Stan’s Fries

I can’t believe nobody has reviewed Stan’s Fries as yet. People are always asking where the best fries in Toronto are, and when I try to amass a list, in the back of my mind, I am always thinking, «an hour and a half west of here», in an unassuming parking lot in Brantford.
The place has been around since 1950, apparently, and has to be one of the best kept secrets in the country. I wrestled with whether to write this or not since I honestly think too much attention might ruin a great thing here.
The fries are a mystery to me, and one that I’m happy to be ignorant of. I don’t want to know what kind of oil they use, what type of potatoes, nothing except that these truly perfect morsels of food will always be available to order and salivate over.
All you need to choose is how big an order (extra large), and whether you want salt and vinegar on them (yes, you absolutely do).
They put them into cardboard boxes which then get slipped into plastic bags, to protect you (not always successfully) from the grease, vinegar and condensed steam. And they don’t give you any utensils, just a couple of pretty insufficient toothpicks (it’s part of the charm of the experience).
The fries themselves aren’t at all greasy. They are a mesmerizing blend of crispy and soft, denser than your average fry, but not heavy at all. One taste and you will be hooked for life.
So worth the drive to Brantford, but please only tell a precious few.