Anyone remember the last time a burger had an official release date? Well, when KFC announced that it was bringing the wildly successful bun-less Double Down sandwich to Canada, they gave it one: October 18th.
The Toronto Star warned us of its high-calorie count well before it hit our shores, and the Toronto Sun pointed out that while the double-chicken sandwich is not much fattier than a Big Mac, it contains more sodium than a Triple Whopper with Cheese. The Double Down was so intimidating that Ontario's health promotion minister considered banning it, though she later backed, erm, down.
Early this afternoon, I headed to the KFC/Taco Bell location at Queen and Augusta, the one that usually has punkers, buskers or bums sitting on its stoop. (None today, though. I guess 11 was too early for 'em…) I was greeted by a friendly old Chinese lady, whose voice I swear I heard in Dude, Where's My Car? I even let her upsell me on a poutine. Double Down and poutine!? That's suicide, right?
VERDICT: While I've never been baked enough to ask for a Land, Sea and Air burger, the double-chicken -and-bacon sandwich is an idea I'd actually like to see in more restaurants. Two greasy thumbs up!
P.S.: Tonite's episode of Smokin' Green features some meaty, fatty tuneage as I double down with the likes of Black Mountain, Burning Brides and Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound. Be sure to tune in from 1 till 3 am at 88.1 fm on yer radio, channel 947 on yer TV or www.ckln.fm on yer computer!