Food Truck Review---Ma & Pa's Pitas

Like most good food trucks, this one also closed down about a year later. They retired and are living the good life. 

Megan and I were watching a TV show reviewing restaurants. There was one showing making falafels and other Middle Eastern dishes. She expressed an interest in trying them. Sure thing, I know just the food truck to check out. 

I had heard many good things about Ma & Pa's Pitas truck in various restaurant review groups on Facebook. This truck is new this spring. Previously, it was "Mr Good Chip" but that didn't last long. The owners are super friendly, everything is made/prepared fresh, and it shows. There's shawarma, gyros, shawarma poutine, fries, poutine, garlic potatoes. They use 100% peanut oil! Yay! I've learned a lot about the nastiness of canola oil. 

This is a small poutine. It's packaged in a fiberboard type container! Yay! That means it can go in the compost. It also doesn't steam the fries as much as styrofoam. There was a really good amount of cheese curds, and they even squeaked! I can't remember the last time I had cheese curds on a chip truck poutine that squeaked! The gravy was really, really good. Megan even liked it, even though it was more on the beefy side. I don't think of french fries as traditional Middle Eastern food, so I suspect these are mainly a menu filler and a profit filler, but they don't taste like it--they are very worthy of a visit on their own!!

This is the beef shawarma. Well, more accurately, it's the portion Rob cut off for me LOL. I was really impressed with the beef. I bit into it thinking it was going to be like beef strips in restaurant fajitas. No! Way, way better! A totally different texture!  I could have had a bit more seasoning on it but perhaps it's better business to make it on the mild side. I would definitely get the beef! I try to order beef items when we eat out because we don't eat it a lot at home but I still need it for the iron and other wonderful nutritional factors.

This is Megan's falafel pita. She liked it though she thought there'd be more sauce, and was expecting the falafel to be more green. The ones we saw on TV had a lot of cilantro and parsley, and were quite green. She would have liked cilantro in it as she's quite the fan of it. She did realize that placing the hummus in the middle and being light on the sauce made for a much tidier meal! 

We all agreed that these were really good pitas! You can tell that the toppings are all very fresh. No slimy, runny tomatoes. I had hoped to try pickled mango but that might be a really unusual topping. All this, plus 3 pops (and tax) came to $27, but thankfully, they take credit/debit! Not all food trucks do. We would definitely make a point of going back to this food truck! They will also make the pita as a salad, which is what I'll probably do next. Or maybe I'll get the beef shawarma poutine....

If you're on Facebook, check out their page at:  https://www.facebook.com/Ma-Pas-Pitas-103653898006056/ 

UPDATE:  

I took the other child yesterday, and she agreed it was very good poutine. She felt the gravy to fries ratio was perfect, the fiberboard clamshell practical and optimal. No complaints about the gravy! I ordered the beef shawarma poutine. Wow, so much food! 

No hummus. The beef tasted a bit "spicier," it's not spicy...it had more flavour. Not that it didn't have flavour before, but maybe it was easier to separate the flavours with the poutine. I couldn't finish all the fries, and I even had a helper! What I really need is a small shawarma salad and a tiny poutine. LOL.

Chip Truck Review---Chip Wagon

Update--they moved to another location where they kept getting broken into. They moved or shut down and I don't know more. 

I was taking Megan to her favourite thrift store when we passed a new sign for a chip truck, advertising fresh cut fries. After our shopping spree, we popped in. It's just a tiny cute little chip wagon, tucked in at the "auto spa". 

The menu is very basic. Fries or poutine, extra gravy and drinks. The fries are cut when you order. We got a small poutine.  It was only $5. 

When they handed us the forks, there was also a spoon. Why? Well, we soon found out! There is plenty of gravy on these fries! We did feel that they were a little shy on the curds though (there were more hiding, but we would have liked more). The small was really too small for two to share as a lunch, but it'd be perfect for one person. 

Megan loved the gravy. It was a lighter coloured gravy, probably heavy on the chicken. It had kind of a pasty colour. Not sure if it was from a powdered mix, or what, but it was quite different than most places we've been. She really liked it though and she's much more picky than me on the gravy.

Now, the fries. We went back to the Chip Wagon a second time, and brought Lucy. The young man recognized us and was very friendly. And apologetic that they had run out of spoons LOL. This time we seemed to have even more gravy too. While we were waiting, a man came to ordered. He asked if they are double-fried. The young man responded no. I had figured they weren't. They were definitely cooked, but lacked that little extra that double frying fresh cut potatoes can give you. I am more of a crispy fry gal, and these were almost there, but still fluffy enough  to please the other people with me. 

The location is a nice change from busy streets. Although the car washes are a little noisy and the wagon has a generator running, it's still nicer than other locations. There is a covered eating area, and a stand up table. The only issue is parking--it's kind of a one direction lot and you have to kind of cut through the car detailing to get out, unless you're going through the auto car wash LOL.

More precise directions---Hopkins St, just south of Dundas St (Highway 2), where Nicol Ave meets Hopkins St, Whitby.

Chip Truck Review--Smokin' Chip Truck

 Rob and I got into Bancroft right at lunch time and he hates showing up at my mom's right at meal time, so we stopped at the chip truck at Kawartha Dairy. It had been renovated but the prices/signs seemed the same, so we wanted to try it. However, despite being noon on a Saturday in August, it was closed.  We headed further into town, to the Smokin' Chip Truck. It's on Highway 62 north, next to York River Meats. It's on the west side of the highway, a bit north of Millenium Park. It's been there forever, but we've never gone!  They have a good online presence, so just Google them for more reviews and better photos LOL.

It was very busy--a good sign. We had to wait in the sun, but there is a little bit of seating in a covered gazebo. The menu is very broad, but our wallet was not, so we just got regular burgers and fries. 

The burgers we got were smaller than elsewhere (such as Woody's, on the way up to Bancroft), but I actually preferred the smaller burger, especially at lunch time. I thought it was quite nice. 

It's not as messy as other burgers, and really hit the spot for lunch.

The fries were perfect! I loved the paper bag, though I'm not sure it's a good idea if you use vinegar. Was there a box inside the bag? I don't remember. They were crispy, but not burnt. Very yummy. I could have had more!!

There are likely better photos of the truck and menu online, LOL, but this just helps me remember in my photos where we were--rather than random photos of french fries. 

Verdict--try them! Although it'll take longer than McDonald's, they are yummy and local and have many options you can't get at McD's!!

Chip Truck Visit #3: "Lakeside Chips" now "Grammy's Chip Truck"

Summer 2024:

This truck lost it's spot at the Whitby waterfront and is now in a parking lot on Dundas St (Highway 2) and Hickory St)

August 2020:

Overall, this is probably one of the best chip trucks we go to. The large menu means we can get onion rings and chicken strips and please everyone. And if I have extra money, a deep fried dill pickle. The staff are friendly, the scenery is lovely, and if you're lucky, there's a picnic table nearby. Even an outhouse, though it stunk on this day.

Look at those onion rings! I told the lady that I'm thankful she offers them and that's why we come back. I doubt they are fresh battered, but they are better than what I cook at home.

They are fresh cut fries but I think just single fried. The gravy is rich and dark--like how I like it, but the fries are fluffy like how everyone else in the world likes their fries (I did find someone on Facebook that likes crispy fries, but we recognize we are really in the minority!).

Megan managed to carry everything!

These are the chicken fingers. They were good, but not a huge serving, if you're sharing. 

Original Visits--2015-2017

I don't know if that is the real name of the truck as the only "name" on it was "French Fries!".  Down at the Whitby Waterfront, between the old pumphouse and the big gazebo.  Techincally, it's called Water Street, but really, it's just the southern part of Brock Street.  We park at the lot in front of the pumphouse, because I don't like parking on the road.  There is usually a Port-a-Potty there by the parking lot, though I can't comment on it, LOL.  If you need "real" washrooms, you can park further up at the playground lot and walk to the east up the trail past the Haydenshore Pavillion, to the washroom building.  I do NOT know why it's not situated closer to the middle of the popular trail here!

The last few years, there was a teal coloured chip truck here.  We tried it last summer, and wasn't too impressed.  This year, it's a different truck.  The woman running it was very friendly, it's a nice shady spot, but not enough seating considering how popular the spot is.  There are plenty of benches though along the trail, just not practical for me and three kids.
She said the fries are fresh cut, so they take about 7 minutes.  They did take longer.

Click on the picture for a larger version.  There is a LOT on the menu.

 Lucy and Hugh each got their own onion rings, which we all said were AWESOME!  We'd come again for the onion rings!

 The french fries?  Meh.  Big serving!  Nice tray, lots of long fries for dipping.  But they were a bit mushy on the inside.  I wouldn't turn them down if we were in the area, but I'd opt for the onion rings.

It's a nice spot for a snack, since there is no other food options at the lake.  I've heard good things about Lakeview Grill just up Brock St though.  We're still on the quest for a truck with both onion rings and fries that are AWESOME!

Addition:  We went back and tried a small poutine.  I thought it would be the same size as a small fries, but it was much bigger, and too much for just Megan and I.  The gravy was good, the cheese curds were plentiful, but I still wasn't keen on the fries themselves.

2016:  We tried this truck again and I should have read my own review LOL.  I think we got a small and it was more than enough for a post dinner snack.  Again, the gravy was very good, the cheese curds were good, the service excellent (not fast though).  We just aren't a huge fan of the naked fries.  Don't let this deter you, as others report that they love the fries here.

This menu is from August 2017 but might still be relevant

Chip Truck Review---Tragically Chip Truck

Update--the truck has not been open for a couple summers and last time I drove by, did not look promising for this year.

My niece was visiting from Ottawa, previously New Mexico. She moved up in the summer so she could go to boarding school here in the fall. She had recently become a Canadian citizen and one thing on her Canadian Bucket List Bingo was to have poutine. I was happy to provide this experience LOL. I had been making a lot of trips to Brooklin this summer--Megan's skating coach lined a couple skaters up with a  personal trainer who works with Toronto pro athletes, and Megan's "boyfriend" lives just up the road from Tragically Chip. So, one day we combined our trip there!

This is probably a medium. They were pretty much the same as my first visit. Fluffy fries, rich tasty gravy and plenty of curds. I liked the gravy, Megan wasn't too fond as always, and I didn't care for the fries, just like before. It was a lot for the three of us. Nya wasn't too overwhelmed with enthusiasm. I'm not sure they were the best ones to try for a first time, but the atmosphere and company was good. 

First Visit, August 2019

Rob and I were out and had some time to kill before we had to be somewhere. As we were driving by I saw that this truck was open. I had previously reviewed "2 Guys Fries" and I wasn't too impressed. Then the chef messaged me to say he had totally changed things, and to come back. Then the truck was for sale and I don't know if it even opened last summer. My spies gave me mixed information. So I was really curious to give this truck a try.

 I thought the name was catchy. Not really sure it carried through on the theme though. It could have really been played up.

 Much smaller menu than previously. The burgers  seemed priced a little high, so I hope they're good. The combos only saved about 50 cents. We were severely limited on cash though, so we just got fries.

I believe this is a large, plus a gravy. We were quite stuffed after. And again, we had differing opinions. Rob loved these, I didn't. I must have weird ideas about French Fries. They were fluffy inside, but can you see the distinct colour changes on some of the fries? I think they weren't shaken while frying. Some had a texture I didn't like. I ate the darker ones and Rob gobbled up the other ones. I liked the gravy though I think it's a mix.

All the same details about location, ambiance, etc, apply. The lack of onion rings was disappointing. The price of the burgers compared to A&W just up the street...they better be awesome. I'm not itching to go back, though Rob said he would.

Chip Truck Review--Speedy Spudz

I see this chip truck recommended a lot. It's way on the far side of Oshawa, Townline Rd and Taunton Rd. Easy to get in and out, lots of parking. I had to take Megan to Brooklin, so Lucy came along, and we zipped across Winchester Rd, rather than having to take Taunton Rd all the way across. They have a Facebook page with a photo of the menu. It's a very good menu, something for everyone, including dessert. Take note that the prices do NOT include tax.

This is the medium poutine, $6.22 plus tax. Plenty of gravy and cheese! The fries were crispy but not really crispy, so we both enjoyed them. About halfway through, I asked Lucy what she thought of the gravy, since she's picky. She said it was good. I realized that it wasn't standing out in any way. It wasn't thin, wasn't salty, wasn't skimpy. It was just there. So, it was good, for sure, but I'm not sure it was as good as others.

The small  onion rings ($3.97 plus tax). They were so hot, so we only had one or two each to start. They were really good. Lucy had planned to get a deep fried Mars bar, but we were stuffed (took home the onion rings) and I started to drive away before we remembered about dessert. 

There were picnic tables, but not set up. No shade. Lots of space though if you bring a chair. Our verdict was that these were good....but not worth our time to come all the way over just for them. If you're in the area, I would say, Sure! If you've got a few kids with all different palates, it's a great choice. I can see why they've been there awhile. 

Burger Joint Review--Lakeview Burger

A while ago, Lakeview Burger opened a location in Whitby. It was the best thing ever. Affordable burgers, awesome fries and onion rings. $4.99 for a 4oz hand crafted burger--perfect for lunch, or kids. They had specials, were easy to get to and park, space to eat in. We didn't enjoy it as often as we should have, because they didn't stay open too long. We were disappointed. Their Oshawa location is just not very convenient for us. Last weekend though, we had some time to kill in South Oshawa while Megan had a skating session, so we headed over.

Rob got a 6oz Angus Burger, $7.99. Actually, I think it was a Angus Cheese Burger, $9.99. It was really yummy! Too big for me, but I enjoyed every bite he let me have!

Also ordered a small poutine, $5.99. I really wanted to have onion rings, but I want to compare poutines at different places. This was the first time I've gotten poutine in a plastic dish with lid. The great thing that does is melt the cheese and prevent leaks. Look at all that melty cheese! There's no where to eat there, so we drove down to the lake. Perhaps if you eat in the parking lot (or hopefully inside before too long), they won't be as melty. The gravy was good, lighter than G'Molly's or Big Boys.

However, a plastic container does not let out steam. So no crispy fries. I don't think there was a naked fry anywhere though, so no big difference. I wonder how regular fries are packaged. I was thinking last night that what is needed is a lid like DQ Blizzards--an open topped plastic collar around the top. It would let the steam out and protect the poutine in the bag. 

The menu at Lakeview Burger is extensive. There are 26 different poutine options (as well as extra curds for $2). There are some interesting burger options--a double bacon cheese burger with grilled cheese sandwiches used as the buns! Bacon wrapped poutine! Deep Fried Poutine! If I were to offer one other bit of advice--change the paper menu design. The use of all caps just makes it a bit harder to read. And check the spelling--Vegitarian should be vegetarian :) Now that we've gotten the basic items tested again, next time we can branch out on the menu. Can't wait!

Chip Truck Review--G'Molly's

I had been hearing a lot about this chip truck in various Facebook groups. I really wanted to go, and since Rob was on vacation last week, we headed over for "lunch". I wish it was closer!!!

Check out her Facebook page for up to date info, hours, the menu, etc. Please note that she's cash only.  For those not on Facebook, she's at the north-west corner of Wilson Rd and Taunton Rd, on the east side of the gas station. Fairly easy to get into from any direction.

We got a regular burger (which is also 5oz), small poutine and a can of pop. It came to $14.50. Very reasonable!

Rob said the burger was really good. I had a few bites, and it was. Not dry or overdone. Very tasty!

The poutine was really good. The gravy was rich and flavourful and ample. I wouldn't have minded more curds, but it wasn't like I was thinking there wasn't enough. The fries were on the darker side which is my preference, but also not at all burn or dried out. I just noticed that the gravy mark on the lid, combined with the two cut outs--looks like a cat face LOL.

I have heard great things about her special sauces and seasonings and next time I will definitely try something else. There's no onion rings, but there are plenty of other options. I wish it wasn't so far!

Although there was shade, there was only a little retaining wall to sit on to eat. Be prepared--no shame in taking a chair! I'm going to add some chairs and a knife and fork set to my truck. It'd be nice to cut the burger in half to share. 

Burger Joint Review--Big Boy's Burgers, Whitby

Whitby does not have many permanent food trucks. They have a bylaw allowing only 3! Although I've heard of a 4th this summer, so I'm not sure what's up. The town is going to look into creating a "Food Truck Corner"--there's one in the next city over that is so popular. However, they don't plan to have this up until 2022. Yeah. Because it's on municipal land. I think the other one is probably on private property. So, I've had to expand my reviews to other sources of poutine and fries.

Rob painted the basement stairs without telling me, so I couldn't get the frozen meat for dinner out of the freezer. Perfect opportunity to get take out from somewhere new. We selected Big Boy's Burgers. I had read a lot of good reviews. The menu is on their website, HOWEVER, the prices are actually higher at the restaurant. I wasn't going to get a combo, but was kind of guilt tripped into it by the very friendly staff. The drink is huge. I got ice tea so I could drink it over a couple days. The restaurant is set up really well for this COVID period. You get to select your toppings when you order. I don't remember ordering onions though, but somehow got them. 

This was Megan's Crispy Chicken. It's upside down. That's the gravy on the side on the left (cut off). This is a great way to get gravy for take out. Always ask!

I got a Original Burger--1/4lb with bacon and cheese. I also got gravy. All the extras really add up. We could have done with one less gravy, as we're more "dippers" than "drowners". The gravy was very rich and flavourful. I believe this will be the gravy on their poutine (it says "beef gravy" on the menu). 

The fries were just like I like them! All those little crispy bits! They were in cardboard, open top boxes, and I think that really, really makes a difference. Foam clamshells, or even any closed top container, are murder to fries. The burger was wrapped in a foil sheet, also a great way to do it. The buns were a little soft, but I don't mind that. I hate a crispy bun that roughs up the roof of your mouth. 

The food was very filling, and very good. I would prefer my burger slightly less done, but some of that could have been from being wrapped up for the trip home. The fries were not huge servings, which is fine. I was still very full at the end! However, we felt it was a little pricey. It was about $47 for three combos, once all the extras and tax are added up. It also took awhile--the place was non-stop busy. I do still want to try the onion rings but I don't think we'll make a habit of going here for burgers. It's not very close to us. They do have other locations though, and if they're also really good, I'd visit one while out. They were planning to open one in Peterborough that wouldn't be too far off our route for when we go to Bancroft, so if that does open, it's nice to have another option. 

I definitely do recommend this place, they are doing a lot of things right!

Chip Truck Review: Woody's (Apsley)

I don't know how long Woody's has been at the corner of Highway 28 and County Rd 620 near Apsley, ON. Rob and I were heading up to Bancroft alone so we decided to stop in.

The parking is okay if you don't have a trailer. If there's no room on the edge of the road, keep going up the road to the municipal office. It's not far and you'll want the exercise.

There's lots to see outside, and dogs are allowed outside and they have water bowls. The food set up is a little different though. As you come around the building, you might notice the food shack off the deck. That's the Order Pick up window. You order at a window at the back of the main store building.

 The onion ring price is a smidge higher than other places last year. The burgers are customizable!

I didn't care for the fries. They were good, but I like them done more. Rob liked them. I really enjoyed the onion rings though! Rob didn't LOL. 

The burgers are handmade patties. Not sure how big it actually is, but it's a good size. It was tasty too. Not dry like homemade burgers sometimes are. 

I'd stop here again, if I need a burger. For a quick snack, maybe not. But I'm the odd one out in my family and they like fries like these. Lots to see outside but with young kids it could be a challenge to keep them off the sculptures. Great gift ideas here though and worth a little visit. Local artisans, etc. 

Chip Truck Review: Bancroft Kawartha Dairy

Edit to add: The Burger Bus has been changed to "Hillbilly Diner". Totally new structure (I think). It looks less hillbilly than the old place. I could see a sign with "$5 Menu" so I think it could still be the same owners. Hopefully we'll get to check it out soon.


Every parent that has ever driven into Bancroft up Highway 28 has experience the annoying backseat demands once the first Kawartha Dairy billboard is in view. 7km! Every time we've stopped, we always say "we should try the chip truck." I was bringing the kids up on my own this past Friday and when we saw the long line up at the Dairy, we headed over to the chip truck. It's actually called Burgers & More. Cash only!

My pictures are a little out of order and I can't seem to change the order on my phone.
The poutine was a little pricey, we felt. Yes, there were cheese curds, but over all, they were just ho-hum. Soft fries--I think because they closed the lid. We got the Regular/Small--$6.95!

Skippy wanted in on the cheesey action

They looked promising!

The onion rings were actually very good. They could possibly have been fresh made. They were much skinnier than the PC Frozen ones from Miss Crispie's. A man ordered two orders of fries right after us and his were ready quite quick, and while we were also getting a bacon cheeseburger, I don't know how that would delay our order so much. These rings were $3.95. I would get these again. 

The menu is quite extensive, and they have another board with $5 deals. Overall, our meal was a little pricey, even without the burger. Megan got chicken nuggets and she said they were really good (they looked like McDonald's nuggets to me).

There is a covered seating area, but the benches look a little sketchy. We sat at a picnic table with an umbrella, and there is also a little gazebo (but no pets allowed in it). 

Chip Truck Review: Mr GoodChip

Edit to add: The last time I drove along Taunton Rd I noticed this truck was gone. If you know where it's moved to, let me know.

This is a brand new truck in Oshawa and has a lot going for it. Fresh, very clean inside, there's great parking, a Porta-Potty (didn't check it out), clean and new tables with umbrellas. Just no onion rings. Located on the north side of Taunton Rd, between Garrard Rd and Thorton Rd, at "The Barn" next to the big pool store.

I get the feeling he's not entirely committed to the menu yet. That's okay though! Look how clean everything is. I nearly tried the blooming onion petals, but I knew my kids wouldn't eat any so I'll wait for when I'm with Rob. The two sizes of burgers are nice. Oh, I didn't see the coleslaw! You can tell a lot about a food establishment by their coleslaw!

Wowzers. Look at the size of those fries! Thick! And real cheese curds! The gravy was thick and rich. The girls thought it tasted like chunky beef soup, but I think that's a good thing actually.

Halfway down was another layer of cheese and gravy. There was no cheese shortage here!! Which upset Hugh cause he doesn't like cheese on his fries and usually picks around the edges and at the bottom. The cheese was so stringy, it was ooey, gooey messy and yummy. I will say I thought the fries could use another minute or two and most of my testers agreed--even though they like them pale. They were not crispy fries.

Look at how pretty and smooth the table is. The umbrella has solar lights too. Mr Goodchip obviously knows what people want, and it's the little things that can make the experience good. The ambience...well, it's Taunton Rd. You can watch small planes coming/going to the Oshawa Airport, and traffic watch. A little noisy but not too bad. We will definitely check it out again and hopefully he's added onion rings :)

Chip Truck Review: Captain Jack's (Brechin, On)

I'm not sure that is the real name. There was another name on the awning that looked like it might have been painted over at one point, but was sort of showing. It's located at the Foodland in Brechin, Ontario. Highway 12, south of Orillia. For Pete's sake, use some common sense when going here on a busy travel day. Don't try to pull out to go north when all the traffic is coming south on Sunday night.

There were people here when we stopped, so that's a good sign. There was a board with lots of flyers up, a table with toppings, all under the awning, that's nice. It was a bit of a high window though. Good selection of burgers, fish and chips, meal items. However, I added a poutine to the order, and they totally forgot it. It wasn't on the bill, so that's good, but I would have liked to try it. I saw someone else's and I think it had cheese curds.

They have onion rings! Hard to find at chip trucks!

Not a whole lot. I think this is a small and there's probably one missing. I don't think they're fresh dipped but they were still satisfying. I hate the crumbly ones from A&W.

The girls got the chicken fingers and fries. A ton of fries, but only 3 chicken fingers. They were quite large though, and they got dipping sauce, so they were happy. The men got burgers. They said they were very good. The fries seemed good. Of course, I always say they should be done more but everyone else thought they were good. 

The ambiance...in a parking lot, but there were several tables. Foodland there if you want to buy your own drinks or dessert. 

If you go to Google Maps (not sure if my link will work right) and look at the street view, you can see it. You can also see the fog. My ex's extended family all lived up that way and we had many foggy drives back!

And on our way up to go fishing, we found this peddle boat at the Tim Horton's. It was quite large! Adorable!

Chip Truck Review: " Best in Town"

Often when I ask for new chip trucks to try, the ones at Canadian Tires get mentioned. They always smell good, and are usually busy. Do all Canadian Tires have a chip truck? The two in Whitby do! So one day Megan and I were out getting a father's day gift (at Canadian Tire--how convenient) and opted to do a test--the first of the season. 

 

This is the Whitby south location, on Consumer's Drive. 

I wanted a menu picture, but it was too busy

I believe this was the jumbo hot dog. Megan said it was really good. 

And this was the "poutine". Okay, first up. We all see it. There are no cheese curds. Since becoming a poutine fan, I have come to enjoy cheese on my fries (must also have gravy). So, I don't care too much if it's curds or not. Shredded cheese makes a nice ooey gooey mess that curds sometimes don't (if they're just sprinkled on top).  So I don't take points away. 

It appears that I like my fries more well done than most people. These were almost too well done, but I still found them acceptable. Those who prefer less done, take your chances. I don't remember anything about the gravy.

The ambiance? Well, it's at the front of Canadian Tire, between the entrance and the auto shop. Not exactly scenic. It's not a terribly busy one, and there was shade in the afternoon, so points for that. The worker did not add it up right, $1 in my favour. The sausages did seem to be the big draw, with a steady stream of people. 

I would definitely get the fries here again. Maybe not make a trip just to go there (I do have my own deep fryer), but I'd rather have those than the wimpy things at Wendy's and McD's that are just up the street from Canadian Tire.