It’s no shock that Torontonians like bacon … after all, when
your city’s nicknamed “Hogtown” its constituents will know a thing or two about
pork. Wife and husband duo, Julie and Richard, is fulfilling Toronto’s love for
the ingredient with a new Rasher’s location in Ossington.
The restaurant first started when Richard discovered Toronto
lacked the beloved bacon sandwiches he ate with gusto in the UK. Sure, there
were restaurants that offered peameal versions or others topped with the
typical strip bacon, but none offered the British style he craved. With the ingredient not being produced in the
city, the duo eventually convinced Perth Pork Products, a farm near Stratford,
to produce the cut for Rashers.
The British bacon is best showcased in the Bacon Butty ($8),
a simple sandwich combining the meat on toasted white bread and brown sauce.
Thank you Rashers for introducing Toronto to this cut, my favourite of the
night! The British bacon combines the meatiness of peameal with some of the
belly fat on the strip to add flavour and moisture. The house-made brown sauce
is like HP, a combination of 24 different ingredients to give the dish a
vinegary Worcestershire kick. Surprisingly, even with the sheer amount of meat,
the sandwich doesn’t feel heavy.
Nursing a hangover? The Hogtown ($8) with fried egg (an extra
$1) would be perfect for calming any queasiness. Plenty of sliced peameal, a
slightly runny fried egg and a soft bun makes for a hearty sandwich. I only
wish there was less of the ale mustard – although it’s nice and grainy, I found
the sheer amount starting to cover the meat.
If you like your bacon crispy, the Bacon Caesar ($9) crams
in ample strips of the smoky variety topped with crisp garlicky romaine laced
with parmesan. The ciabatta bun could be replaced with something thinner, but
the hard bread could be a nod to croutons.
The Bacon Burger ($11) is definitely for meat lovers: starting
with a thick ground beef patty stuffed with diced bacon and then more strips on
top! As a warning, the patty is thoroughly cooked so the burger is rather dense
- not crumbling and moist if that’s what you prefer.
A great combination is the Brie & Bacon ($10), the
crispy strips covered with sweet caramelized onions, gooey melted brie and a creamy
garlic aioli. The sandwich is delicious and decadent; what a flavourful
concoction despite the plain looking exterior.
Grab the Apple and Maple Grilled Cheese ($9.50) if you’re in
the mood for something sweet and savoury. It’s still a fairly savoury sandwich
from the salty bacon, melted cheddar cheese and buttery bread. But, the apple
chutney mixed with cinnamon gives it a sweet spike … reminding me a cheddar
cheese apple pie. Yum!
Don’t even think of ordering a salad - Rasher’s only sides
are hand cut wedges ($4) or curly fries ($4). With a choice of seasoning (roasted
garlic or smoked paprika), they are hot, crispy and satisfying.
Rasher’s menu boldly encourages substitutions – for me I’d
change the meat in any of the sandwiches with the British bacon, what an
amazing cut. And maybe if you’re feeling especially adventurous, how about one
that combines all three?
Overall mark - 7 out of 10
Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will always provide an honest opinion.
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 182 Ossington Avenue
Address: 182 Ossington Avenue
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____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
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