The Basic Burger

One thing that has never been lacking in Durham are burgers.  Plain, old, homemade, greasy burgers.  They seem to be everywhere.  Starr Burger usually comes up in burger-related conversations, and another place called Pete's Big Bite, Wimpy's in Whitby is a familiar one.  The Rainbow in Oshawa is an oldie but goodie too, their burgers are huge and each venue seems to be reasonably good!  There is also a new place in Ajax, operated under the New York Fries chain, called South Street Burger Co. which has an abundance of cheeses and toppings, with the New York Fries selection of fries to accompany them.  There really isn't a void for a good place, franchised or not.  This is where it comes down to quality and value.

My favourite for a quality burger at a great value is Shake, Rabble and Roll.  It is a new place that has been only open for a year or less on Dundas St. in Whitby.  It is in an old familiar location under completely new ownership that has great classic car nights in the summer.  They have a few types of burgers that are all homemade including one with cheese and bacon baked right in - but I prefer and would recommend the original burger with those toppings on top.  If you feel like something extra, they have some Greek platters as well, with a full Kawartha Dairy bar right onsite.  The service (as far as fast food places go) merit a little wait but it is due to the fresh food they are preparing for you, right to order.  You will see them start it right when you order, and the staff are lovely people!  I often drop in, in the evening for one of their combos featuring a burger, pop and poutine.  It is less than $10 and I can guarantee that it actually feeds two people.  My husband, who has no problem polishing off a Big Mac Meal, will agree.  When I don't feel like sharing, the poutine is large enough for me when I'm not so much in the burger mood.  Yep, I have a burger mood. 

It also stands out with its atmosphere and comfort - I've visited in the summer with my dog and sat at the picnic tables outside and settled into a booth for an evening of greasy food and laughter with girlfriends, it really is whatever you want it to be.  The owners have done a great job with the retro-diner decor (complete with Elvis and Marilyn) and the food is really quite decadent!  Maybe decadent in a greasy, fat-filled way, but definitely decadent!  What more can you be looking for in a burger joint?  What it all comes down to is the fact that the prices are amazing, the portions are gigantic and the atmosphere is one that I want to linger in.  This burger joint stands out, apart from the abundance of similiar sounding places you will find in Durham.  Next time you feel like a burger with a little extra, enjoy Shake, Rabble and Roll.

Brunch of the Gods

The title may be a little overzealous but what else do I call it?  After over three years of Durham living and countless weekends spent searching for the perfect brunch spot - one has been found!  Not to say that there aren't a few decent breakfast places, or a few standby greasy spoons.  But, this has been a really joyous occasion for me.  It doesn't take much to keep this foodie happy.  I had a whole other blog entry planned and could do a whole other one on breakfast... but this is neither.  A special thing happened this morning to throw a wrench into my plans.  I also secretly vowed to avoid mentioning a certain trio of restaurants that are very popular in this area because it has been done.  Everyone loves them, I know, I just wanted to tell you something unique in this blog and I guess I have my angle of uniqueness to break that vow.

The Brock House has delivered.  I've visited a few times for some appetisers or a meal, it is close to home and carries a great atmosphere, but it is one piece of decadence that they've wowed me with.  Yes, their brunch.  I thought of their block-lettered sign when I woke up this morning and checked out their website for specifics, the date and time was correct, so I headed out to try it on the 4th Sunday since they debuted their Fresh Market Marche.  It is a brunch buffet with all the trimmings.  The features are set to change regularly but I can tell you they have everything you need for a decadent weekend midday meal. 

On the menu are the old favourites - bacon, eggs and toast, bagels, some English bangers and of course a make-your-own-omelet station.  Crepes, check, waffles, check, fruit compote as a garnish.  And, a meat carving station which today featured a stuffed pork roast.  This roast also made me go against my "no pork other than bacon" rule just so I could taste the stuffing (with apples) that my partner in crime raved about.  It was good.  They have something really good going here.  Not only that, but they added some real creativity to the mix.  As I made my way down the buffet, I also discovered seafood paella, veal and chicken Parmesan, broccoli au gratin and their famous cheddar mash.  Further discussion with our server confirmed that these are the items that will change but I can only anticipate what they will bring out next.  One of the highlights of this brunch buffet has to be the inhouse pizza oven which they use to full advantage with a make-your-own-pizza station as well.  What else could you ask for of a weekend meal?  Big plates?  They have those too.  Gigantic ones.  A little unnecessary but certainly useful.

I have determined that this will not be my last brunch at The Brock House.  Not only because I skipped out on the chocolate fountain this time but because it delivers where no other brunch restaurant in Durham has.  Compared to the city, it is hardly unique but it is definitely unique to Durham.  It offers quality, atmosphere and selection in a way that hasn't been done here before.  This new find can only be successful with their weekend decadence. 

Short and Sweet

This is a truly decadent find and is also in line with my last post - touching on a little Italian gourmet.  It is fruity, very sweet wine, probably appealing to those who enjoy a good late-harvest, ice-wine or a sweet White Zinfandel - but with lots of bubbles! 

I was very excited to discover it but a quick Google search already yielded quite a following of its own internationally.  The first place I tasted Rosa Regale pink, sparkling, fruity wine was at an Olive Garden of all places.  It was delicious but I dismissed it, partially because of the wine list I found it on.  I've since "found" it again on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in their Portofino fine-dining restaurant on-board, and since learned that it has been featured during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (one of my favourites!) in the Italy Pavilion.  So, it is quite popular as a unique Italian wine.  However, I also have learned it is a little hard to find for us outside of Toronto.

The only LCBO store within Durham to feature Rosa Regale is the new location at the corner of Salem and Taunton in Ajax.  It is in the Vintages section of the store in the back, right hand corner.  At the LCBO, you will find they only sell the short, half-bottle size (375 ml) and it is priced at $14.95 which is a little lower than it originally debuted at here in Canada.  The item number is #179358 which you may need, if you can't find it on the shelf. 

This is the perfect sparkling wine for the Holiday season and goes well with dark chocolate, dessert or brunch.  Use it for some seasonal celebrating or as a welcome hostess gift.