| Since stores began popping up like new seedlings in Deerfoot Meadows in 2004, they have grown into a virtual forest. Like a giant mall turned inside out, the 1.5 million square-feet of retail space is anchored by a mammoth IKEA and numerous box stores. And because no sport brings on hunger like shopping, there are a number of food court-type eateries in their own buildings. One of the latest pit stops to crop up is the famous American chain Fatburger.
Started in 1952 in Los Angeles, Fatburger has grown to more than 80 restaurants in the U.S., with the Calgary location the third in Canada (the first two were opened in Vancouver and Langley). The Canadian franchisee is Frankie Di Benedetto of Frankie’s Burger Enterprises, of Ricky’s All Day Grill Restaurants fame. He plans to open several more Fatburger locations in Calgary over the next three to five years.
After visiting IKEA on a Sunday afternoon (not really advised if you value your sanity or personal space), we had built up our appetites and were ready to try the Fatburger experience. Although you could say "fat" is a slightly taboo word these days, the burger chain made no apologies about using it as much as possible. Before we even entered the restaurant, a sign advertised they were looking for "Fatheads" (or, employees – there’s one for the resume) and detailing their "Fat Hours" – 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., in case you were wondering.
The walls were a cheerful red and yellow, with checkerboard floors. Flat- screen televisions offered distraction and a jukebox played classic pop and rock songs. It was traditional diner-style metal and vinyl booths and tables, with available seating for 76 and a hub of activity taking place behind the open grilling area.
We both ordered "Big Fat Deals" (a.k.a. combos) – a fatburger, fries and soda ($8.59), and a turkeyburger, fries and soda ($8.99). I wanted to try the homemade onion rings, but they had already run out for the day. We filled our fountain drinks while our patties hit the grill with the signature shout of "fatburger" each time one is ordered. Fatburgers weigh in at one-third of a pound of meat, offered grilled or charbroiled, while the kingburger has a half-pound. The menu also featured traditional burger-joint fare such as hot dogs ($4.29), chili-dogs ($5.69), chicken sandwich ($5.99), chili fries ($3.68) and real ice cream milkshakes ($3.99). Prices were definitely on the high side for fast food.
Somehow, when the burgers arrived at our table, they just didn’t look as fat as I had expected. They looked a little more like the baby fat burgers ($3.49). They were covered in lots of fresh, great toppings (rather than two limp lettuce leaves and a sad looking piece of tomato) and the meat was juicy and fresh. Fatburger claims to grill each patty fresh for every order with no freezing at all. You could taste the freshness, but a couple of bites in, our burgers disintegrated into a wet, soggy jumble in the paper (maybe not a good fast food while you’re driving). The fries were standard, but I enjoyed the seasoning salt provided on the tables.
Our Fatburger experience was tasty and fresh, if a little overpriced, but not quite the transcendent experience equated with the reputation.
Fatburger is located at Unit #1000, 33 Heritage Meadows Way S.E.; phone, 403-255-1144 |
Copyright ©2006 FFWD. All rights reserved.