A new eatery on Albert Street West in Thorold opened in March serving customers from the kitchen at Harry’s New York Bar. On June 1st, I ventured into to explore what’s happening at this little take-out shop known as The Burgh, pronounced borough like in Edinburgh.
For starters, customers use the side door of Harry’s New York Bar for take-out orders. Although The Burgh is primarily a takeout shop, I heard that customers are welcome to eat their food and quench their thirst with a cold beer or other beverage inside Harry’s New York Bar. However, I was there just to pick up a take-home order.
On my first visit to The Burgh I had the pleasure to chat with the chef and owner Stephanie Gondek along with her husband Craig. Their menu features a list of signature Burgers, Jamaican Patties, Hand Pies, Poutine, Wraps, Wings, Craig’s homemade hot sauce, and other foods.
For my take-home dinner, I ordered a Firehall Burger, Poutine, Jamaican Pattie and Big Mac Egg Rolls.
Firehall Burger – $12
For the first course, I was pleased to start with The Firehall Burger.
It’s the real deal that delivers the meaty taste of 100 per cent pure, lean, and tender beef smothered with a decent portion of melted American cheese inside a soft brioche bun. The fresh bun was very soft and fitted perfectly around the hand size (5-ounce) burger. For a few bites I also added Craig’s hot sauce, which kicked it up a nice notch. All the toppings including Siracha mayo, jalapeno relish and banana peppers fired up the taste with a fusion of flavours. It was not killer hot, but there was a zesty zing that tempts you to savour one bite after another.
Add an extra beef patty for $5 if you are starving.
It was a cool idea to cook up this hot-selling burger right across the street from the old firehall, a local heritage building in Historic Downtown Thorold. I figure it’s the Firehall Burger for a good reason!
Poutine – $10.00
The Burgh’s Poutine had it all in a take-out box It’s like an all-in-one meal filled with hand cut fries, housemade gravy and mounds of cheese curds.
The first few bites were satisfying, but I was not tasting the expected Poutine goodness because it cooled down on the way to my home table. So, I quickly heated up the package. Presto! It was like Poutine magic; the potatoes, gravy and melted cheese were revived and blended for the tasty flavours I enjoy in this classic comfort food.
Big Mac Egg Rolls – $9/00
In a chat with my friend Ryan Niles on Front St. recently, he raved about the Big Mac Egg Rolls at The Burgh. This recommendation tempted my taste buds. I am glad to try the rolls. It’s like McDonald’s classic Big Mac but instead of a bun, the spicy ground beef comes packed in an egg roll with pickles and lettuce on the side, and a classic dipping sauce.
The rolls were tasty with the “special” sauce that really make it big!
The serving size with 2 pieces is a good portion for a snack or appetizer.
Jamaican Pattie – $5
The Jamaican Pattie was packed with spicy flavours. The flaky golden-coloured pastry shell was stuffed nicely with a savoury meat filling. Reheat this baby if you take the pattie home and taste the flavours.
It’s an excellent value meal.
On top of the delicious foods, Stephanie and Craig offered great customer service including helpful suggestions. A complimentary tasting of Craig’s mango / habanero hot sauce was an awesome bonus.
Check out The Burgh, open Mon-Sat, 12 PM to 8 PM, Sun, 12 PM to 6 PM. You can find the little take out spot at 1 Albert St W ( side entrance to Harry’s New York Bar on corner of Front St. S.) Thorold. (905) 680-8088 or visit their website.