Tag: Fresh

YEGburger – A Great Burger with Fresh Ingredients

YEGburger – A Great Burger with Fresh Ingredients

This one is definitely a hidden gem.  It is located in an out-of-the-way strip mall in north Edmonton.  I was tipped off by another great burger lover, Mr. Gerry Gratziano.  When he recommends a burger place, you listen! If you have tried the burgers at Re:Grub then you will appreciate YEGburger.

So besides being hidden away in a discreet location, this place has another unique quality – everything on the menu is Halal or Zabiha.  (Beef bacon is available as well) The owners are wonderful at supporting their Muslim community; they have currently adjusted their opening hours to accommodate Ramadan.

The atmosphere is minimalistic with lots of wood.  There is definitely a “street vibe” with the graffiti-type mural on the long wall. There is plenty of seating, booths along the wall, and tables in the main area.  I’m not sure that I would bring a huge group in, but I am sure they would be able to accommodate.

Fresh and natural ingredients are the theme of the menu.  I would highly recommend the “featured burger” for those that would like to have a taste adventure.  On my visit the featured burger was buttermilk chicken and waffles with sriracha maple syrup. I can’t even remember which burger my husband had, but it was super delicious looking as well.  You can even lettuce wrap it if you are worried about the carbs. It is nice to see healthier options available, although there are no salads on the menu here.

The burgers cater to a wide range of tastes and are very creative. Sauces are made in house (YEGmustard and YEGbbq sauce to name a couple).  There is a donair burger and a falafel burger on the menu as well as Havarti Grilled Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano

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They also have hotdogs, poutine, and milkshakes.  Not just your typical flavours either; double Reese, Oreo, Nutella, Ferrero Rocher etc., and they are only $5!!  Just the milkshake is worth the drive.

The joint is family friendly, accessible and has a parking lot.  The kids menu is tiny with only four items, but I am sure they are just as delicious as everything else on the menu.  There is no alcohol served here.

The staff was very friendly.  Your burgers are “made to order” and brought to your table.  Make sure you get lots of napkins, you are going to need them.  It’s messy, but it’s “good messy”. It might not be the greatest place for a first date, but you will definitely not go home hungry.

Economic!!  The most expensive burger on the menu is $10.  The pricing was refreshing because I have had a lot of gourmet burgers in the city that are double that price.

There is no snooty, epicurean fare here.  Fresh, natural and simple with creative ingredients are what you will find at YEGburger.

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Chutneys Fast Casual Indian Grill

Chutneys Fast Casual Indian Grill

When I first walked into this place, my brain was screaming “franchised”.  It looks a lot like any fast food place that you would come across in your neighbourhood.

The very minimalist, cafeteria type of atmosphere is cheered up by the choice of music.  I’m no expert, but it sounded like the catchy beats of Bollywood.  The place is super clean and the staff are friendly and accommodating.  Free parking available out front.  It is located very south–east, in a new shopping district.  Currently it is the only location in Alberta.  They are planning another in BC that will be opening shortly.

“Fast Casual Indian Food” is how Chutneys is marketed to the public.  It is a unique concept that has not been done anywhere else.  So, yes, it could be considered fast food because it can be prepared quickly, but it does not have the same connotations to your health.  This is all freshly prepared and healthy food.

If you are expecting to be eating your traditional butter chicken or palak paneer, you will need to look elsewhere.  This is a concept where you create your own experience.  It is reminiscent of traditional Indian street food. The ingredients are laid out and you put the flavours together according to your taste.

To start off, you pick the style:  Burroti, bowl or platter.  Burroti is great for the hand-held, “on the go” experience.  The bowl is the more medium sized meal.  The platter is where you can get a little bit of everything.

The roti for your Burrotii are pressed fresh for you, right before your eyes.  It gives you a couple of minutes to try and decide what to put inside of it.  You pick a protein, then you pick your rice, sauce, veggies go on top of that and lastly your choice of chutney.  There are several different combinations available – the only limit is your imagination.

The bowl is sort of the same idea without the wrap.  This can be made gluten-free or vegan.  Again; protein, sauce, veggies, chutney.  They have a poster near the ordering counter that has some pre-made choices if you can’t make a decision like me!

The platter is the big boy of Chutney’s.  I didn’t have an appetite to match, but one of the customers that was there while I was enjoying my dinner tried it.  You can fill that bad boy up and you won’t leave hungry!

The mango lassi is the crowning jewel.  It is freshly made as well with yogurt, milk, crushed mango and honey.  No sugar, no sweeteners.  It was lovely.

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So after a meal of flavourful, healthy food, I left satisfied, but without a heavy stomach.  My Burroti was awesome as was my husband’s bowl.

If you have room, they also have a healthy dessert option called “Laddoo Bites” which are packed full of energy; honey, oats, coconut, peanut butter and a little bit of chocolate.   Great as a pre-workout snack too!

Super reasonably priced for such healthy food options!  The Burroti or bowl are both just under $10.  You can’t go wrong with a deal like that.

Next time you are craving fast food, consider a healthier option and try out Chutneys Indian Grill!

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