MMMMMMMM Burgers!!!

There’s nothing quite like a fresh juicy burger to satisfy one’s carnal craving for meat.  For years hamburgers have been the quintessential Americana comfort meal for millions.  I remember when I was a child and the slogan under the golden arches read “millions served”.  That total was a count of the number of burgers served from 1969 and as of 1993, those signs were permanently set to read “99 billion served” as there was no room on the sign to go to 100.  And now out of those signs that are still in use, the slogan reads “billions and billions served”.  

McDonald's sign circa 1993

I have no doubt in my mind I’ve made a considerable contribution to that total since I was a child.  One night I even downed four, yes you read that right, four big macs in one sitting.  The cashier was even disgusted with me after going back for the third time.  McDonald’s lists the Big Mac as having 550 calories; you do the math.  I haven’t been able to repeat that feat since.

The Ottawa burger scene has flourished as of late with places like Ottawa's Hintonburger, which took “Best burger in Ottawa” honors this year, to the Washington born Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  Both of which are absolute sloppy delicious gems to behold, where a patron can get anything from relish and onions (ala one Dan Mombourquette a.k.a. “dad”) to pickled turnips and humus. 

Five Guys Burger

Trust me visit either of these joints and you’ll be an instant addict.  I took my parents for the first time to Hintonburger last Friday and they’ve been back twice.  Click here to see why. Before that, a trip to Five Guys was at a minimum a bi-weekly venture for my parents and I.

Rachael Ray’s “The Book of Burger”, a collection of more than 200 recipes for burgers, sliders, sloppies, slides and fries, was released this past summer in time for BBQ season.  The “Big Spicy Mac” featured on the cover was my first attempt and for some reason what I managed to create was significantly bigger than the cover. 

My attempt at Rachael Ray's "Big Spicy Mac"

My dad needed a knife and fork



But he eventually got through it!

“Rach’s” take on the “special sauce” had a nice bite to it that really complemented the coriander and cumin flavor in the patty giving it a real international flavor to the meal.

Another burger I tried after reading an Ottawa citizen article entitled “Keep the sizzle simple” had a great recipe from Ottawa’s “Burger on Main”, which I have plans to try someday soon.  Their “BoM Signature Sauce”, featuring Dijon as well as regular mustard and Cajun spice really gave this simple burger added flavor that put it among one of the best tasting homemade burgers I’ve ever eaten.  I can’t wait to see how much better the restaurant’s is. 

My "BoM" burger

But if you don’t have the time to make delicious patties from scratch, but still want to enjoy grilling your own burger, there really isn’t a better place than Farm Boy’s gourmet burgers ($1.99 each).  These ready to grill patties are made fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors such as Thai turkey burgers, Greek feta, blue cheese and bacon, black olive and sun dried tomato, and my personal favorite, double-smoked bacon and cheddar.

Burgers have really come a long way since I was a kid.  Long gone are the paper thin cardboard patties with mustard and ketchup nestled inside a stale bun.  Nowadays, diners have a number of options to choose from whether it be eating out at one of the city’s many wonderful establishments or eating in.  So next time you feel like a burger, don’t just settle for your usual big chain and give something a little with a little more home made flavor a try!