Chef Cam Nelson was raised in Alberta, but made a name for himself in Toronto; he cooked at the famous Bymark Restaurant before co-owning M’Eat Resto and Butcher in that city’s east end.
Now he’s returned home, and has launched OilBurgers, located in the 5th Street Food Hall, located a stone’s throw from Rogers Place.
Nelson offers big, and I mean BIG, burgers with Alberta beef patties and topping that are, shall we say elevated. Served with a side of fries heavily herbed in thyme, this was far more than a simple lunch.
After hemming and hawing at the blackboards which displayed the burger menu, I decided to go for the Gretzatella. Edmonton chefs have a proud history of naming dishes and drinks after hockey players, but when you invoke the Great One’s name you’d better be giving me a burger that’s going to bring me closer to God.
Well, the Gretzatella comes really close to Hart Trophy material. It comes with fior de latte and tomato chutney on top, so the cheese is mellow, not sharp, and it allows the flavours of the garden to come through. The chutney is fantastic, and the patty is so tender that it breaks right down after I take a bite. I mean, a patty isn’t meant to melt in your mouth, but this was pretty darn close.
It’s rich, with toppings that add to the great Alberta patty, rather than overpower it. Served on a toasted bun, the Gretzatella needed to be held together with a knife when it came to the table. As pre-game meal options go, this is one you might think about having in your starting lineup.
OilBurgers, 5th Street Food Hall
Downtown | 10344 105 St NW | 825-480-4800 | app.justcookkitchens.com
