The great Coney burger debate continues
Just as I thought, readers had lots of opinions about who they thought has the best Coney burger in town.
But, really, what makes one Coney burger better than another? For me, the sauce has always been the most important factor, followed by the quality of the burger, then, of course, the bun. The flavour and consistency of a particular Coney sauce is definitely what makes me want to go back for more.
There were a few places that were left out last week, not purposely, but because I didn’t think they had that “Coney” feel to them. So many people complained about the omissions that I decided to revisit the debate this week with a few more choices.
Not just fried chicken
Chester Fried Chicken also known as The French Fryer on Balsam Street has a fairly large burger that boasts more of a tomato sauce than a traditional Coney sauce.
Chester Fried Chicken is open from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m. Chester Fried Chicken is located at 172 Balsam Street. Their Coney burger costs $3.95.
Your seasonal friend
Merla Mae also has a large burger, but again, the sauce was more of a tomato sauce then a traditional Coney sauce.
Merla Mae calls it their special sauce. Merla Mae is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Merla Mae is located at 346 Memorial Avenue. The Merla Mae Coney burger costs $4.99 and their buns are made fresh at Donato's Bakery and they source their meat from Superior Foods using only local beef.
Meet Norma Jean
I have saved the best for last! NJ Express (which stands for Norma Jean’s Express) recently opened and is located at 319 May Street North.
They make a large burger, use a fresh bun and use one of the best Coney sauces I have tasted this year. NJ Express is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. NJ Express Coney burger costs $4.95.
NJ Express uses Star Bakery buns and get their beef from LA Quality Meats, a supplier of local beef. NJ Express is currently closed until August 1st, due to the construction in the area, but you can also stop at Norma Jeans Restaurant on May Street to try out their amazing Coney burger.
All about that sauce
From Current River to Westfort, and everywhere in between, I am sure you have your favorite burger for whatever reason: the sauce, the burger or the bun that it is served on. One thing is for certain, Coney burger fans are most loyal to their childhood neighbourhood favourites.
After the last article someone had posted that we should have included a recipe for Coney sauce. Well these are the two I have tried, and I thought they were pretty good.
Feel free to tweak them yourselves by changing or adding ingredients. As I have included two different recipes, I would love it if you tried out at least one and let me know which one you enjoyed the most.
Coney Sauce #1 (from Group Recipes)
2 lbs lean ground beef
4 large onions finely chopped
1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
1-1/2 Tablespoons white vinegar
4 Tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon allspice
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
6 oz tomato paste
1 quart water
For the method and more information about the above recipe, please visit the Group Recipes website.
Coney Sauce #2
1-1/2 lbs ground beef (lean)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 Tablespoon prepared regular mustard
6 oz can tomato sauce
6 oz water
2 Tablespoons chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook hamburger and drain any excess grease, then add all the other ingredients. Simmer for about 2 hours. Add to your hot dogs or burgers and enjoy!
I think both recipes make a decent Coney sauce. Pick one, try it, and let me know if you loved it or if you changed it to make it better!
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