Ace Burpee, co-owner of Market Burger and serious burger lover.
When Market Burger opened in early July, two things were guaranteed.
The burger is the star. And every star will be made with locally sourced ingredients.
That's the promise from Ace Burpee, 1031 Virgin radio host and co-owner of the new burger joint now open beside Nucci's Gelati at 645 Corydon Avenue.
Burpee, who is a Winnipeg celebrity, is also clear about another thing. His new venture isn't about him, it's about the food.
"I'm hands off," he says.
To that end, owners hired Chef Alex Svenne of Bistro 7 1/4 to act as menu consultant for the restaurant. Svenne has put together a menu of a dozen or so signature burgers and a make-your-own option with an array of interesting toppings. All meat will be ground in house.
"It's a modern take on burgers," Burpee says.
As for the ingredients, he promises they will be sourced from local producers and farmers, people they want to support long term.
"I just want to know where (the ingredient is) from and the answer has to be 'home' or it's out," he says.
The decor, a mixed bag of reclaimed barn wood, mismatched kitchen chairs, repurposed fixtures, steel and wood, is also all locally sourced. Upstairs, an outdoor rooftop patio seats 50 people.
He hopes Market Burger becomes a place where people can have a great time.
"We're big proponents of fun," he says. "There's always a reason to celebrate."
Market Burger is one of three new restaurants set to open in the next few weeks on Corydon.
Brooklynn's Bistro owner Sam Colosimo, who is also co-owner of Market Burger, is also expanding his business to include a new restaurant Mano a Mano and adjacent lounge Teo's.
The new establishment replaces Red Cactus and Maple Bistro, which closed in the the past year and joins several new properties on the strip, including the second locations of Tea Story and Burrito Del Rio. (In sadder news, La Bamba has closed its Corydon location as well as its Osborne location, leaving only its Portage Avenue eatery downtown.)
Meanwhile on Sherbrook Street, Fitzroy opened in early July. This late-night tapas spot is the newest addition to what is emerging as a hot, new food district. Boon Burger Café, Stella's Café and next door Bakery, The Nook and Thom Bargen are all located in a three-block strip on the Wolseley thoroughfare. Stay tune for a future post on Fitzroy.
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