Big Scoop Family Restaurant & Take-Out — Restaurant in Wilmot

Came here on a recommendation to try, but it was mainly because we were in the area and I happened to see the smash burger on the menu which immediately made me come out to try. This is coming from a foodie, amateur chef, and burger enthusiast.

We had the smash burger and regular poutine.

I'd like to commend them on the burger - putting in the sauteed onions and keeping it fairly plain...so good! I'd love for this burger to also have lettuce and tomatoes though - I'll just ask for it next time though. The burger was near perfect, well seasoned, but not bland, and definitely not salty. The bun, excellent for this particular execution - though if I had to make it a smidge better, butter it and crisp it on the griddle. The additional richness and crisp texture developed will take it to another level. Because of the moisture of this burger, the sauteed onions, this comes out piping hot. I love that! Though my wife might've burnt her mouth a little... The burger patties were a fair size, though if I were doing these myself, I'd make 'em just slightly smaller, crank up the heat up just a little, smash 'em just a bit thinner and get a better crust on them, and cook it to a more medium to medium well doneness to maintain a similar moisture level. I felt it was just a bit more cooked than I wanted - good in the center moisture wise, and the texture better/more caramelized on the edges. I think this is where a slightly smaller patty seared and squished more thinly would produce a result I'd argue would have 'em selling even more. =) I'm definitely coming back for this burger though!

The poutine was ok, fairly priced, but I'd rather have a bit more generous portion of fries. The gravy was good, though I'd want a different cheese curd - though melted, they lacked the chew and squishiness of a "better" quality one. However, for this price, it's awesome as some other places try to rip you off by charging way too much. This one strikes a good balance because the portion size also doesn't give you so much you feel like you're just wasting it, and shared between two people it's just enough without feeling too heavy. If you're super hungry, you could probably polish off the poutine and a burger.

The surprise though was the Jersey cut fries. These are fantastic! Why are they not sold everywhere? I love a good, home cut fry, especially if they use Yukon Golds. I also had the regular fries, and though good, maybe if they fried it in a different oil (like how Five Guys does theirs in a peanut oil) then they'd stand out. They're fine, and a good vehicle for the poutine, but alone, the Jersey cut fries were so much better. Those were an interesting mix of your typical potato wedge, seasoned, the starchiness of a larger cut fry (which they are), and as a result you get both a crispy outside and the fluffy potato inside. These were a really pleasant surprise - fantastic fry!

We'll see you...

Would give 0 stars if I could. One of the worst attempts I've ever had at going to a restaurant.

Starting at our arrival, we thought there may be something going on as there was a crowd of about 30 people in front of the door in a circle blocking the entrance. We managed to make our way through them to get inside.

We got seated after a few minutes of waiting. It was very loud. They brought me a coffee instead of a tea like I ordered. Then after a long wait, they brought both my self and my partner the completely wrong order.

The food they presented us, was the breakfast combo, white toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns. Even though I order sausage, over easy eggs and whole wheat toast and my partner didn't even order a breakfast combo, but pancakes, whole wheat toast and over easy eggs.

The bacon was 2 small shriveled sad strips. The eggs looked like they had been forgotten. It was clear the food had been rushed and then forgotten. It did not bode well for my desire to eat our actual meal we ordered. The portions were very small, meager in size. The quailty was clearly bulk discount level and actually made me less hungry.

In a small way, I'm glad we were shown the wrong order, as it gave us a glimpse the awful experience we would be having if we had stayed and waited however long it would have taken to get our actual order.

When we pointed it out they seemed flustered and didn't apologize or say anything. Just left and walked away with the food leaving us with nothing.

We waited another 17 minutes and not once did they return or come within eye sight of us. It was clear we had been completely forgotten about. That or they were too embarrassed to attend to us further.

Got to watch another couple order their food, get their food, eat their food, and then get their bill and pay. All while we waited with no service and no food.

A very frustrating, time wasting experience.

I would not recommend coming here unless you are someone who enjoys poor attempts at simulating a classic dinner, without any of the love, atmosphere or history of a great greasy spoon. Soulless.

0/10

Not worth it if it was a the last...

The Big Scoop is a true gem nestled in the heart of Middleton, Nova Scotia. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm, friendly smiles and a cozy, inviting atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. The quaint and charming decor, combined with the delightful aroma of freshly prepared food, created a truly welcoming ambiance that set the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

The menu at The Big Scoop is a delightful fusion of local flavors and international cuisine, showcasing the best of what Nova Scotia has to offer. I had the pleasure of trying their signature seafood platter, and I was blown away by the freshness and exquisite flavors of the seafood. Each dish was expertly crafted, demonstrating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that truly exemplified the culinary expertise of the chefs.

Furthermore, the service was impeccable. The staff members were attentive and knowledgeable, offering helpful recommendations and ensuring that every need was met with a smile. The attention to detail and genuine passion for providing an exceptional dining experience truly sets The Big Scoop apart.

Not to mention, the dessert selection is to die for! I couldn't resist indulging in their homemade ice cream, and it was the perfect sweet conclusion to an already unforgettable meal.

Overall, The Big Scoop exceeded all of my expectations, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you're a local looking for a delightful dining experience or a traveler eager to explore the culinary delights of Nova Scotia, The Big Scoop is an absolute must-visit. It's a place where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a charming atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable...