Up until a few weeks ago, Canada was choking back ‘ordinary’ burgers, but now that Smashburger‘s first location has opened in our country, things have taken a turn for the better!
Last week I received a generous email from the Founder & Managing Partner, Tom Ryan, inviting me and a reader to be the very first to sample the entire menu.
And although we only ordered 1 meal each, a very proud Tom insisted that we try it all. And why wouldn’t he be proud, the food was amazing!
So what’s the secret behind SMASHBURGER’s success?… Quality and a special way they cook that 100% certified Angus beef!
To find out their secrets I had to head to the kitchen!
The beef is uniquely ‘bowl’ cut fresh each morning, a process no other Canadian company uses, balled and refrigerated while it awaits its turn to be ‘smashed’!
With the grill heated an order comes in for a ‘Calgary’ burger.
First I paint the grill with butter then SMASH the meatball on the grill for 10 seconds with a special ‘smashing’ tool they’ve developed.
The smashing of the meatball mixed with the butter creates a caramelized sear on the bottom of the burger.
I season the burger and just as the meat starts to percolate, I flip it to keep all the juices in!
3 minutes on the grill and I’m ready for an array of delicious toppings.
Grilled Onions, Pepper Jack Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Dijon-Mayonnaise all on a fresh Artisan bun;
The ‘Calgary’ is complete;
This is a burger you can taste in every bite!
Back to my table, the parade of food begins.
Burgers with a side of Smashfries ($2.49) tossed in rosemary, olive oil, and garlic
Mushroom Poutine ($3.99) complete with portobello mushrooms and cheese curds.
Veggie Frites, flash fried carrots and green beans.
And the crown jewel….
Deep fried pickles!
All so fantastically delicious; and with the option of 11 sides, trust me it’s not easy to leave any untested!
This company has so many amazing qualities that it’s sure to succeed;
4 Artisan bun choices, 16 free sauces and topping, 6 cheese options and 9 premium add ons, this burger will be all YOU!
To wash it all down, a Mackays milkshake ($4.99)
Or stop by the illuminated ‘TEA’ bar for a unique beverage experience.
And luckily for us drunks, Smashburger is also licensed and includes local beers for only $4.00!
I don’t know that this place could get any better!
Good luck SB and welcome to Canada!
Mr. Fab burger
I checked their website, no gluten free bun or even lettuce wrap options and they flour their fries. This is a chain restaurant from the past. They won’t last. People expect more than just another burger and fry joint.