Italy has pizza, Japan has sushi, but Saskatchewan has a different kind of famous delicacy – the rink burger.
Rink burgers are a staple for hockey players, figure skaters and skaters across the province. Every city and rink claims theirs is the best, so CBC Blue Sky host Garth Materi decided to ask for recommendations on which arena has the best bites.
Todd Devonshire described hockey arenas as his second home growing up. He says eating a rink burger almost every weekend throughout his youth hockey career had such an impact on his life that he even titled his memoir Rink Burgers.
“Everybody knows what a burger rink is in Saskatchewan,” Devonshire said. “When we played the games, it didn’t matter if we won or lost, it was about getting that burger from the rink after the game.”
LISTEN | The Hunt for Saskatchewan’s Best Rink Food:
Blue Sky47:44 The Hunt for Saskatchewan’s Best Rink Food!
WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN IF YOU’RE HUNGRY!;) When looking for good food in Saskatchewan on a cold winter day, one place to check out is the local skating rink. The Rink Burger is famous and every city and rink KNOWS theirs is the best. Today we heard from people across the province about what makes their local cuisine the best. We’re also joined by Rink Burger author Todd Devonshire, hockey mom Leslie Kelly, Tim Philp – head chef at Bristles Cafe at the Highland Curling Club, and rink food enthusiast Dan Plaster.
Devonshire is looking forward to eating burgers at the local rink in Martensville, Sask., on Hockey Day in Saskatchewan on January 21. This is the first time Martensville has hosted the event.
Devonshire’s Perfect Slider Burger has fried onions, melted cheese and a toasted bun. A popular addition to its growth are onion rings drowned in vinegar with a little mustard.
The cover of Todd Devonshire’s book Rink Burgers. (Your Nickel Publishing House)
Devonshire’s three all-time best burgers are from the recently closed Granite Curling Club in Saskatoon, Canwood and his childhood rink in Big River.
“The burger rink has really become an attraction, especially here in small town Saskatchewan.”
A local touch
Deb Ashby, the recreation director for the town of Bengow, says their rink’s burger was previously ranked in the top 5 in the province.
“Everyone tells us we have some of the best burger rinks in the area,” Ashby said. “They always like to eat our burger when they come to our rink.”
Ashby says sourcing their meat from local butchers who source beef from nearby ranchers is what makes their burgers so delicious.
At some rinks around the country, the delicacies have expanded beyond the classic rink burger and its usual sides.
Tim Philp runs the Bristles Cafe at Regina’s Highland Curling Rink. The cafe has menu items ranging from schnitzel to tacos, but nothing beats its cinnamon rolls.
“We have people from the neighborhood who just come to eat the food,” Phil said.
“Everyone is welcome, you don’t have to curl up to eat here.”
Kelly likes to have the occasional soup while watching her kids play hockey. (Submitted by Leslie Kelly)
Leslie Kelly sees her fair share of food at the rink, taking her kids to various arenas around the country. One of her favorite rink snacks is popcorn chicken at her hometown rink in Watrous, Sask.
She says one of the best parts of food at the rink is knowing that the profits will support the local community.
“It comes from volunteers and local farmers,” Kelly said. “The support for these businesses and the viability of the rink and the city is what makes it extra special.”
Here are some other favorites that listeners shared with Blue Sky in comments and emails:
- “I’ve had breakfast sandwiches in Moose Jaw, Kenston, Gravelbourg, Assiniboia, Yorkton, Dalmeny and Humboldt so far this year. Moose Jaw and Assiniboia are definitely the top two,” Kyle said.
- “Carrot River now has a great little cafe in the arena. It’s called Soup Town Cafe,” Crystal said.
- “Drake Rink Bamburgers because they get their meat from the processing facility in town,” Nancy said.
- “We have eaten a lot of Sask. rink burgers. My favorite … Milestone! Local farm beef,” Dennis said.
- “Bamburgers at the Prudhomme and Aberdeen rinks because the people who served them were so friendly,” Joanne said.
- “The Midale rink has an amazing selection. Lots of different types of poutine, chicken burgers … like a restaurant,” Meighan said.
- “Best burger: Bulyea rink,” said Jennifer.
- “Strasbourg Rink has the best burgers – they’re homemade by our local Hillside Foods! Unbelievable!” said Michelle.
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