Steeltown Takeout opened up around the same time I moved out of Nova Scotia, so it was way off my…read moreradar until recently when I moved back to the county.
The casual fare of takeout spots, diners and chip trucks are at the worst a mediocre indulgence, but when they do the simple things really, really well, they become a thing of beauty.
It was with this hope that my first visit saw me come by with my brother-in-law and nephew, fueling up before a guys movie night.
I opted for the one piece fish and chips ($13.95). The fish was a decent size - not absurdly big, but not tiny either. The rest of of container was loaded with chunky, skin-on fries. The fish was nice and flaky, with no mushy fish-to-batter interface. Despite it being the end of their day, neither the fish or fries tasted like old oil. Overall, it was a very solid performance for a place that doesn't specialize in fish and chips.
My fries were crispy and piping hot out of the fryer. They could have used more salt before serving, but this was easily remedied. I swear it's a thing in small towns that fries aren't pre-salted in the kitchen.
Judging from the approving nods and animalistic sounds of eating, my brother in-law and nephew were quite happy with their BBQ mozza bacon burger platters ($14).
On my return visit, I came by with an even bigger crew, bringing visiting family from my wife's side.
Hungry after a day of entertaining our two nieces, I strategically ordered a cheeseburger ($7.50) a la carte, knowing that I'd be getting a significant portion of my wife's turkey dinner poutine ($13.50).
The cheeseburger hit all the right notes of a good, simple diner burger - a little char on the patty from the grill, a hint of sweetness from fried onions, the sweet tang of relish and pickles, the melty umami of processed cheese, and a sharp hit from the mustard. I axed the ketchup (#TeamNoKetchup), and tomato and iceberg lettuce were there, but hardly noteworthy.
Before ordering, I had specifically checked to see what the size of the turkey dinner poutine was, and it basically comes in a family-sized fry container. Opening it up, we were treated to the delicious scents of the hot mess within - thick-cut fries, chunks of dressing, bits of turkey, and shredded mozza - all slathered in a hefty dose of hearty gravy. Having moved back to Pictou County from Ottawa, poutines that don't use cheese curds are a bit ruined for me, but Steeltown's TDP was still a tasty delight of rich, savoury flavours. We also added on a cup of cranberry sauce, which was a nice touch, and one which my cranberry-sauce-loving wife greatly appreciated.
"Downtown" Trenton may not have much, but it has Steeltown Takeout and that's more than enough to bring you there.
