Sidenote: About 7 years ago, I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled. After leaving the dentist, I went straight to White Spot! I had a Legendary Burger with bacon and cheese and a side of Potato Dill soup. That soup was the best I ever had! I've never had that soup since. It amazes me, when someone has a great product, how reluctant they are to put it on the regular menu. Another thing I'd like to mention is that over the years White Spot has been playing around with their menu, way too much for my liking. They've made a concious effort to attract a different crowd into their restaurants. They did an excellent job with the Triple - O's out there! A stand-alone fast food restaurant. They however are alienating individuals like me, by constantly playing with their menu. When I go to White Spot I want the old White Spot menu, I don't want some fusion foods! If they want to attract a different crowd, they would be well advised to start another restaurant with a different name. They had a great product and seem to be losing their way. I used to go to White Spot at least twice a month, now it's probably more like once every 3-4 months. So White Spot, please get back to what made you successful. Good simple foods at good prices with great service!
Since this blog is about stretching myself mentally and going in directions and actions I wouldn't normally go in, I decided I would go to a White Spot I had never been to! This was actually a harder task than I thought. I checked out their website and went down the locations list. I had been to all the ones in Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby - even the new one at Marine and Byrne Road. That just goes to show you how much of a staple it's been for BC'ers! The closest one I had not been to was in North Vancouver on Lonsdale. I made my way over the bridge and saw the familiar sign. I was home.
I went inside and was greeted very nicely and seated immediately. I found the Manager/Host to be very friendly. it was calm and not overly busy. Set a nice relaxed tone.
My server came along shortly and I asked for a Coke. By the time she was back with it, I was ready to place my order. My unwritten rule for this search is to take the item as it is seen on the menu - with no modifications. However I've decided, I'm going to allow myself a small amount of modification in the form of cheese and/or bacon from time to time.
I was asked if I wanted to add cheese to the burger. I said yes. The accompaniment to most burger meals is fries. White Spot has the Kennebec Fries. Bottomless to boot. They're not bad, but for the past 10-15 years I'd say, I've tended to substitute a Caesar salad for fries at most establishments. Another note - at some of the White Spots - they will give you Frozen McCain's Fries! Since this blog isn't about the fries, I'll say this substitution is allowed.
As the wait started for the Legendary Burger with Cheese to arrive with Caesar instead of fries, I took my cold glass in hand and noticed that it was badly scratched up. It didn't affect the taste or anything, but it took something away from the experience. It was so badly scratched up that someone might actually mistake it for being dirty! The mix was good though. And of course, it's bottomless!
The meal arrived as pictured below.
One thing I never really liked about White Spot is the placement of the Pickle Slice on top of the bun. Sometimes you would find that the slice was a bit juicy and run down the bun. I just happen to love dill pickles, but I do know for some people that they can't stand it's overpowering ability and would prefer to do without it. I always liked the crease in the bun, if you ever felt like cutting it in half, this actually helped a bit! The plate looked pretty boring and empty without the fries and coleslaw.
Another thing that bothers me is the wasting of 2 dishes, there was more than enough room for the salad to be on the plate! I'm guessing the salad is easier to prepare ahead of time in a separate dish. Another advantage could be that it prevents moisture from the salad from running into the bun and soiling it. And most people don't like soiled buns. I say most, because, well - each to their own! I cupped the top bun and inserted my pickle into it! It was slippery! Just like Nelly would sing "It's getting hot in herrrre..."
I could probably count on 2 hands the number of times that I've cut a hamburger in half to eat! I decided to partake in this royalest of traditions.
I am not an animal! I'm sophisticated, I'm classy, I'm... oh, who am i trying to fool? I'm hungry!I sampled the salad a bit as I visually took in the burger before me. I contemplated my attack. I sized it up. I thought about it as I inhaled it's aroma. It looks a little boring, doesn't it? Well that Triple-O sauce had a monumental task! As with most White Spot products there's usually more than enough of it! I like the sauce, but I don't need to bathe in it!
I take the first bite. The sauce oozes out. It's starts to overpower, but then the pickle takes over. The pickle completely overpowers the burger into submission. The patty isn't very big or thick. I remembered at this point why I would usually order the double double. It definitely needs more meat. (Yes, the option is there to make it a "Bigger Burger" - and I didn't take it!) It is way out of proportion to the bun and the sauce! I'm glad I added the cheese. It definitely helped neutralize some of the flavour of the Triple - O sauce and provided a nurturing soft texture. It was good, not great, but definitely good!
Quite simply, if you're in BC you have to try the burger at least once! It's a good base to start with. The patty was good quality. My complaint as you've probably guessed is that it's so small and thin. The burger needs more substance to it. This is probably as basic a burger you'll find. A bun, a thin patty, some mayo and some Triple O Sauce with a pickle outside. Everything else is extra!
The service at this White Spot was excellent. The staff was very attentive and did regular rounds. They paid attention and served with a smile. They didn't just ask if I wanted a refill, they said they would be back with one! Very friendly. It's probably one of the best reasons to go to White Spot.
Will you find the Most Exceptionally Satisifying Burger at White Spot in the form of the Legendary Burger? Definitely not! What you will find is a good decent burger. Not complicated at all. Good quality. No bells and whistles - just a patty layered with slippery stuff.
I would suggest ordering this burger with cheese, half the sauce or sauce on the side. Don't add the pickle. It will completely overpower the burger itself. The light bun will leave you hungry for something else. You'll definitely have room for dessert. Can I suggest, a Chocolate Shake?
The search continues...
Another one bites the dust and doesn't hit the spot completely! Enjoy...
