Best known for pizzas and pastas, local Italian eatery Nook is making it's first foray into the world of hamburgers with its Novemburger offering, the Ciao Bella Burger.
The experiment is a definite success.
A moist and well-cooked beef patty is topped with crispy pancetta (bacon's classier Italian cousin) and fontina cheese, sitting on a bed of peppery arugula with a smear of delicately flavoured peperoncini ailoli. House-made pickles add some very welcome crunch and acidity.
The most innovative flavour on the burger is a tomato mostarda. A mostarda is a sweet and savoury Italian condiment traditionally made with candied fruit and mustard (full disclosure, I had to look that up.) The tomato-based version hits that perfect note of sweetness while also giving a nod to the most classic burger condiment: ketchup.
The whole is piled up on a freshly toasted portugese bun from Roma Bakery, baked daily.
You won't need to stock up on napkins for this one. This is quite possibly lightest and freshest burger on offer in the Novemburger campaign, if a burger can ever really be called light.
It's only on the lunch menu, so get there before 3 p.m. to order.
Served with a choice of side salads, the Ciao Bella Burger costs $20.
Nook is located at 271 Bay Street.
★★★☆
Three stars (out of four)
TBnewswatch staff are attempting to review all 41 Novemburger entries. You can read the rest of our reviews here.
