Growing up in North Vancouver I frequented Cates Park through-out my childhood.  Winter, Spring and Summer didn’t really matter when.

I have fond memories of Sports Day’s, family picnics on the small beach watching ships sail through the inlet which in my little eyes, the coolest thing in the world.

Recently I had heard Wally Burger opened in the old Cates Park concession stand and asked my husband if we could head to North Vancouver for the day. I wanted to experience the famous Wally Burger, unfortunately my experience turned out to be disappointing.  I really wanted to like it.  In fact I talked myself into liking it, for about 3 bites then continued to eat because an hour earlier I had worked-out with my trainer and I was hungry. I mean it wasn’t horrible by any means, I’ve had disgusting burgers in restaurants, this was just not my taste. The bun was a little odd texturally for me, quite dense and appeared to be a steamed bun.  Although it was not.

I’ve heard raves from friends who used to go to Wally Burgers back in the hay day. Since I have nothing to base my opinion on I’ll leave it open and just realize, it’s a concession stand in a park, pleasant staff who aren’t chefs who are just working a summer job.  As a chef I am not about to harshly criticizing a bunch of kids particularly when my knowledge and experience can be used to teach, not break a persons spirit.

With all that said, James liked his burger and fries but let’s put this opinion into perspective, he’s from Ottawa and knows nothing of the legend of the Wally Burger….

Maybe as children we thought that Wally Burger was amazing, but when we grow up it’s entirely another story. If Cates Park is about kids and family outings then perhaps Wally Burger is right for that spot.  It simply “Is what it is”.

If you’ve eaten at Wally Burgers in the past please share your experience with us.  Please be fair I won’t post mean spirited comments.

Cheers!