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| - I hardly ever go to Brampton. If I'm lucky it's maybe 3 to 6 times a year. For a city that's as close as it is to where I live it's seems much further than it actually is probably because of the traffic up the 410 which is practically a deterrent to want to drive there. I actually asked somebody if Main was was extension of Hurontario because I really had no clue.
Because of my clear lack of experience with this city I hardly make the trip. For some reason I think that may change and if it will I would have to say it would probably be because of this place.
I ended up ordering a Hop Bot, some fiery crispy Nashville style chicken wings and the Bob and Doug burger.
The bar side is more than adequate for a good number of people and the lighting and decor is done tastefully. This place gives me the feeling of being easy on the eyes while not being out of date. I like the modern look to the place while it seems functional, esthetically pleasing and comfortable all at the same time.
The wings came out first and I shared them with several others. For some they seemed rather spicy but for me and a few of the others who are more accustomed to spicy hot they seemed rather mild but tasty. They had a side squeeze bottle of tasty hot sauce that has flavor and tang, not just heat. I really liked these wings. I'm used to battered but these are crumb breaded, dry not saucy and it's a nice texture change to your every day crunchy heavily battered or even lightly battered or naked wings.
I am already a fan of this place based on how they cooked their chicken wings and if you know me, fried chicken is a staple of mine and I have to say this place does it differently than most and they are very good.
The burger choice I selected was actually the same choice as 2 others at our table so the 3 of us all ordered the same burger but everybody had a different side. I had asked for mine with shoestring fries. The burgers are served on a plank and is described as follows, "Peameal bacon, maple glazed double smoked bacon, crispy Vidalia onion ring, Ontario cheddar maple mayo on a pretzel bun."
So... that description is essentially 19 words, 3 commas and a period. That ranks right up there as the most efficient use of 19 words I've ever seen. Of course it's not like the establishment can or should write a Declaration of Independence document to describe this thing but I get it. They just have to say what's in it. How you perceive it after the fact is up to you. If not for fried chicken I can safely say I love my burgers. This Bob and Doug description is IMO probably the most underrated and simplistic description of a burger I've read in comparison to what the end product is. Unassuming? Umm, ya?
Bob and Doug of course is in reference to the McKenzie brothers. I will tell you what it's like in a not so humble way without only telling you what the burger's parts are made from. This burger to me is the cultural epitome of a Canadianized burger. There, I've said it. I don't give such specific praises to great burgers because while there are countless establishments in the GTA nevermind the entire continent but what makes up this burger and how it's put together to me is what makes J. Red stand above some of my other 5* burger loves in which to date there are only 4 that are still around for me.
Still this version from J. Red is simply the most Canadian version of this food to date for me and just because it is so patriotic isn't what makes it great. Bacon on bacon? Yes that's been done but the maple and maple with bacon and bacon is a double/double. Granted sure the vidalia onion is help from the great state of Georgia but what an amazing choice.
This burger will drip a bit. It's juicy and the soft pretzel bun is probably perfect to balance out this burger. The overload of meat and insides require such a bun with the kind of structural integrity that can be had with a durable but fresh pretzel bun so kudos for that decision. Honestly I'm more partial to brioche but it's probably too light for this heavy requirement.
While I'm not really a fan of non-McDonald's shoestring fries because many places don't do a good job, J. Red's shoestring fries are good. To start off they are piping hot fresh when I received them. That in itself believe if or not if a challenge for many places. LONG fries, not itty bitty pieces but long, hot, skinny strings of sunshine.
This burger alone to me is worth the drive to Brampton. Thankfully the government is widening the 410 right?
Our server Sonya made myself and the others feel quite welcome and was very attentive and friendly. In the end the service was beyond great.
So with a tasty wings, an exceptional burger and great service to me J. Red & Co. is an easy 5. If anything it probably sets a new standard for my favorite burger.
J. Red & Co. will be my first review to make both my fried chicken and burger lists.
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