From AskMen.com
GOURMET BURGER DOES IT RIGHT: Because you’re tired of the lines at La Paryse and the pretentiousness of m:brgr.
Should you believe the hype? Yes. As the latest player the gourmet burger game, LGB ’s combination of fresh ingredients and upscale soda fountain aesthetic make for a distinctive dining experience. A standard trio will set you back $10 even, while those wanting something a bit flashier can add caramelized apples for $1, truffle oil for $3, foie gras for $4, and a whole whack of other stuff. Fresh-cut fries are served in a cone, Dutch-style, with a variety of mayo-based sauces for your choosing. Le Gourmet Burger opens its doors Monday, August 23, so don’t plan to take a date there this weekend, because you’ll look like an a*shole.
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From Chowhound:
I started out going to Buns many months ago and it was hit or miss. Then Pick’s opened around the corner. But the service and lack of organization drove me back to Buns. Who by the way have improved dramatically. But the last 3 times I’ve gone to Bun’s they haven’t had any potatoes. The last time they even offered me a free extra burger in lieu. But it just doesn’t make up for the short fall IMHO. So yesterday I went to Le Gourmet Burger. It’s one of Georges Najjar’s places. He’s done it well this time!!! First off the burgers are charcoal grilled by a real cook. The one I met was a very nice personable guy who cared about what he is doing. He’s ex- Hard Rock cafe. The meat is custom ground. Then the toppings. I had all the regular hamburger stuff plus bacon, smoked Gouda, a fried egg and fois gras. It was divine. I was in heaven. It wasn’t overcooked either! They have good fries and very good sweet potato fries. They make homemade lemonade. The drinks are good. Service was fantastic. The young lady serving me is from Yellowknife on her gap year. She was pleasant and very attentive to all. It is clean and very modern. Georges has hit a grand slam with this one. It’s my new burger home. In fact writing this has made me want to go back this afternoon for another burger.
++bigfellow++ Oct 09, 2009
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De conservus.ca
Alléchant !
Vous aurez bientôt quelque chose de tout nouveau à vous mettre sous la dent, les « burgers de luxe » du restaurant Le Gourmet Burger. C’est dans environ 2 semaines que ce dernier devrait ouvrir ses portes au 1433 Bishop. On vous y concoctera d’appétissants burgers composés uniquement de pain fraîchement cuit et de bœuf grillé sur charbon de bois où les garnitures seront faites d’un bon choix de légumes frais, d’herbes, épices biologiques et de sauces variées. Info: 514 435-3535
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From Martiniboys.com
As adults the pleasures we get from food are often intermingled with childhood nostalgia. Mac and cheese, French fries and warm homemade desserts might cause guilty feelings of indulgence but they also bring us back to a time when guilt didn’t exist in our vocabulary. For children, eating is pure sensation, food rarely gets tied-up with concerns of body image or the call of the gym. But for adults indulgence is acceptable only if it masks itself as in someway unique. Thankfully Montreal’s latest kid-food restaurant for adults, Le Gourmet Burger, does exactly that, not only by stamping itself as singularly “Le” but also by using ‘adult’ ingredients to form its soon to be ubiquitous patties.
Le Gourmet Burger’s modus operandi is to hearken back to a purer time, not by inviting in our parents for family therapy, but by offering burgers that are fresh, charbroiled, organic, and of top-grade beef. At the same time, Gourmet Burger earns its “Le” status by featuring a gamut of classy condiments like caramel apple fig nuts, truffle aioli, local Quebec cheeses, and even foie gras.
For now the Montreal restaurant is a bit kiddy when it comes to its beverage selection, serving smoothies – like banana peanut butter or ginger banana – instead of booze. But the tautly designed, exposed brick space accented with glossy lime green acrylic chairs and über modern counter seating almost screams for a classification that is above ‘G.’ So owner Georges Najjar plans to have a rotating selection of wine as soon as his license comes through.
A piece of advice: when you make your way to Le Gourmet Burger, close your eyes, suck in your gut and dream of younger, skinnier times; you don’t want to ruin your epicurean experience with any feelings of le guilt.
-Erin Hershberg
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From sweetspot.ca:
Top It Up
Gourmet burgers are very trendy, but so are sky-high prices.Not so at Le Gourmet Burger. This bright locale offers high-quality, charcoal-grilled burgers at bargain prices.
We customized our chicken burger ($5, taxes included) on a brioche bun with fried mushrooms ($2) and brie ($2). Accompanied by a cone of sweet potato fries ($3), it was love at first bite. The custom-made vege-burger ($5) was full of flavour and texture. Topped with fresh guacamole ($1), we devoured every morsel.
The Délice Royale ($3) dessert (oozing cheese and honey) fulfilled our final cravings – and kept our wallets full.
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From Montrealfood.com:
It’s tough to get a good hamburger in Montreal. Usually, the hamburgers are tough as well — because we’re in Montreal. Good buns are hard to get a hold of, unless you make them yourself, or have them made to your specifications. Most of the shops here just opt to stick with what’s already available. Perhaps Costco rolls; who knows. But the bun is half the burger and can make or break the whole thing.
No, I wouldn’t want to open a burger joint in Montreal unless I could somehow set myself apart from the pack. Rise above the Dilallos, the Anecdotes, the La Paryses, the scores of burger joints in this city that never really seem to score.
Hop across the border to New York, or across the country to San Francisco, and you’re in burger heaven. So why not Montreal?
Well, a fellow named Georges Najjar took it upon himself to set things straight, to devote himself to all things Burger. He flew around the States analyzing different burger places and what set them apart from the pack. Surfed the Internet. Krazy-glued his remote control to the Food Channel. Bought videos. In short, did massive amounts of research before he was even about to try opening a burger joint.
Thus: Le Gourmet Burger. There’s m:brgr, of course, but Georges wasn’t about to start charging $19.95 for a Kobé burger with truffle oil.
No, he charges about $5 for a burger with truffle oil (truffle oil three bucks extra!) And Georges has his own dedicated butcher to whom he specifies which cuts he wants and how he wants them ground. His rolls are all custom-baked.
Gourmet Burger doesn’t have those fancy names for each burger — you know, “The Italian” or “The Singapore Swing” or some other such nonsense that so many burger joints indulge in. Here, you start with a charcoal-grilled burger, made in front of you, which comes automatically with grilled onions and tomatoes in a brioche bun. This is $5. Extras, such as cheeses, coleslaw, hummus, fried eggs, pesto, beets, hot peppers, Caramelized fig walnuts, truffle oil, foie gras etc. are all less than $3 (except for the foie gras at $5). There are several condiments available, which include wasabi mayo, Dutch mayo, garlic mayo and so on, but also includes good ol’ French’s (hello, Dillalo).
I opted for the regular burger with bacon and Swiss (pictured). Others at the table went for the foie gras, mushrooms . . . I can’t recall exactly, but the grill chef, with Georges’ help, whipped them out in about ten minutes. Sides were grease-free fries, either straight, sweet, or a combination.
Those among us who prefer to be able to specify how we wanted our burgers done (I like mine medium) were swiftly admonished, and rightly so. There are the handcuffs on burgers in this city. They MUST be cooked to well done, by law. “You’d have to sign a waiver,” said Georges, “absolving us in case you got sick.” Hmm. I’ll cogitate on that one. Got any forms at the counter, Georges?
But the burgers? Redolent of wood-smoke, large but manageable, on a soft, slightly sweet roll, the fries a tad more Montréalais than I prefer (you know, thick instead of matchstick, dark instead of golden — but I’m a Yank so it doesn’t matter) but still great with the multiple sauces — well, it looks like Georges seems to be on track to compete on the Montreal burger circuit.
And with a bill for myself and my wife including all the extras and dessert, including tax and tip hovering around $20, I’d say Georges has a good thing going here. It’s all still a bit young, but beer and wine are in the works and when they arrive I know where I’ll be going for my Montreal burger fix.
Oh, christ, almost forget. CHECK OUT THE BATHROOM!!!!!
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From VitaminDaily.com:
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Honey Bun
When it comes to compatibility, the classic pairing of a burger and fries sets the standard.
We tested the mettle of our own budding relationship at Le Gourmet Burger, the newest face on the comfort food scene. We both started with a hearty beef patty ($5) but the truth of any good match is in the toppings (from $1). We went boldly forward with brie and caramelized fig walnuts, while our gent made old-school choices like cheddar, bacon and coleslaw. We dipped our crisp sweet potato fries ($3) into spicy mayo, while monsieur stuck to regular potatoes with ketchup. Were we worlds apart or would opposites attract?
After a few delicious bites, burgers were swapped and fries were shared. Final verdict? A match made in burger heaven.
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From Outlook magazine:
stylish happenings from coast to coast
fabulous eateries for the holiday season
Vancouver:
Market by Jean-Georges: Choose from an intimate and casual cafe
with fireplace; a heated covered outdoor terrace with city views; an
enticing bar complete with raw bar; or a sophisticated fine-dining
room featuring two private rooms, one for 10 and the other 12.
(115 Alberni Street 604-695-1115 • www.shangri-la.com)
***
Toronto:
Black Skirt – Comfort food Sicilian style that is just as good as Nonna’s—
well almost as good. (3 Charles E, at Yonge, 416-935-0240)
***
Montréal:
Le Gourmet Burger: No golden arches here, these succulent
sensations are served with truffle aioli, local Quebec cheeses, and
even foie gras. (1433B Bishop Street 514-435-3535 •
www.legourmetburger.com)
***
Calgary:
Jaroblue – Those welcoming sofas make you lose track of time, or
maybe it’s the creative cocktails and tapas. (www.jaroblue.com)
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From Midnightpoutine.ca:
Burger bliss @ Le Gourmet Burger
Posted by Carolyn in Food
Coming from my hometown of San Francisco–land of the legendary 50s’-style burger chain In-N-Out–my cheeseburger-fries-and-milkshake standards are admittedly quite high. Since I arrived in Montreal two and a half years ago, I’ve been searching the city high and low for a surrogate burger joint to feed my frequent beef and potato cravings. Every place I’ve tried so far has, frankly, been a letdown. I’ll settle for Buns on St. Laurent when I need my fix, but the fries are always subpar and the burgers just don’t compare to the greasy perfection that is In-N-Out. But last Thursday night my prayers were answered, in the form of a hip new burger bistro on Maisonneuve and Bishop, Le Gourmet Burger, which quickly caught my eye and earned my stamp of approval.
In opening Le Gourmet Burger, owner Georges Najjar’s objective was to make the best burger on earth. This noble quest took him on a sampling mission across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and he’s brought his world of burger knowledge to chic new boutique burger joint Le Gourmet Burger, which offers arguably the best burger experience in Montreal. It’s exactly the way a good burger place should be: the staff is friendly, the ambiance is trendy yet comfortable diner-chic, the music is Elvis and the Rolling Stones, and the meal is both fairly inexpensive and immeasurably satisfying.
The patties come in several varieties–chicken, beef and veggie (all $5), or mini ($2)–and each is wedged between a buttered and toasted brioche bun and topped with lettuce, tomato and caramelized onions. To my delight, my beef patty was thick, juicy, perfectly cooked, and topped with oozing Monterey jack cheese, while the chicken burger was peppered to perfection. With just the right amount of toppings, bun, and meat, both sandwiches were possessed of the golden burger ratio. Every element was in ideal proportion; no excess bun or too-small patties. The meal was marred only by a lackluster pickle, which was disappointingly un-crispy.
Le Gourmet gets major brownie points for accompanying their mouth-watering burgers with an array of eclectic accoutrements. The sweet potato fries, served up in a paper-wrapped cone, are some of the most delicious I’ve ever tasted. I recommend trying either the house lemonade or the homemade iced tea– a delicious southern-style sweet tea. The impressive condiment bar exceeds your standard ketchup and yellow mustard, also offering Dijon as well as wasabi, spicy, garlic and Dutch mayonnaise. Toppings include foie gras, egg, hummus, pesto, grilled eggplant, and guacamole. Cheese lovers take note: in addition to cheddar, cheeseburger options include provolone, brie, goat’s cheese, Swiss, smoked Gouda, and Boursin, among others.
Open until 1 a.m. and just a few drunken steps from Le Social for post-clubbing munchies much classier than Boustan’s, the colorful diner-style establishment also boasts the best restaurant bathroom in Montreal–trust me.
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From the Concordian:
Val’s Bites
By Valeria Nekhim
Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
LE GOURMET BURGER
A burger is not what it used to be. Over the last little while, it has shed its outdoor barbecue and fast food-joint image in order to be reincarnated as a glamorous dish offered at some of the finest restaurants and served at the hottest parties. Out are the days of uninspired toppings and condiments like ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato and onions, and in are exotic sauces, gourmet cheeses, hummus, guacamole, truffle oil, foie gras and anything else your little heart desires.
Le Gourmet Burger is the latest player on the Montreal burger scene, and with classic veggie, beef and chicken burgers priced at $5 (tax included) – they’re pulling out all the stops to attract student customers. Upon walking in, I was instantly charmed by its sleek and modern design, and friendly staff. Every burger is prepared before your eyes on a charcoal grill and comes with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions and a fluffy brioche bun. The best part is choosing additional toppings which cost $1-5. I dressed my chicken burger with marinated hot peppers and pickled beets and added their homemade spicy sauce for a little kick.
I loved it all, except that between the large bun and the sizable chicken breast I had trouble finding the extra toppings I was looking for. My friend added marinated eggplant to her beef burger and it was superb. Ultimately, I think a burger is best in its original ground beef form. Last but not least, our burgers were complimented by a cone of yummy sweet potato and regular fries.
The fact that Le Gourmet Burger is seconds from Concordia is just icing on the cake.
Burgers: Start at $5 (tax included).
1433 Bishop, 514-435-3535, Cash only.
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Du Voir:
Comptoir
Mathilde Singer
Le Gourmet Burger
12 novembre 2009
La mode est au “fast-food gastronomique”. Ce Gourmet Burger nous propose donc une déclinaison sympathique et actuelle du traditionnel restaurant à burgers. Son décor fonctionnel de diner modernisé est aussi dans l’air du temps: cuisine ouverte, mur de brique, plancher de bois, céramique verte et chaises blanches, métallisées et vertes. 
On y commande son hambourgeois personnalisé au comptoir en choisissant parmi les différents ingrédients à la carte. Pour 5 $, boulettes de boeuf (version mini ou maxi), de poulet ou de végé-burger sont servies entre deux tranches de pain rond brioché de bonne qualité avec de la salade et des tomates; à vous ensuite d’ajouter vos garnitures pour quelques dollars supplémentaires: fromages variés, légumes, bacon, oeuf frit ou même foie gras ou huile de truffe. Attention, il est tentant de choisir un grand nombre d’ingrédients, mais l’addition monte vite et votre burger devient de plus en plus gros et difficile à manger proprement! On aime les frites régulières ou de patates douces servies dans des petits cornets de papier ainsi que le comptoir à sauces; on est plus sceptique devant le seul dessert à la carte, un mini-burger au fromage sucré à l’eau de fleur d’oranger…. Ouvert tous les jours de 11 h à 1 h du matin (super pour les fêtards de la rue Crescent toute proche!).
Le Gourmet Burger
1433 B, rue Bishop, Montréal
514 435-3535
www.legourmetburger.com
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.CA
From Paperplanes.ca:
Have you had the ultimate burguesque experience yet?
- review on the restaurant: Le Gourmet Burger, 1433B Bishop St. (Montreal) -
by M♥
Let me just start this post by a confession or preferably an admission… I LOVE BURGERS. Whether it be from a fast food restaurant (with careful selection), a pub or an upscale restaurant, often are the times I’ll choose a burger over hot wings or a filet mignon. So, if i get the opportunity to try out a new burger somewhere, my reaction is immediate – let’s go!
I was introduced to Le Gourmet Burger by my good friend Nanaa, fashion designer for the line Coccolily, and I am grateful to her ever since. The concept of the place is simple: choose your burger, choose your gourmet toppings. The ultimate personalized burger experience… AAHHH-lelujah! THIS definitely needed to be the first place to talk about on Paperplanes’ food section.
On a given afternoon, Organic Diva and I stepped in Le Gourmet Burger to meet with the owner George Najjar, already salivating from the smell and sound of burgers cooking and the convivial sound of customers chatting up over their meal. We sat down and started talking burgers over our own gourmet burgers.
Before Georges opened Le Gourmet Burger, he underwent years of extensive research on burger joints around the world from South Africa to Korea, the States and here, for he had the idea of opening a place as such for years as well. Once the concept was clearly formulated in his mind as with the decor and menu, it was time to take action. He found a spot close to Kafeïn Bar, another place he owns on Bishop St.
The Place
This charming eating spot is located on Bishop street, where nearby university students often find hunger solace. The space is so inviting, with its open interior layout and a refreshing color palette of earth colors (brown, green, white and metallic) found on the brick wall, furnishing and accesories. The homemade feel of the place brings an automatic laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to sit-back with friends and have a good time over a nice fresh meal.
The Food
At Le Gourmet Burger, you are guaranteed to get a über-fresh meat, carved on-the-spot in the size you want (full sized or mini sized), with the toppings you want such as guacamole, mushrooms, eggplant, bacon (of course!), grilled eggs, caramelised figues, sweet red pepper, just to name a few and a rich array of cheese like brie and provologne and just as rich choice of mayonnaises. Trust me, you’re in for a treat! And Georges is open to new suggestions. Recently, he added sun-dried tomatoes to the menu. Excellent choice!
For the meat-haters and open-minded meat-lovers, the veggie burger is not the commonly known burger-that-taste-like-meat-but-isn’t-made-of-meat. NO… it’s a real veggie burger, made with real veggies that taste like real veggies. I personally call it the Shameless veggie burger, ’cause there’s no shame in loving the taste of vegetables.
You have the choice between regular fries and sweet potato fries (we recommend the latter). And Georges introduced a new crispier sweet patato fries, and we were there as food tasters to try it out. Personally I liked both recipes.
The good thing about Le Gourmet Burger is that by choosing what you want in your burger, you automatically want to come back and try some more topping combinations. There is much more to say about Le Gourmet Burger, but I’d rather you stop reading and go get yourself a burger. Say Paperplanes sent you, hi hi!
But all in all, before you go…
Our coup-de-coeurs (favorite things)
The fries holder, the out-of-restroom sink (’cause oftentimes, we just wanna wash our hands), the Boylan black cherry soda, the 360 degrees mirrored washroom, and the friendly-service. Don’t forget to check out their website and blog at www.legourmetburger.com
M♥
P.S.: When you take a mini-burger, the toppings (usually 1$ each) are 1/2 price. Try three minis with different toppings on each or different meat. That’s the ultimate experience.
