Roald Dahl would approve of kid-friendly menu
The Works’ wacky burger is a treat for children seeing James and the Giant Peach
Giant talking insects don’t normally whet the appetite, but during James and the Giant Peach they somehow do.
The Young People’s Theatre musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic runs until March 18.
In the show, the magically enhanced bugs and their human companion, James, float across the Atlantic on a giant peach.
They survive by eating their juicy ripe craft.
Prompted by all that munching, my mind wanders. What would I recommend to match this?
Peach compote, I think when Ladybug offers James a piece of peach warmed under her wing and drizzled with honey from her purse. I even consider eating the insects, as with C-Fu cricket meal.
But peaches are out of season and all the kids groan in horror when wicked Aunt Sponge eats a spider.
So I settle on what my own 8-yearold enjoyed just before the performance: a kids’ burger at the Works.
Works appeals to children of all ag- es with its sense of humour. Drinks are served in Pyrex measuring cups. Toilets are called “the dumping zone.”
And, for now, the Oakville-based chain is serving a Trump Joke Burger “with a wall of fries.”
The so-called “Kidz menu” for those 10 and under has fun with language, just like Dahl.
“Green weeds” turns out to be a mixed salad with dressing on the side.
Kids choose their patty — beef, veggie or chicken — and one of eight set toppings. (Adults have more options.)
A top seller is the seemingly stomach-churning combo of peanut butter, bacon and jack cheese, dubbed the Face Plant ($7.48). Yet my daughter happily eats almost all of the quarter-pound burger tucked into a rustic ACE bun.
When I try what’s left, it’s better than anticipated, more like beef satay than an Elvis sandwich.
Clearly, the Works knows what kids want. It’s also one of the top 10 lunch orders for adults, I later learn.
As for the peach component, the Bulk Barn across from the theatre sells Maynards fuzzy peaches for $3.99 a pound.
A handful won’t fuel a cross-Atlantic journey, but it will hit the soursweet spot tickled by Dahl.