I was thinking about Fatburger today... and more specifically, how many stars I should give it in a review.
Had I written a review a year ago, Fatburger would be scoring higher.
But the burger landscape in the Calgary area has been a-changin,' and viewing a burger-joint in RELATIVE terms means a whole new pecking order.
There are now 5 star burger shops that, I believe, have knocked Fatburger off the higher rungs. Sorry FB, that's just the way she goes!
However, hitting this place up still surpasses the Micky-D's of the fast food world, and so I do pop in now and then.
What I have enjoyed is the variety of their offerings. A year or so ago, I was enjoying "Hawaiian" burgers, complete with a slice of Pineapple (something I've enjoyed many a time in Maui). But sadly, I didn't see it on the menu anymore, last time I was in.
For perhaps "healthier" options, turkey and veggie burgers are also menu items. Though I'm leaving quotes around "healthier" after a quick check at the nutritional stats.
As is common, the flavour deficiencies of a turkey or veggie burger are way over-compensated with sodium. These bad boys are in the 1500mg stroke-inducing range, and well beyond their beef burger counterparts. So I'll take a pass, and just go beef.
For pure gluttonous pleasure, I'm down for the Kingburger and poutine, both of which are satisfying.
However, I do find the burgers need a little something to kick them up... so they do offer hot sauce, hot peppers, chipotle mayo, etc., for some heat.
The menu, though, isn't nearly as gluttonous as the U.S., where you can up the ante with XL, XXL, XXXL burgers. Things are different in Canada.
Fatburger is also licensed, so beer, margaritas, and some cocktails, are fun options.
The only thing I've always found a bit odd is the "tipping" situation, in that whether or not your tip was solid is announced to the kitchen (and everyone in the restaurant).
"Fat Tip!" (you did ok)
"Skinny Tip!" (you are a cheap bastard)
The intention might be "let's be edgy and fun," but this almost encourages me to put $0 dollar down on the debit machine, so they have nothing to yell.
And I'll be honest, I won't be shamed into a "fat tip," just because.
Instead, I have decided to always pay with cash. My sleight of hand keeps them in the dark as to what I actually dropped in the container.
Yelp's 30 Day Challenge 2012 - 21/30 read more
