Lunch Break: Magic Mushroom Burger

The mushroom burger. As western Canadians, that means only one thing. It’s not some kind of veggie burger, that’s for sure. It’s where the mushrooms are slathered on top of the beef patty in some sort of cream sauce. Sometimes, variations on canned mushroom soup are used. And, while there are mushroom burgers in other parts of the world, I am not sure anyone else reveres them as much as those of us living on the prairies. Let’s face it, when you think of the Burger Baron of days gone by, you think of mushroom burgers.

Burger Daddy, a new spot on 167th Avenue near 50th Street, was recently recommended to me. And I was told I had to try the Magic Mushroom Burger. I am a sucker for recommendations, so off I went.

The first suggestion that the burger was going to be one heck of a messy experience? The fact that a plastic spoon was included in the basket along with the fries and the burger. It was a warning that “hey, you’re going to need this to scoop up all the bits of sauce that are going to escape when you grab this thing.” It took about three or four attempts until I felt confident in the grip to bring the burger to my mouth without it falling apart on me. And, yes, the grilled patty was really nicely accentuated by the big hit of mushroom sauce. Earthy and smoky all at the same time. And, yes there was lots of sauce in the basket that could be scooped up with that spoon or used as a French fry dip.

It’s a big burger. I only went for the single, and it was enough that the fries on the side became a challenge for my rather full stomach. What can I say? I like mushrooms so much, they say I’m an awfully fun guy. Dad joke alert!