burger joint was opened — and run , until 2019 — by the Scouras family , Canadian newcomer siblings famed in Winnipeg for pioneering the local style of burger shack , including the local burger style known as the Fat Boy .
Here , it ’ s called the Lot O ’ Burger , but a rose by any other name : it ’ s still a juicy patty loaded with mustard , mayo , a dill pickle , cheese , onions , and of course , a layer of tangy chili . That chili , a blend of finely ground beef and tomato with a lingering note of warm spice , peps up several menu items , from cheesy fries to spaghetti , as well as several burgers . For non-purists , “ The Mayor ” burger might be the best of the burg line up , swapping chili for slices of gyro meat , bacon , a swizzle of ranch dressing and a crisp fried onion ring .
Touches of the Scouras ’ Greek heritage remain on the menu , and current owners Stavros and Chelsea Athanasiadis carry on the tradition . The Greek burger supplements the typical toppings with a slather of cool tzatziki and a pop of feta . A generous portion of Greek salad makes for a fresh side . Gyros are a highlight , with shaved meat piled into a pillowy pita . The dusky mix of lightly-spiced beef and lamb is loaded with fresh tomatoes , lettuce and red peppers , a pleasantly refreshing bite all drizzled in tzatziki .
Fried chicken is a specialty that sets this spot apart from its drive-in peers . Pressure frying yields a burnished , crackly-crisp crust on the exquisitely juicy ( all white meat ) pieces .
On the more formal side , a limited set of old school entrées are on offer , including fish and chips and a nicely char-touched “ minced steak ”, a supersized ground beef patty piled ciao ! reviews
high with sautéed onions . Classic sammies and diner-style breakfast offerings ( served until 4 p . m .) round out the menu .
Ask for a thick , creamy milkshake to end the meal , in strawberry , vanilla , chocolate , or caramel-y root beer flavour . The whir of the shake wand is enough to ignite nostalgia in any comfort seeker .
Red Top Drive Inn is open Mon- Thu 8 am-8 pm , Fri & Sat 8 am-9 pm , Sun 9 am-8 pm
SILVER HEIGHTS RESTAURANT
Neighbourhood ......... St . James Address ....... 2169 Portage Ave Phone ............ . 204-889-7246 Entrées .................... $ 22- $ 48
In 1957 Anthony Siwicki Sr . opened a coffee shop in Winnipeg , dipping his toe into the hospitality business . Over time the coffee shop expanded to the dining room , and today Silver Heights Restaurant is still in the business of warm hospitality , generous dishes and familiar comforts — with no sign of ageing out .
This long time St . James staple beckons with its iconic red neon longhorn sign . Three generations in , helmed by grandsons Tony and J . C and their families , it exudes the warmth characteristic of well-aged family run restaurants . This vintage hospitality , the type that begins with an exuberant welcome , sets an engaging tone for the dining experience .
Grilled meats , a decades-long prime motivator for the restaurant scene , reign here . It is no surprise that the house specialty , fall off the bone baby back ribs slathered in barbeque sauce , has timeless appeal . Steaks are also seared over fire , charring certified
Angus aged beef to perfection .
The menu , a classic hit list curated for all generations , balances nostalgia with new . Two jumbo prawn options — fried and served with old school cocktail sauce or nouveau Cabo Wabo Margarita style , part of a medley with scallops in a tequila lime chipotle cream — are both delicious .
While not necessarily the main attraction , starters and light bites are a highlight . Steak paparazzi , a row of sirloin strips rolled around cream cheese , candied bacon and jalapeno , offers sweet , salt and spice in a single bite . Creamy New England-style clam chowder is chock full of clams , bacon and potato in a luxurious broth . A hearty farmers market-inspired salad loaded with vegetables can easily serve as its own light meal . Sweet corn , carrots , tomato and onion contrast with crunchy bacon , creamy avocado and slices of egg . Pungent blue cheese rounds out the flavour mix .
Many loyal customers have a standing order at a place like this . And why not ? This is the place to get those meals newer diners don ’ t really understand . Baby beef liver , prime rib or chicken Oscar are blasts from the past that turn out to be legitimate palate pleasers . Those in the know order Manitoba pickerel , pan-fried and beloved for its crispy salt and vinegar potato chip coating .
Classic spots like Silver Heights , without a hot shot chef to their name , may fly under the radar in our foodie city , but skipping this longtime favourite would be a mistake . Fantastic cooking and the love and support a neighbourhood restaurant gives its community over many decades makes the recipe for a true culinary gem .
Silver Heights is open Mon-Sat 11 am-12 am .
24 ciao ! / mar / apr / two thousand twenty-two