A food review written for Narrative Nonfiction, a course in Algonquin College’s Professional Writing Program.

Nestled inside the Milano Pizzeria on St Laurent Boulevard lives Skinny George’s Smash Burgers, whose hearty handhelds might expand your definition of skinny. Their menu may be small, but once you eat the Skinny George Burger or its spicy equivalent, you’ll be unbuttoning your pants to make room for another. Even the interior of the restaurant reflects the menu; with homely booths and an attentive server, comfort meets quality.

The Skinny George burger, the menu’s main star, boasts a soft bun and never frozen beef. Complemented by tangy pickles, sweet grilled onions and a secret sauce one could drink straight, this smash burger is delectable. I have tried close competitors like Smash Daddy and Burgers n’ Fries Forever—Skinny George is on another level. The quality of ingredients and overall harmony make it the best smash burger in the city.

Other menu items include a Spicy George Burger and a Bacon overload. Truthfully, the menu could only have the Skinny George Burger and nothing would be missing. The spicy burger’s sole difference from the original is pickled jalapenos. They feel unintentional and do little to enhance an already complete burger. I can only assume the same for the Bacon Overload, whose only difference is the addition of bacon.  

Sides include helpings like shoestring fries, poutine, and loaded fries. If you are famished, the latter is a great addition. It is loaded with burger meat, grilled onions and George’s secret sauce layered on crispy fries. Crunchy and buttery textures collide with sweetness from the onions and tang from the sauce, making for a side dish that could compete for the burger’s throne.

After the meal, complete with greasy lips and an extended belly, George himself came out from behind the counter to get my insight. This wasn’t a fast casual table touch from an overworked manager—it was a genuine interaction. The experience felt reminiscent of fine dining. I graciously praised what is possibly the best smash burger I’ve ever had.

After my compliment, George humbly told the story of where his recipe came from. After a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, he exchanged a smash burger recipe for a poutine recipe with a local chef. George brought his newfound knowledge back to Ottawa, began tweaking the recipe, and Skinny George was born. No secrets about the process were revealed to me, and I didn’t ask. A collaboration between two people who are chefs and foodies is ceremonial. Leave ritual to the artists. Appreciate the result. What blooms between two creatives should not be revealed to the public.

When the server brought me the machine to pay, she launched into her knowledge about Skinny George as well. As I tipped a gracious 25%, she told me with suave familiarity about George’s plan to expand.  As of this writing, the only Skinny George is inside one Milano Pizzeria. There is obvious signage outside the restaurant, but George is hoping for his own storefront. If that is not possible, he hopes to convince the bigwigs at Milano to keep a Skinny George inside all the Milano’s in Ottawa.

From the food to the atmosphere to George himself, there’s an energy of quality and care that is palpable in the restaurant. It feels like the comfort of a backyard barbeque with the elevation of fine dining. The soft bun, fresh beef and intentionally chosen toppings should keep Skinny George on your radar if you are looking for a classic and satisfying smash burger. You might have to commit to a looser belt loop afterwards, but I promise the burger is worth an extra inch.