(CAN) BURGER BONANZA hitting the world: Max’s Burgers Tasting Event

We at Guestaurant are always trying to be on the pulse of what is happening over the world.  Guess what Gourmet burgers are trending up.  From burger  joints in Columbia, US all the way to Portland, Oregan where they have blogs talking just about burgers http://portlandhamburgers.blogspot.com/. You can even become a Hamburgier with this Portland blog and send in your sightings.

“It’s been a major trend for the last couple of years, and there’s no indication that it’s letting up,” said Juelene Beck, a chain restaurant industry consultant, based in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Take a look at this new burger joint in Columbia for example:

BurgerFi: This fast-growing Florida chain serves all-natural burgers in the $5 to $10 range with optional toppings, such as a sunny-side up egg or steak sauce. Its “hipster dogs” include a chicken apple hot dog. And it sells custards and cupcakes, as well as craft beer and wine. Henry Harris and Burley Moss – who are busy opening up locations in North Carolina – plan to bring the classic diner-style franchise to Columbia in the latter part of this year, opening two or three locations. They are considering Five Points, Harbison and Forest Acres, Harris said.  Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/27/2130208/burger-business-booming.html#storylink=cpy

Janice Fung our resident writer has just recently covered what this trend is all about.

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A restaurant devoted to perfection in a burger?  Simple things, done well – my kind of eating!

It didn’t take much convincing for me to accept an invitation to a pre-opener tasting preview of Max’s Burgers, a new burger joint centrally located in Vancouver in the Cambie Village.

As I sat down in the casual setting, I was presented with a basket of poutine (twice fried in tallow, gravy, cheese curds) and a Liquid Lunch cocktail (bacon infused vodka, clamato, Tabasco, worcestershire, and a crispy bacon stick).  A suitably manly cocktail to go with burgers!

We were then presented with four slider-sized versions from their menu, starting with the “Rooster on a Tailgate” (grilled chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, Swiss cheese).   It had a definite spicy kick to it with the chipotle mayo.

Each of the sliders are served on a house-baked brioche bun, the next one up being the “King Crab Po’Boy” (fried king crab fillets, tartar and fennel slaw).   We were told that the crab meat used is actually from the head of the crab, not the legs.

Next up was the “British Columbia” slider (applewood smoked bacon, bacon marmalade, cheddar).  I was surprised by the peppery kick to the burger, it wasn’t to my taste but definitely is a guy’s guy burger.

Last up, I had their vegetarian “Toadstool” slider (portobello, charred tomatoes, Swiss cheese).  This was a pleasant surprise, sweet tomatoes and a marinated portobello strips.

They’ve also got a showcase full of desserts from Stuart’s Bakery on Granville Island, as they share the same kitchen facilities downstairs from Max’s Burgers.  I enjoyed the light, frothy meringue on the lemon tart.

Overall, I was impressed by their dedication to detail in the ingredients that they use in their burgers.  Taking a look at their menu online, I see that they have an item worthy of being showcased on Man vs Food – a 24 oz “Behemoth” burger that over feeds four.  Frightening, for sure – but you’ve got to admit, it’s a challenge you’d want to see go down!

Tags: Burger canada fun event gourmet Guestaurant Max's Burgers Sliders Supper Club Tasting Event Vancouver