For whatever reason we crave things or want to visit places that are not easily accessible to us. Maybe its from a memory of past moments with old friends or destinations that resonated with you? Is it possible that the $6 Euro bottle of red wine was really the best you ever had or was it because your in Paris, one of the great cities of the world.

When it comes to things like stores and or restaurants we can make lists of places we want to go to and we often elevate them to unparalled highs. Is it our imagination or a sense that the grass is greener on the other side?

Given our perch above the largest consumer market in the world (USA), I have a few favorites that I would love to eventually make their way north of the border. For me some obvious ones are noted - Trader Joes, Aldi, In and Out Burger, Target (one and done), Dicks Sporting Goods, Capital Grille, Waffle House and Portillos are just a few. I clearly would put Trader Joe’s at the top of the list.

Many American business have tried to make it work in the Canadian market but some of them have come and gone as it can be difficult to do business in this country. Things like economies of scale, regulations, taxes and language all can contribute to challenges in being successful. We were all super excited when Target came to Canada but what we got didn’t seem like the same experience you get in the USA and eventually they left after losing a substantial amount of money.

On most lists and mine was the NYC chain Shake Shack. They began with their first permanent location in Madison Square Park in 2004, built around the concept of elevating what might be considered a basic American staple - the hamburger.

Okay, before you stop reading, I have not given up on my quest for the perfect pizza. However, I will admit to a long love for the “burger.” Pizza might be like a second wife while the burger was the teen age love.

I can remember when going to Harveys in the east end of Toronto was a treat. And of course one of the original upscale burger places was Toby’s Good Eats with a number of locations in the city. A food critic for the Toronto Star way back in 1983 gave awards for what he called the “Wimpys” to honour local eateries. Making the list way back then were :

Best Burger for the Buck - Licks
Most Expensive - Windsor Arms Hotel
Best Staging - Bloor Street Diner
Best Burger in a Supporting Role - Mr Greenjeans
Toronto’s Darkest Burger - Toby’s Good Eats at 91 Bloor St. W

Unfortunately the awards didn’t continue on. Even though it was over 40 years ago, I can recall going to many of these places and they were a step above what we knew at the time.

When travelling for work, I would try to fit in a visit Eataly in Chicago (now here) and when in NYC, more often than not lunch was going to be at Shake Shack. One of my go to spots was the Herald Square location just around around the corner from the great department store Macys.

When Shake Shack announced they were opening in Toronto, I suspected that it would do well and they had long lineups to prove it.

The first TO location is at the corner of Yonge and Dundas opposite the Eaton Centre. I find this area a bit unsettling with lot’s of people, pan handlers and some strange characters. However if your looking for traffic flow they probably picked the right spot. I waited a few months after opening because I assumed that the lineups would be insane - I was right.

The first time I went by myself and had the usual - the Shack Burger with crinkle fries and although it’s not NYC, (sigh), the food was excellent. The second time was with Ms. Sheila and as you can see we doubled up.

They recently opened their newest location in Union Station downtown. If your not familar, this is a major transportation hub - local subways, GO buses and provincial trains all passing through. It was my first time in the newly renovated area and was I pleasantly surprised to how nice it was with a number of interesting food locations.

The ordering experience is quite seamless and quick. Once your done you grab a buzzer and a take a seat to wait for your order. It’s busy - so expect a bit of a wait. My guess is we waited about 15 minutes before the buzzer went off. There certainly was a lot of people waiting ahead of us. I went with Ms. Sarah for a late lunch.

We noted that this location has a bar serving libations which is interesting. Overall the experience was enjoyable and the consistancy of the food quality was great.

Is it the best burger in TO? I imagine that would be no as I’m sure there are a lot of great locations in the city to try. But a visit to Shake Shack in Toronto is a lot less expensive than a flight to NYC including an expensive hotel. Now if only Trader Joe’s would open and we would be in business. That’s it for now….