The NDP seems to be ahead of the pack in New West, according to a “bun-official” poll being conducted by Burger Heaven.
For nearly 25 years, foodies have been able to cast a vote for their political party of choice when they order a gourmet burger during an election campaign. So far, the Mulcair burger – made with “juicy Tom-ato and sharp slice of cheddar cheese served on a Mul-ti grain bun with ‘Cair’”– tops the list, carrying 34 per cent of the vote.
Following is the Trudeau burger – the “unseasoned, lean-to-the-middle” option, which includes a spoonful of French dressing, “lotsa newly-aged mozza cheese and is striving to create some heat in the political kitchen,” according to the tongue-in-cheek menu descriptions.
Next in the polls is the Harper burger at 17 per cent, followed by May, “Bundecided” (i.e. not sure which burger candidate will cut the mustard so can’t select at the moment) and Duceppe (comes with hot sauce de “franc,” “separated” from the rest in the proverbial frying pan especially in the West).
Most of the restaurant’s clientele are familiar with the burger poll, according to manager Chris Geib.
“You still get some people who are surprised, they haven’t seen it before, but for the most part, I’d say a good 90 per cent knows it exists,” he told the Record.
Asked how accurate the burger survey has been in the past, Geib answered “pretty much 100 per cent” when it comes to local government. He said in the last municipal election, the poll was correct in naming Jonathan Cote as mayor.
“We’re usually correct with whichever (party we) elect for our riding, so it’s usually NDP, then 99 per cent of the time it’s NDP that’s always on our board. When it comes to the federal, we’re probably about 50 per cent right,” Geib explained.
Burger Heaven also has a location in Grande Prairie, Alta., where survey results are much different. Even though the province is now under an NDP government, the burger poll suggests Harper is leading (53 per cent), followed by Mulcair (17 per cent), Trudeau (15 per cent), May (9 per cent), Bundecided (5 per cent) and Duceppe (1 per cent).
“Based on what happened in the last provincial election, I’m a little surprised,” Geib said.
That part of Alberta, however, has been predominately blue. Current Conservative MP Chris Warkentin has been re-elected ever since taking office in 2006.
The Royal City’s Burger Heaven is at 77 10th St. Ballots will be accepted until Oct. 18.
