North America to the present where they have been grilled and broiled and cooked to charbroiled perfection and served on everything from a soft roll to a thin, fresh pita and topped with just about anything one can think of, burgers still reign supreme as one of our favourite meals.

There are a million ways to serve a burger and a million places to get them and so trying to do everyone justice would be near to impossible. However, there were surely some establishments that seemed to stand out in the crowd.

Thinking back to my good old-fashioned hot hamburger sandwich, it seemed a logical starting point would be one of the most beloved and busiest joints in the east, Teddy’s in Oshawa. Rarely, if ever, a place where one can go and be seated immediately, this lively, popular hot spot has long been a favourite of families out this way for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the familiar line-up is a simple statement of the restaurant’s success. But the line dissipates fast and because one is expecting it and more so because one knows it is well worth the wait, it really does not prove a difficulty.

Teddy’s has a large menu, and included on its pages are a multitude of burgers, all grilled to perfection, all several ounces deep and all mouth watering and delicious. Burgers that offer everything from peameal bacon to classic pizza toppings, there is sure to be something to please everyone here, but I cannot resist mentioning the simplistic, the original, the heart-warming platter that contains the modest and pleasing hot hamburger sandwich. Served slathered in a deep, dark and delicious beef gravy this homage to the past brings a tear to the eye of those of us who remember a simpler time when cholesterol was a word never mentioned and gravy was one of the main food groups. This dish is everything one could want in a hot hamburger sandwich and because I am lacking dignity and control in some situations, I always order a bowl of extra gravy on the side. There I said it. It is worth every calorie and the extra three hours of physical activity required to burn them off!

Sticking with the nostalgic theme, there are two places that come to mind for a good old-fashioned burger. First, also in Oshawa on Bond Street is the Diamonds Grill. This place has a much shorter menu, and breakfast is another popular reason people stop in. But the massive burgers here demonstrate how absolutely delicious pure, fresh beef can be when cooked just right on the grill. This burger’s purity speaks for itself with an almost crisp caramelization of the beef on the outside and mouth- watering juiciness on the inside. In need of few toppings, this beast is the genuine article and no fancy shmancy toppings or buns are needed. Just pure beef, fresh bun and your choice of cheeses make it one of the best cheeseburgers I have ever had the pleasure of attempting to devour. It was just too big! I am embarrassed to add that despite being full and not cleaning my plate I still shared a slice of their home-made coconut cream pie. It was worth the gut-bust!

In the same vein of true burger joint dining, I know that I would hear much despair should I not mention Starr Burger in Whitby. Here one is greeted by the loud sounds of food on the grill sizzling, smoke from the kitchen and the distinct smell of fast food frying away. It is imperative to order a Star Burger as this is what you came for and if you want to mix it up a little you can always order sweet potato fries! Again, the burger speaks for itself, but there is no shortage of toppings and again, patience is your friend as you will have to line up and be prepared to get it to go as the tables are always full! Vegetarians don’t despair as I hear they have a wicked veggie burger here as well.

This would not be a true burger story if we did not include a burger from the more refined side of the gastronomic scale and the burger at Burbs Bistro in Pickering is the first burger that comes to mind. This beautifully elegant, yet cozy bistro offers an unexpectedly urban atmosphere, making its name Burbs the perfect irony! Once again, the purity of the beef, the balance of the freshest of ciabatti buns and the cooking of perfection of this simple patty is at the foundation of this burger’s delights. Here, toppings and presentation are key to its added appeal. Still siding with simplicity, the addition of three upscale toppings make this burger a thing of beauty: garlic aioli, tomato relish and crispy onions.

All in all we have every reason to delight at the quality and range of burgers in Durham Region to keep our love affair with them alive.

Burbs Bistro
1900 Dixie Road, Pickering (905) 839-2506

Starr Burger
900 Brock Street North, Whitby (905) 430-3301

Teddy’s Restaurant & Deli
245 King Street West, Oshawa (905) 579-5529

Diamonds Grill Restaurant
10 Bond Street West, Oshawa (905) 721-0137