Going Coastal publisher Martin Dodds stopped at the Backeddy Pub en route to the Powell River Film Fest in February. After enjoying the burger immensely, he chose to compete in the Skookum Challenge in June. Martin tied with the reigning champion, forcing a sudden-death chowdown of another half-burger each. Taking second place a mere swallow behind the winner in the popular event, he described the dining experience that inspired him to compete.
The Skookum Burger is supposed to be almost too much for normal human consumption.... Good thing I’m not a normal human.
The Backeddy kitchens bake the outsize buns that contain the double-fistful of burger, and I have to admit I was almost tempted to use a knife and fork... almost. Piled high with handmade beef patty, bacon, egg (if you wish), and veggies, it’s almost more than two hands could hold – very messy, and very tasty. Halfway through I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish, and when I did polish off the remainder went for a walk around the nearby museum to get things moving. We’re talking a big burger here, capable of providing fuel for a trek to Skookumchuck Rapids – an hour-and-a-half round-trip hike from the parking area opposite the museum through the Provincial Park.
|
I chose salad rather than fries to accompany the burger, dressed with the house’s special ginger-cranberry vinaigrette.
The Backeddy’s view was great even on an overcast February day, and the server’s knowledge of the area’s history really added to the enjoyment of the experience.
My recommendations: request the bun be toasted just to avoid too much sogginess - it's worth taking time eating! And don’t be afraid to share - from what I’ve seen it is THE biggest burger on the Sunshine Coast!
|
Contestants in the Skookum Challenge snarf down the Coast’s superburger in record time at Egmont Day celebrations on June 9.
|
Defending champ Robert Higgins (center of photo) of Sechelt had the “eye of the tiger” to snatch victory in a sudden-death tie-breaker from second-place finisher Martin Dodds (right) of Gibsons. Michael Kyriadis (left) of Vancouver finished in third place. (Photos courtesy Beverly Saunders)
|
