When I heard that a new gourmet burger joint was opening close to downtown, I had to check in with myself and ponder the many questions and expectations I would have of it. I didn't have much to inform my expectations in a burger eatery, aside from obvious comparisons to Pink Bicycle. I waited patiently for Bin 4 to open...and then they did open, but nothing happened. I was surprised at my passivity for trying out a new burger in town...and I just sat here, waiting for the day I would crave some gourmet meat in a bun.
I was apprehensive. I was worried about gluten-poisoning. I was worried about options. I was worried I'd be stuck with a hamburger salad [Where you don't actually get a bun, just a bed of lettuce]. I approached Bin 4 with caution; I read review after review, I monitored their Facebook page, I studied their website. And finally, this weekend, I decided I wanted a supreme burger and a couple drinks to start my reading break off right.
Now, I kick myself for having waited so long. Seriously, where has this place been my whole life?
Sunday night, we made a reservation just to be safe. This was a smart move as the place was packed when we got there at 6:30. It's a good sign when a restaurant is busy on Sunday night.
Enough small talk, let's get down to business. I looked at the menu and found myself stumped...practically EVERYTHING looked so delicious and making a decision proved to be difficult for both of us.
We started with a couple drinks; Mojitos were on special for I think $4.50 a piece so we enjoyed those pretty quickly. Just to mention, our drinks came super fast despite the crowds.
I made my decision to try the "Bin 4 Bistro Burger" [$13] on a gluten-free Origin's bun [+$1] with a house salad. Here is where my only recommendation will come in...Bin 4 could set themselves FAR APART and ABOVE Pink Bicycle if they were to get a separate fryer for their gluten-free customers. OR, better yet, make their Onion Rings gluten-free so we could all share a fryer. Even though the burger itself was so delicious and indulgent and I was happy to munch down on some leafy greens...the option to have onion rings would be just so wonderful and I could see this restaurant being a mecca for Celiacs.
But, back to the burger. The Bin 4 Bistro Burger consisted of "Island Farmhouse chicken breast, Fraser Valley bacon, brie cheese, balsamic red onion jam, roasted garlic aioli, butter lettuce, tomato". I got hooked on the idea of having brie on my burger...and trust me, it was heavenly. The bun is of course something I'm familiar with by now; however, Bin 4 toasted it just perfectly. Perhaps with butter? And I could tell it was toasted on the flat top, not the toaster. The burger itself was as perfect as I could have hoped a burger could be...in a word, it was QUALITY. In two words, QUALITY GOURMET. It was evident it was put together with serious care, and that all the ingredients were fresh. I also really loved the Butter Lettuce instead of the predictable Romaine or Green Leaf. The balsamic red onion jam was the perfect condiment...no ketchup needed. (As a ketchup enthusiast, it wasn't easy to admit that.) The side salad I had with the burger was lovely and fresh as well...it was a perfect palate cleanser between bites of that savory burger. Not to mention the portion size was quite generous.
P.S. I also ordered a glass of Red Sangria to sip on while I ate. Just $6 for a generous glass...and it was delicious and refreshing. I consider myself somewhat of a Sangria aficionado, and Bin 4 has made it into my top 3.
Prior to ordering, I informed our server that I have a very serious allergy to gluten and to advise the chefs to take extra precaution when preparing my burger. Without hassle or an apathetic sigh, she gladly agreed to my request and reassured me I would be well taken care of. Awwww, so nice! We all enjoy a little security from time to time. And for all you super-Celiacs out there, I DID NOT have 'eater's remorse' afterwards...no gluten-poisoning from Bin 4 Burger Lounge!
And now what you've all been waiting for, my verdict: Heck Yes I'll Be Back! Can't Hardly Wait!
EXTRA MENTIONABLES:
1) The service was great. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. PLUS, food and drinks came quite fast despite it being a busy night. Server was knowledgeable about gluten allergies and what I could and couldn't eat.
2) The atmosphere is great--I'm quite positive they had an interior decorator come in; the decor is clean and modern with a twist. The lighting was perfectly dim...which is preferred when eating sometimes less elegant meals like burgers.
3) They have other gluten-free dishes and appys if you're not feeling the burger-vibe.
4) YESSSS! They have Bard's gluten-free beer to go with your perfect gluten-free burger. Drink up, Eat up!
4) YESSSS! They have Bard's gluten-free beer to go with your perfect gluten-free burger. Drink up, Eat up!
