Charlie's Burgers: The Anti Restaurant

I wouldn't even dream of liking anything "anti-restaurant" until I met Charlie. Charlie Burger isn't a Charlie, or a Burger, but a somewhat secret dinner society. Foodies from around Toronto can sign up, fill out a questionnaire, and be invited (and hopefully picked) to attend a chef designed dinner at a secret locale in Toronto. I was lucky enough to attend one last summer, and again this past weekend. Once chosen, Charlie sends vague but mysterious emails to the attendees notifying them where to meet, who to look for (generally a guy sitting on a wine barrel), and what secret "pass code" (Ours was...I like my pasta cooked with west coast water). The meal was created by Chef Lee Cooper, of L'Abbatoir in Vancouver and was simply incredible. My foodie friend and I were overwhelmed with the foods originality, creativity, and the incredible experience overall.  Each dish had layer upon layer of flavour, and highlighted seasonal fresh produce and ingredients. Charlie's Burgers is not for the faint hearted - pigeon and lambs brains have been known to grace the menu - but-  if you love food, and are open to try anything, I highly suggest testing your luck and signing up at http://www.charliesburgers.ca/.

Learn more about Charlie's Burgers here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/revealed-charlie-burgers-true-identity/article588310/?page=all

Here are a few pictures and the menu.