Relish

So I must say I’ve heard of Relish a million and a half times over before actually going. It has quite a popularity around my circle of friends and co. It may be that the majority are from NB. Regardless, I’m always down for a burg and definitely always down for seeing what all of the fuss is about. Furthermore, my friend is in the works of bringing Relish to Halifax. I was in SJ for the weekend so this is where I had my first Relish experience.
First off, I gotta say I love the marketing and peppiness of the staff. Their coined slogan ‘what do you relish?’ tickles my pickle. Partly because it is such a hard question to answer! Are you kidding me? The choices. The sides. I mean theoretically there isn’t an enormous about on the menu to overwhelm yourself with. But as soon as you start reading the descriptions on the wall, you find yourself tongue twisted for what you relish. We did anyways. It truly is a Relish experience. Staff are friendly, there to great you as you first come through the door, and always use your first name when you burg is ready to rock and roll. The décor is enormously satisfying, with super chic wall paper to popping paint colors and chrome detailing. Go and telllllll me you disagree.
Other cool things? They cater and they fundraise. AND they franchise. So since I’m currently a Haligonian I am superbly stoked that my buddy got his paws on the rights to open a Relish here.
After we ordered the LA is my lady and the Big Texas, we watched them prepare our creations at the front. LA is my lady: Avocado, roasted peppers, basil pesto, and goat cheese? Pretty sure I died and went to heaven. Twice. Jud’s Big Texas certainly didn’t disappoint either. With crispy onion frites and smoky bbq sauce, he didn’t even want to try mine. Topped with a nice big dill pickle, I was overjoyed. But I think what truly made the burgers for me were the buns. So fresh and so unique. When I saw the burger staring back up at me I for sure thought it was going to be one heavy guy. Not at all! It was light but huge and full of flavor. What else make the burgs? The condiments are made in house and are just the greatest of great. My boyfriend and I both agreed the burgers were juicy and flavorful, yet weren’t falling out all over the place and all over our hands.
With beef, turkey, and vegetarian patties. Everyone can come to party. I have yet to try a side but full well intend to upon my return.
I relish all of it.

My partner and I dined here earlier this week, in search for a foodie-​fit burger in Saint John, and we were not disappointed. Some consider the prices to be high, and while they aren’t bargain prices, they aren’t outrageous. While my research into the Saint John foodie scene is in its early stages, this is one place that’s riding high. I’ll be back!

About me — I consider a burger, fries and shake to be one of my ultimate comfort meals. I literally search for places that have done this well and in this age of gourmet burger joints so many people get this wrong. Either the burger is too thick, or not seasoned (salt and pepper people will take you far!). And fries. Please dont get me started on some of the fancy fry combinations I’ve seen.
And then I went to Relish in downtown Saint John. Yes, for a burger and fries and pop it’s expensive ~$ 17/​person if you get a combo and a loonie tip. But I’m from the US so if you’ve been to Shake Shack or some of the other fancy burger places this is right on par.
I loved the Harvest Jazz, Le Nordique and the Great One. I LOVED the onion rings, the sweet potato fries. I had to limit myself to once a week.
The staff is friendly. Alas, what would have knocked Relish down is the shakes. The shakes are just waaaaayyy too thin. This is how much I loved Relish. Normally the shakes would have knocked it off a star, but just thinking about that burger made me give it five stars.
Everyone from my team loved this place and would go back. Also, it’s great for «mixed» parties. They have all their burgers as a beef, turkey or veggie burger option. My vegetarian friends loved their burger as well.
Once they get their alcohol license (burgers + beer is only slightly less better than burgers + shakes) and they can get a larger place, this is a GREAT place to go!

I believe this restaurant is now located on King St in downtown Fredericton… and good thing! It is an amazing burger place. Friendly and welcoming service, great selection of burgers with cool toppings and equally impressive sides. With friends we have collectively tried the regular beef patty, the turkey and the veg– all were enjoyed! Each of us were raving about our selections of toppings claiming to have the absolute best! May have to return during this trip (only one day left…)