Howdy!
Bifteck St-Laurent & Buns Part 2 (12:59); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 144MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
After another round of nostalgia about Le Bifteck St-Laurent and its cheap beer, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco start talking about hamburgers. Specifically, they discuss their expectations of "Buns," the new minimalist burger joint that first opened on Ste-Catherine Street and later expanded to a second outlet on The Main (Boul. St. Laurent). Will it be the best burger in Montreal? Zeke is a little worried that the burgers will be too minimalist and plain. Ed is hoping for a good "backyard" style burger. Zeke points out the role reversal when it comes to expectations.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Bifteck St-Laurent & Buns Part 1
Howdy!
Bifteck St-Laurent & Buns Part 1 (11:19); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 121MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
In this episode of the Montreal Burger Report, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco head up Boulevard St. Laurent for a visit to familiar territory. Both Chris and Ed have been on and around The Main for a couple of decades, so a trip to Bifteck St-Laurent for a few pre-burger beers brings out the nostalgia. As Ed struggles to remember if he really did get some beef at the Bifteck, Zeke recalls that this is the place where he learned it was OK to "leave beer over."
The guys get all "meta" and discuss the hamburger checklist and rating scales judiciously avoiding terms like "best," "meilleur" and delve instead into burger rating territory with words like "grind" and "crumble," while trying to come up with a better word than "gushy." They decide to have another beer as they prepare to visit a newcomer to The Main, the minimalist Buns, at 3673 Saint Laurent.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Bifteck St-Laurent & Buns Part 1 (11:19); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 121MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
In this episode of the Montreal Burger Report, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco head up Boulevard St. Laurent for a visit to familiar territory. Both Chris and Ed have been on and around The Main for a couple of decades, so a trip to Bifteck St-Laurent for a few pre-burger beers brings out the nostalgia. As Ed struggles to remember if he really did get some beef at the Bifteck, Zeke recalls that this is the place where he learned it was OK to "leave beer over."
The guys get all "meta" and discuss the hamburger checklist and rating scales judiciously avoiding terms like "best," "meilleur" and delve instead into burger rating territory with words like "grind" and "crumble," while trying to come up with a better word than "gushy." They decide to have another beer as they prepare to visit a newcomer to The Main, the minimalist Buns, at 3673 Saint Laurent.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 5
Howdy!
Le Saint Bock & L’Amere à Boire Part 5 (13:35); (MP3 20MB / FLAC 145MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
In the final part of the Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire episode, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco eat their burgers and in the end are not overly impressed. Blork's burger had a dirty grease flavor that was so strong he didn't even notice the bacon. In the end, the talk turns back to beer, which in this case delivered more pleasure than the burgers.
The more I ate my burger, the more I noticed a foul taste that seems to have come from a greasy grill that hasn't been cleaned. In the end, it was the dominant flavor, and it left a bad taste in my mouth that I could still sense the next day. Perhaps it was a bad night, because this place's reputation would sink like a lead canoe if all of the burgers tasted like that. Otherwise, it was a reasonably good sandwich, but not remarkable. The kind of thing you snarf down on a beery night out because you know you ought to eat something. Since I have been known to have the occasional beery night out, I might give this place another try -- just to see if that dirty taste is still there. But ultimately, L'Amere à Boire makes my beer list, but not my burger list.
As I said, initially I was anticipating something extremely good especially after reading the all the rave reviews on Chowhound about the Lamb Burger at L'Amere à Boire (one, two, three, four). Unfortunately what I didn't realize at the time was that they were all written by the same person. I should have known better, I didn't enjoy my lamb burger or my beer at L'Amere à Boire at all, and unlike Blork, I'm not likely to go back. Thankfully we had started the night at Le Saint Bock where the beer was delicious and the burger menu looked to be the same.
Le Saint Bock
Address: 1749 Saint Denis
Phone: (514) 680-8052
L'Amère à boire
Address: 2049 Saint Denis
Phone: (514) 282-7448
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 3. Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 4)
Le Saint Bock & L’Amere à Boire Part 5 (13:35); (MP3 20MB / FLAC 145MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
In the final part of the Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire episode, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco eat their burgers and in the end are not overly impressed. Blork's burger had a dirty grease flavor that was so strong he didn't even notice the bacon. In the end, the talk turns back to beer, which in this case delivered more pleasure than the burgers.
Blork's Verdict
The more I ate my burger, the more I noticed a foul taste that seems to have come from a greasy grill that hasn't been cleaned. In the end, it was the dominant flavor, and it left a bad taste in my mouth that I could still sense the next day. Perhaps it was a bad night, because this place's reputation would sink like a lead canoe if all of the burgers tasted like that. Otherwise, it was a reasonably good sandwich, but not remarkable. The kind of thing you snarf down on a beery night out because you know you ought to eat something. Since I have been known to have the occasional beery night out, I might give this place another try -- just to see if that dirty taste is still there. But ultimately, L'Amere à Boire makes my beer list, but not my burger list.
Zeke's Verdict
As I said, initially I was anticipating something extremely good especially after reading the all the rave reviews on Chowhound about the Lamb Burger at L'Amere à Boire (one, two, three, four). Unfortunately what I didn't realize at the time was that they were all written by the same person. I should have known better, I didn't enjoy my lamb burger or my beer at L'Amere à Boire at all, and unlike Blork, I'm not likely to go back. Thankfully we had started the night at Le Saint Bock where the beer was delicious and the burger menu looked to be the same.
Le Saint Bock
Address: 1749 Saint Denis
Phone: (514) 680-8052
L'Amère à boire
Address: 2049 Saint Denis
Phone: (514) 282-7448
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 3. Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 4)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 4
Howdy!
Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 4 (11:37); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 124MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In this episode our heroes, Ed Hawco (also known as Blork) and Chris 'Zeke' Hand have left Le Saint Bock and order their burgers at L'Amere à Boire. Zeke wants his rare, Blork wants ketchup. Zeke doesn't know it but he will be disappointed, Blork won't be. While waiting for their burgers Blork and Zeke discuss how the Montreal Burger Report came into existence, and its reason for existing. Blork clamors for recognition, and then the burgers arrive.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 4 (11:37); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 124MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In this episode our heroes, Ed Hawco (also known as Blork) and Chris 'Zeke' Hand have left Le Saint Bock and order their burgers at L'Amere à Boire. Zeke wants his rare, Blork wants ketchup. Zeke doesn't know it but he will be disappointed, Blork won't be. While waiting for their burgers Blork and Zeke discuss how the Montreal Burger Report came into existence, and its reason for existing. Blork clamors for recognition, and then the burgers arrive.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 3
Howdy!
Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 3 (12:42); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 68MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In this episode our heroes, Ed Hawco (also known as Blork) and Chris 'Zeke' Hand finish their delicious beers at Le Saint Bock and are magically transported up the hill to L'Amère à boire for the main course.
Since the beers they had at Le Saint Bock were very good, both Blork and Zeke are hoping for the best with respect to the hamburgers at L'Amère à boire. Neither one expects a gourmet experience, but a good burger would complete the night.
Blork uses one of his lifelines to phone a friend and find out what L'Amère à boire means in English and what the pun is, Zeke asks the waiter for a recommendation about which beer to order and gets served the Černá Hora. Blork makes up his own mind and gets the Fin de siècle.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 2.)
Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 3 (12:42); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 68MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In this episode our heroes, Ed Hawco (also known as Blork) and Chris 'Zeke' Hand finish their delicious beers at Le Saint Bock and are magically transported up the hill to L'Amère à boire for the main course.
Since the beers they had at Le Saint Bock were very good, both Blork and Zeke are hoping for the best with respect to the hamburgers at L'Amère à boire. Neither one expects a gourmet experience, but a good burger would complete the night.
Blork uses one of his lifelines to phone a friend and find out what L'Amère à boire means in English and what the pun is, Zeke asks the waiter for a recommendation about which beer to order and gets served the Černá Hora. Blork makes up his own mind and gets the Fin de siècle.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 2.)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amère à Boire Part 2
Howdy!
Le Saint Bock & Amere à Boire Part 2 (11:45); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 68MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In this episode, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco are having beers at Le Saint Bock anticipating the short trek up the hill to L'Amère à boire for their burgers. But before they leave, they notice the burger menu at Le Saint Bock. It has what appear to be very good burgers, or as Blork would call it, "perfection on a bun." Not quite gourmet burgers, they look like they would be very good burgers. However, our heroes continue with their plan, and make the walk up the hill to eat at L'Amère à boire.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 1.)
Le Saint Bock & Amere à Boire Part 2 (11:45); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 68MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In this episode, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco are having beers at Le Saint Bock anticipating the short trek up the hill to L'Amère à boire for their burgers. But before they leave, they notice the burger menu at Le Saint Bock. It has what appear to be very good burgers, or as Blork would call it, "perfection on a bun." Not quite gourmet burgers, they look like they would be very good burgers. However, our heroes continue with their plan, and make the walk up the hill to eat at L'Amère à boire.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amere à Boire Part 1.)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Saint Bock & L'Amère à Boire Part 1
Howdy!
Le Saint Bock & Amere à Boire Part 1 (10:00); (MP3 14MB / FLAC 59MB / Ogg Vorbis 8MB / Stream)
In this episode our heroes, Blork and Zeke start off at Le Saint Bock a delightful microbrasserie (or as it is called in the part of the world that is not Quebec, a wonderful brewpub). Zeke orders and drinks a Malediction, Blork the Arrogant. Blork tries to goad Zeke, but is unsucsessful as Zeke quickly and gracefully steers the conversation towards more diplomatic waters.
Le Saint Bock is located at 1749 Saint Denis it is open seven days a week from 11 AM on weekdays and 1 PM on weekends the phone number is 514-680-8052 and their website is www.lesaintbock.com
The Montreal Burger Report is a radio show / podcast / blog / something or other where upon Blork and Zeke go out have a couple of burgers, some beer and in very generalized terms try to inform you about the wide and wonderful world of burgers in Montreal.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Le Saint Bock & Amere à Boire Part 1 (10:00); (MP3 14MB / FLAC 59MB / Ogg Vorbis 8MB / Stream)
In this episode our heroes, Blork and Zeke start off at Le Saint Bock a delightful microbrasserie (or as it is called in the part of the world that is not Quebec, a wonderful brewpub). Zeke orders and drinks a Malediction, Blork the Arrogant. Blork tries to goad Zeke, but is unsucsessful as Zeke quickly and gracefully steers the conversation towards more diplomatic waters.
Le Saint Bock is located at 1749 Saint Denis it is open seven days a week from 11 AM on weekdays and 1 PM on weekends the phone number is 514-680-8052 and their website is www.lesaintbock.com
The Montreal Burger Report is a radio show / podcast / blog / something or other where upon Blork and Zeke go out have a couple of burgers, some beer and in very generalized terms try to inform you about the wide and wonderful world of burgers in Montreal.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 5
Howdy!
Le Faste Fou Part 5 (13:02); (MP3 19MB / FLAC 78MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed ("Blork") Hawco tuck into their burgers and have a lot to say about mayonnaise, soft buns, beefiness, and parachuting. The burgers, while not lacking in flavor, do have some other lacks. A distinction is made between a critical lack and a non-critical lack. Listen in...
Le Faste Fou's burger was tasty enough, and was presented on a nice soft bun (which I like), but it suffered from two problems: too much mayonnaise and not enough beef. That second problem -- not enough beef -- was the worst offender. After all, I believe that a burger's main attraction should always be the meat, and when that is lacking in flavor or volume, the whole package suffers. Had Le Faste Fou offered a double-burger option, I might have been more thrilled. In the end I'd rate it at as "pretty good" but not great.
It was that sense of lack that to this day stays with me. It wasn't a bad burger per se, but it really didn't have anything going for it, either. I'm not a big fan of any kind of ranking system, and it was only because of Ed's persistence that I answered the questions about which burger was the best burger among the many burgers that we had eaten. Overall, it wasn't a bad burger, but it wasn't a good burger, either.
Address: Various. We went to the location at 6390 rue St-Hubert, Montreal. (See clickable map, below.)
Phone: 514-271-3069 (St. Hubert location)
Web site: fastefou.com
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 3, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 4)
Le Faste Fou Part 5 (13:02); (MP3 19MB / FLAC 78MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed ("Blork") Hawco tuck into their burgers and have a lot to say about mayonnaise, soft buns, beefiness, and parachuting. The burgers, while not lacking in flavor, do have some other lacks. A distinction is made between a critical lack and a non-critical lack. Listen in...
Ed's Verdict
Le Faste Fou's burger was tasty enough, and was presented on a nice soft bun (which I like), but it suffered from two problems: too much mayonnaise and not enough beef. That second problem -- not enough beef -- was the worst offender. After all, I believe that a burger's main attraction should always be the meat, and when that is lacking in flavor or volume, the whole package suffers. Had Le Faste Fou offered a double-burger option, I might have been more thrilled. In the end I'd rate it at as "pretty good" but not great.
Zeke's Verdict
It was that sense of lack that to this day stays with me. It wasn't a bad burger per se, but it really didn't have anything going for it, either. I'm not a big fan of any kind of ranking system, and it was only because of Ed's persistence that I answered the questions about which burger was the best burger among the many burgers that we had eaten. Overall, it wasn't a bad burger, but it wasn't a good burger, either.
Address: Various. We went to the location at 6390 rue St-Hubert, Montreal. (See clickable map, below.)
Phone: 514-271-3069 (St. Hubert location)
Web site: fastefou.com
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 3, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 4)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 4
Howdy!
Le Faste Fou Part 4 (12:36); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 80MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Let's eat! Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Bl0rk) Hawco finally get down to choosing what they think is the best burger for each of them and ordering (Bl0rk gets an American, Zeke gets a Mexican).
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 3)
Le Faste Fou Part 4 (12:36); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 80MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Let's eat! Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Bl0rk) Hawco finally get down to choosing what they think is the best burger for each of them and ordering (Bl0rk gets an American, Zeke gets a Mexican).
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 3)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 3
Howdy!
Le Faste Fou Part 3 (12:11); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 78MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco get back on track and get settled into a table at Faste Fou. They discuss the beer menu, and the originality (or not) of the concept of Faste Fou. Then they take a closer look at the food menu, which is vast (perhaps too vast). There's a lot to choose from, including a burger with peanut butter (According to Zeke not quite the best thing to put on your hamburger). Zeke likes 'em sloppy. Blork likes 'em classic. Which way will they go?
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2)
Le Faste Fou Part 3 (12:11); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 78MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco get back on track and get settled into a table at Faste Fou. They discuss the beer menu, and the originality (or not) of the concept of Faste Fou. Then they take a closer look at the food menu, which is vast (perhaps too vast). There's a lot to choose from, including a burger with peanut butter (According to Zeke not quite the best thing to put on your hamburger). Zeke likes 'em sloppy. Blork likes 'em classic. Which way will they go?
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 2
Howdy!
Le Faste Fou Part 2 (12:47); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 80MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco find some cracks in the belle visage of Gainzbar while trying to decide whether the Montreal Burger Report is impressionistic or expressionistic and then get into a discussion of the finer points of what makes for a good bar experience, along with trying to figure out the concept and process of the Montreal Burger Report. Just when you think there'll be no talk of any actual physical and three dimensional burgers they venture out into the cold (this was taped in January) only to get sidetracked again...
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1)
Le Faste Fou Part 2 (12:47); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 80MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco find some cracks in the belle visage of Gainzbar while trying to decide whether the Montreal Burger Report is impressionistic or expressionistic and then get into a discussion of the finer points of what makes for a good bar experience, along with trying to figure out the concept and process of the Montreal Burger Report. Just when you think there'll be no talk of any actual physical and three dimensional burgers they venture out into the cold (this was taped in January) only to get sidetracked again...
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Le Faste Fou Part 1
Howdy!
Le Faste Fou Part 1 (10:40); (MP3 19MB / FLAC 77MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco head over to the Plaza St. Hubert for beers and burgers. Their first stop is Gainzbar, a wickedly lush boudoir-like watering hole. In Part 1 the guys discuss the bar, the whole crazy Plaza St. Hubert thing, and their expectations for the fare on offer across the street at restaurant Le Faste Fou.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Le Faste Fou Part 1 (10:40); (MP3 19MB / FLAC 77MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco head over to the Plaza St. Hubert for beers and burgers. Their first stop is Gainzbar, a wickedly lush boudoir-like watering hole. In Part 1 the guys discuss the bar, the whole crazy Plaza St. Hubert thing, and their expectations for the fare on offer across the street at restaurant Le Faste Fou.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 4
Howdy!
Dilallo Burger Part 4 (11:39); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 6MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco continue to discuss the decor at Dilallo Burger on Notre-Dame Ouest, and Blork declares the crumble factor of his Dilallo burger to be "perfect." On his way back from checking the plumbing, Blork spies something in the kitchen that explains the perfect crumble. (You need to listen to the podcast to find out!)
Chris's Verdict
Two words: Absolutely Scrumptious. If you'd like something a little more detailed. They are extremely good burgers. They are great burgers. The only reason I can't say that they are the best burgers in Montreal is because I refuse to saddle anything with the label "Best of." That said, I highly, highly recommend and strongly, strongly suggest that you go and eat one or two, or three, or more) of their hamburgers as soon as you can.
The Dilallo burgers I ate were delicious. They're freshly made to order, and they're not gussied up with silly stuff. I recommend you skip the lettuce and tomato and focus on the beautiful burger simplicity. The beef is fresh and has a perfect crumble factor, although it would be even better if there were a bit more crust. The bun is, at first glance, nothing special, but in fact it's my preferred type. I'm not crazy about big brioche style buns, or huge Kaisers. This is a nice soft, pliable white bread bun; perfect for holding your burger together but not in any way competing with it for attention. Dilallo Burgers are not fancy, and that's half the reason why they're so good.
Address: Various. The one we went to is at 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal. (See clickable map, below.)
Phone: 514-934-0818
Web site: None.
Map:
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 3)
Dilallo Burger Part 4 (11:39); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 6MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco continue to discuss the decor at Dilallo Burger on Notre-Dame Ouest, and Blork declares the crumble factor of his Dilallo burger to be "perfect." On his way back from checking the plumbing, Blork spies something in the kitchen that explains the perfect crumble. (You need to listen to the podcast to find out!)
Chris's Verdict
Two words: Absolutely Scrumptious. If you'd like something a little more detailed. They are extremely good burgers. They are great burgers. The only reason I can't say that they are the best burgers in Montreal is because I refuse to saddle anything with the label "Best of." That said, I highly, highly recommend and strongly, strongly suggest that you go and eat one or two, or three, or more) of their hamburgers as soon as you can.
Ed's Verdict
The Dilallo burgers I ate were delicious. They're freshly made to order, and they're not gussied up with silly stuff. I recommend you skip the lettuce and tomato and focus on the beautiful burger simplicity. The beef is fresh and has a perfect crumble factor, although it would be even better if there were a bit more crust. The bun is, at first glance, nothing special, but in fact it's my preferred type. I'm not crazy about big brioche style buns, or huge Kaisers. This is a nice soft, pliable white bread bun; perfect for holding your burger together but not in any way competing with it for attention. Dilallo Burgers are not fancy, and that's half the reason why they're so good.
Address: Various. The one we went to is at 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal. (See clickable map, below.)
Phone: 514-934-0818
Web site: None.
Map:
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1, Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 2, Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 3)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 3
Howdy!
Dilallo Burger Part 2 (11:39); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 66MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
Chris (Zeke) Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco order their Dilallo burgers and wax on about cleanliness, the smell of fried onions, and the yellow and jaunty decor inside the Notre-Dame street Dilallo's restaurant. The burgers arrive, and they look pretty good!
Ed reports that the burger is "well done, but not overcooked." It's juicy!
Are they sloppy? What about the structural integrity? Crumble factor? The vernacular expands with the burgermeisters' waistlines. Listen in...
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1. The Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 2.)
Dilallo Burger Part 2 (11:39); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 66MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
Chris (Zeke) Hand and Ed (Blork) Hawco order their Dilallo burgers and wax on about cleanliness, the smell of fried onions, and the yellow and jaunty decor inside the Notre-Dame street Dilallo's restaurant. The burgers arrive, and they look pretty good!
Ed reports that the burger is "well done, but not overcooked." It's juicy!
Are they sloppy? What about the structural integrity? Crumble factor? The vernacular expands with the burgermeisters' waistlines. Listen in...
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1. The Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 2.)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 2
Howdy!
Dilallo Burger Part 2 (11:39); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 64MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
Chris and Ed meet Toby, one of the bosses at the Burgundy Lion Pub, where they were warming up before heading across the street to Dilallo Burger at 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest in Saint Henri. Toby tells us about the Burgundy Lion's burger, he thinks it is one of the best burgers in Montreal, which sounds so good it almost derailed the mission.
But no! Across the street they went, into the bright yellow world of Dilallo Burger. Ed skims over the menu, where he finds they do indeed sell more than burgers (but not much more).
Tension builds, and after much deliberation, orders are placed...
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1.)
Dilallo Burger Part 2 (11:39); (MP3 15MB / FLAC 64MB / Ogg Vorbis 9MB / Stream)
Chris and Ed meet Toby, one of the bosses at the Burgundy Lion Pub, where they were warming up before heading across the street to Dilallo Burger at 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest in Saint Henri. Toby tells us about the Burgundy Lion's burger, he thinks it is one of the best burgers in Montreal, which sounds so good it almost derailed the mission.
But no! Across the street they went, into the bright yellow world of Dilallo Burger. Ed skims over the menu, where he finds they do indeed sell more than burgers (but not much more).
Tension builds, and after much deliberation, orders are placed...
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1.)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Dilallo Burger Part 1
Howdy!
Dilallo Burger Part 1 (11:42); (MP3 16MB / FLAC 127MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
Dil-I-lo? Dil-AL-o? De-LIGH-la?
The full name of Dilallo Burger is Dilallo Burger Original 1929, which tells us that these burgers have been around since the first big stock market crash. (It's no coincidence that in these hard economic times, burgers get the best and biggest buzz in online food talk.)
The original restaurant is long gone, but the outlet in Verdun at 2851 rue Allard (near Monk) is within a few blocks of it, and is thus the most storied. Unfortunately, Verdun is not exactly known for its pub life, so Chris "Zeke" Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco opted for the location at 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, in Saint Henri, which is conveniently right across the street from the Burgundy Lion pub.
Listen in as Chris and Ed knock back a few cool ones at the Burgundy Lion in preparation for their visit to Dilallo Burger. Ed was a Dilallo virgin whereas Chris was an old hand, so to speak -- although it had been quite a while since he had been to a Dilallo Burger.
There are currently six Dilallo Burger outlets:
All of which are not to be confused with either Chez di Lalla at 345 Villeray E or Restaurant da Lillo, 615 rue Jarry E.
The controversial upside-down burger on the Dilallo sign:
(Coming soon: a photo of the controversial upside-down Dilallo burger.)
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Dilallo Burger Part 1 (11:42); (MP3 16MB / FLAC 127MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
Dil-I-lo? Dil-AL-o? De-LIGH-la?
The full name of Dilallo Burger is Dilallo Burger Original 1929, which tells us that these burgers have been around since the first big stock market crash. (It's no coincidence that in these hard economic times, burgers get the best and biggest buzz in online food talk.)
The original restaurant is long gone, but the outlet in Verdun at 2851 rue Allard (near Monk) is within a few blocks of it, and is thus the most storied. Unfortunately, Verdun is not exactly known for its pub life, so Chris "Zeke" Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco opted for the location at 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, in Saint Henri, which is conveniently right across the street from the Burgundy Lion pub.
Listen in as Chris and Ed knock back a few cool ones at the Burgundy Lion in preparation for their visit to Dilallo Burger. Ed was a Dilallo virgin whereas Chris was an old hand, so to speak -- although it had been quite a while since he had been to a Dilallo Burger.
There are currently six Dilallo Burger outlets:
- 2851 rue Allard, Montréal (flagship): 514-767-9921
- 2523 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal: 514-934-0818
- 6107 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal: 514-482-2762
- 1680 avenue Dollard, Lasalle: 514-363-1000
- 5645 boulevard Grande-Allee, Brossard: 450-656-1313
- 4740 Route 132, Sainte-Catherine: 450-635-5553
All of which are not to be confused with either Chez di Lalla at 345 Villeray E or Restaurant da Lillo, 615 rue Jarry E.
The controversial upside-down burger on the Dilallo sign:
(Coming soon: a photo of the controversial upside-down Dilallo burger.)
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 3
Howdy!
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 3 (11:58); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 64MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
The room was too dark and too loud for my liking, but I know that some people seem to like that. Clearly, the very noisy people all around us where having a great time. However, we were there for the burgers, and I'm sad to report I was disappointed. The Méchant Burger is like something conceived on a white board by a marketing committee instead of by cooks in the kitchen. In other words, it looks good on paper but fails when executed.
For example, the proportions were all wrong, with the patty shaped more like a baseball than a hockey puck -- making it hard to eat and necessitating a long cooking time (because they won't cook them rare). The result is a ball of overcooked meat that's hard to cram into your pie hole.
It comes with caramelized onions, bacon, and two kinds of cheese (blue and gruyère). That all sounds great, but the blue cheese was very pungent and it overpowered everything -- even the bacon! Finally, it comes garnished with arugula. I love arugula, but it wilts very easily. When you put it on a burger all you end up with is limp stringy leaves that get stuck in your teeth. Oh, but it's arugula, so it sounds good in theory.
This burger should have been very good. And it could still be if they followed these bits of advice: (1) ditch the blue cheese -- or, to satisfy those blue cheese fanatics, make it a choice of blue or gruyère, but not both; (2) Re-shape the burger so it has the dimensions of a hockey puck instead of a baseball; (3) lose the arugula -- or put it on the side dressed with a bit of olive oil and white balsamic vinegar and a scratch of Parmesano Reggiano cheese.
But as-is, I cannot recommend it.
In short; it's bad. I didn't like it, nor was I able to finish it, which was not due to my being full and wanting a doggy bag.
In long; While I'm certain everyone at Méchant Boeuf is nice, sincere and has the best of intentions, when they get together to serve a hamburger despite their 'best intentions' it doesn't work out like they expected.
1. The music is too loud, both when it is played live or when it is pre-recorded and played over the sound system. This would be fine in a discotheque, but most of the time when I am dining, I like to converse with my companions - loud music makes that extremely difficult.
2. They advertise themselves as having the 'best burger in town.' However they only have one burger on the menu. While I'm all in favor of breaking with tradition, tradition states that if you serve burgers, you serve at least a small selection of (two, or three, or four) different types of burgers. Variations on a theme if you will. Only serving one kind of hamburger smack of fascism. I don't know anyone who likes fascism.
3. Speaking of the burger; it was overdone, dry, the flavor of the 'blue' cheese overpowered just about every other flavor and while I am not as dead set against a tall burger as Ed is, it wasn't a fun burger to eat.
4. In their defense, they do have a nice selection of beers, and there are lots of other things on the menu besides hamburgers.
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie
Address: 124 rue St. Paul West, Old Montreal. (See clickable map, below.)
Phone: 514-788-4020
Web site: www.mechantboeuf.com
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1. The Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 2.)
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 3 (11:58); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 64MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
Ed's Verdict
The room was too dark and too loud for my liking, but I know that some people seem to like that. Clearly, the very noisy people all around us where having a great time. However, we were there for the burgers, and I'm sad to report I was disappointed. The Méchant Burger is like something conceived on a white board by a marketing committee instead of by cooks in the kitchen. In other words, it looks good on paper but fails when executed.
For example, the proportions were all wrong, with the patty shaped more like a baseball than a hockey puck -- making it hard to eat and necessitating a long cooking time (because they won't cook them rare). The result is a ball of overcooked meat that's hard to cram into your pie hole.
It comes with caramelized onions, bacon, and two kinds of cheese (blue and gruyère). That all sounds great, but the blue cheese was very pungent and it overpowered everything -- even the bacon! Finally, it comes garnished with arugula. I love arugula, but it wilts very easily. When you put it on a burger all you end up with is limp stringy leaves that get stuck in your teeth. Oh, but it's arugula, so it sounds good in theory.
This burger should have been very good. And it could still be if they followed these bits of advice: (1) ditch the blue cheese -- or, to satisfy those blue cheese fanatics, make it a choice of blue or gruyère, but not both; (2) Re-shape the burger so it has the dimensions of a hockey puck instead of a baseball; (3) lose the arugula -- or put it on the side dressed with a bit of olive oil and white balsamic vinegar and a scratch of Parmesano Reggiano cheese.
But as-is, I cannot recommend it.
Zeke's Verdict
In short; it's bad. I didn't like it, nor was I able to finish it, which was not due to my being full and wanting a doggy bag.
In long; While I'm certain everyone at Méchant Boeuf is nice, sincere and has the best of intentions, when they get together to serve a hamburger despite their 'best intentions' it doesn't work out like they expected.
1. The music is too loud, both when it is played live or when it is pre-recorded and played over the sound system. This would be fine in a discotheque, but most of the time when I am dining, I like to converse with my companions - loud music makes that extremely difficult.
2. They advertise themselves as having the 'best burger in town.' However they only have one burger on the menu. While I'm all in favor of breaking with tradition, tradition states that if you serve burgers, you serve at least a small selection of (two, or three, or four) different types of burgers. Variations on a theme if you will. Only serving one kind of hamburger smack of fascism. I don't know anyone who likes fascism.
3. Speaking of the burger; it was overdone, dry, the flavor of the 'blue' cheese overpowered just about every other flavor and while I am not as dead set against a tall burger as Ed is, it wasn't a fun burger to eat.
4. In their defense, they do have a nice selection of beers, and there are lots of other things on the menu besides hamburgers.
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie
Address: 124 rue St. Paul West, Old Montreal. (See clickable map, below.)
Phone: 514-788-4020
Web site: www.mechantboeuf.com
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1. The Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 2.)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 2
Howdy!
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 2 (11:58); (MP3 19MB / FLAC 68MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In Part 2 of the Montreal Burger Report for Méchant Boeuf, Chris "Zeke" Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco battle the noise while waiting for service. They have plenty to say about the beer list, the room and the people in it, and the hand dryers in the washrooms. Oh, and let's not forget the burgers!
The word of the day is "dissonance." Listen in to find out why.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1)
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 2 (11:58); (MP3 19MB / FLAC 68MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
In Part 2 of the Montreal Burger Report for Méchant Boeuf, Chris "Zeke" Hand and Ed "Blork" Hawco battle the noise while waiting for service. They have plenty to say about the beer list, the room and the people in it, and the hand dryers in the washrooms. Oh, and let's not forget the burgers!
The word of the day is "dissonance." Listen in to find out why.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
(The Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1
Howdy!
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1 (11:58); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 65MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
If you ride the Metro in Montreal you've probably seen the big ads that declare Méchant Boeuf's burger as the "best burger in town." Easily provoked, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed 'Blork' Hawco decided to visit Méchant Boeuf and find out for themselves.
But first, a few beers were in order. Listen in as Ed and Chris discuss Méchant Boeuf and their expectations while knocking back a few cool ones at L'Orignal on rue Saint-Alexis in Old Montreal.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Méchant Boeuf Bar & Brasserie Part 1 (11:58); (MP3 18MB / FLAC 65MB / Ogg Vorbis 11MB / Stream)
If you ride the Metro in Montreal you've probably seen the big ads that declare Méchant Boeuf's burger as the "best burger in town." Easily provoked, Chris 'Zeke' Hand and Ed 'Blork' Hawco decided to visit Méchant Boeuf and find out for themselves.
But first, a few beers were in order. Listen in as Ed and Chris discuss Méchant Boeuf and their expectations while knocking back a few cool ones at L'Orignal on rue Saint-Alexis in Old Montreal.
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Montreal Burger Report: Dic Ann's, Part 3
Howdy!
Dic Ann’s Part 3 (13:04); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 80MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
On a cold and rainy night, our intrepid burgermeisters, their dates, and a chaperone piled into the car and made the long haul out to Boul. Pie IX to investigate the odd and surprisingly thin "burgers" purveyed by the mothership location of the home-grown Dic Ann's franchise.
Although Dic Ann's has various locations (none central), Zeke insisted that we had to drive out to Pie IX to experience the ambiance of the original location. And what ambiance! There are no tables at the mothership, only 15 stools at a counter overlooking the preparation area. (Other Dic Ann's locations offer fast-food style seating.)
We were lucky to get five seats in a row, but perhaps it was due to the weather. The restaurant is brightly lit, with blindingly bright yellow and white walls. Over the counter, a crew of neighbourhood girls and burly men kept the burgers moving with friendly, efficient service.
This isn't really a place to bring a date (although nobody told that to the guy in a suit sitting with a tranny at the end of the counter, but all that proves is that the transgendered love burgers too). Nor is it the kind of place where you linger over a beer, in particular because they have no liquor license.
The menu is simple and direct: four kinds of burgers, hot dogs, fries, and soft drinks. Aside from the simple hamburger and cheeseburger (each also available as "doubles"), there is the "Hi-boy" (a hamburger with lettuce and tomato, also available with cheese) and the "Hambourghini," which is topped with pepperoni.
The skinny fries are cooked in peanut oil, which is well noted on the walls and the menu, for those who have allergies. They were reasonably good, but unfortunately nothing special.
Between the four of us (one in the gang is a vegetarian), we knocked back about 13 burgers. That sounds like a lot, but believe me, these burgers are thin. You need at least two to make a meal. Chris, who is an unabashed fan, clobbered 6 of them.
Listen in to the meal's finale, and even better, the scuttlebutt regarding the goings on around us that the vegetarian notices while the carnivores had their faces buried in burgers.
These burgers are odd (not that there's anything wrong with that). They are definitely the most unusual burgers you're likely to find in Montreal, which might explain their loyal base of fans. Most importantly, these little guys are tasty. It's not a sophisticated kind of tasty, but a good old fashioned meat and cheese in a spicy sauce kind of tasty. Very retro. And if you like your burgers a bit meatier, all you need to do is order a double. While I can barely bring myself to refer to these tasty sandwiches as "burgers," I'll not hesitate to go back.
I adore the Dic Ann's burger, and the Dic Ann's experience. The only reason why I would not call them the best burgers in Montreal is because I won't call any burger 'the best' burger in Montreal. But Dic Ann's burger is wonderful, delicious, and a lot of fun as well. I regularly convince friends and family to drive me (as I don't have a license) to Dic Ann's just so that I can share my enjoyment with them.
They offer a unique hamburger in a well designed space, quickly, cheaply and without any muss or fuss. What surprised me most on this visit, was that it was the first time I had ever eaten anything other than the 'Hi Boy' and and I was astounded to discover that without the lettuce and tomato the hamburgers and cheeseburgers at Dic Ann's taste even better. Next time (and there will be lots of next times) I will only order a regular (or maybe a double if I'm feeling adventurous).
Address: Various. Dic Ann's: 10910 Pie-IX blvd., Montreal North, QC, CA. (See clickable map, below.)
Web site: www.dicanns.com
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
And the link to the video we mention is here.
(The Montreal Burger Report: Dic Ann's, Part 1, The Montreal Burger Report: Dic Ann's, Part 2.)
Dic Ann’s Part 3 (13:04); (MP3 17MB / FLAC 80MB / Ogg Vorbis 10MB / Stream)
On a cold and rainy night, our intrepid burgermeisters, their dates, and a chaperone piled into the car and made the long haul out to Boul. Pie IX to investigate the odd and surprisingly thin "burgers" purveyed by the mothership location of the home-grown Dic Ann's franchise.
Although Dic Ann's has various locations (none central), Zeke insisted that we had to drive out to Pie IX to experience the ambiance of the original location. And what ambiance! There are no tables at the mothership, only 15 stools at a counter overlooking the preparation area. (Other Dic Ann's locations offer fast-food style seating.)
We were lucky to get five seats in a row, but perhaps it was due to the weather. The restaurant is brightly lit, with blindingly bright yellow and white walls. Over the counter, a crew of neighbourhood girls and burly men kept the burgers moving with friendly, efficient service.
This isn't really a place to bring a date (although nobody told that to the guy in a suit sitting with a tranny at the end of the counter, but all that proves is that the transgendered love burgers too). Nor is it the kind of place where you linger over a beer, in particular because they have no liquor license.
The menu is simple and direct: four kinds of burgers, hot dogs, fries, and soft drinks. Aside from the simple hamburger and cheeseburger (each also available as "doubles"), there is the "Hi-boy" (a hamburger with lettuce and tomato, also available with cheese) and the "Hambourghini," which is topped with pepperoni.
The skinny fries are cooked in peanut oil, which is well noted on the walls and the menu, for those who have allergies. They were reasonably good, but unfortunately nothing special.
Between the four of us (one in the gang is a vegetarian), we knocked back about 13 burgers. That sounds like a lot, but believe me, these burgers are thin. You need at least two to make a meal. Chris, who is an unabashed fan, clobbered 6 of them.
Listen in to the meal's finale, and even better, the scuttlebutt regarding the goings on around us that the vegetarian notices while the carnivores had their faces buried in burgers.
Ed's Verdict
These burgers are odd (not that there's anything wrong with that). They are definitely the most unusual burgers you're likely to find in Montreal, which might explain their loyal base of fans. Most importantly, these little guys are tasty. It's not a sophisticated kind of tasty, but a good old fashioned meat and cheese in a spicy sauce kind of tasty. Very retro. And if you like your burgers a bit meatier, all you need to do is order a double. While I can barely bring myself to refer to these tasty sandwiches as "burgers," I'll not hesitate to go back.
Zeke's Verdict
I adore the Dic Ann's burger, and the Dic Ann's experience. The only reason why I would not call them the best burgers in Montreal is because I won't call any burger 'the best' burger in Montreal. But Dic Ann's burger is wonderful, delicious, and a lot of fun as well. I regularly convince friends and family to drive me (as I don't have a license) to Dic Ann's just so that I can share my enjoyment with them.
They offer a unique hamburger in a well designed space, quickly, cheaply and without any muss or fuss. What surprised me most on this visit, was that it was the first time I had ever eaten anything other than the 'Hi Boy' and and I was astounded to discover that without the lettuce and tomato the hamburgers and cheeseburgers at Dic Ann's taste even better. Next time (and there will be lots of next times) I will only order a regular (or maybe a double if I'm feeling adventurous).
Address: Various. Dic Ann's: 10910 Pie-IX blvd., Montreal North, QC, CA. (See clickable map, below.)
Web site: www.dicanns.com
View The Montreal Burger Report Map in a larger map
And the link to the video we mention is here.
(The Montreal Burger Report: Dic Ann's, Part 1, The Montreal Burger Report: Dic Ann's, Part 2.)
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