There are numerous claims on how the ‘slider’ came to be, from the grilled patties of the U.S. Navy, sliding about during the heavy seas, or the claim that White Castle invented the ‘Slyder.’ Whichever claim is true. one thing’s for sure, a slider is not a mini-hamburger. The meat of the slider is cooked on top of a bed of onions that allows the juices from the onions to permeate into the meat itself. This distinctive cooking method makes the slider a truly unique gastronomic experience.

You can download the this week’s edition in PDF format HERE (or grab the full newspaper HERE,) or just keep reading (the unrated version) below.

Episode 1 – Harold and Kumar go to White Castle, Rangelina go to Revel Room.

Image cutline: Revel Room in Gastown serves up three types of sliders: Double Smoked Bacon and Beef, Black Bean Lentil and Avocado, and Pulled Pork, our favourite!

Into the wormhole they go, Raj Taneja and Angelina Rai are transcending cross-dimensional boundaries in search of a slider… but not just a slider, the real slider sorta like that search for Earth Prime in that mid-90s TV series, Sliders. The journey begins in Gastown.

Raj: So, what is the real slider, anyways?

Angelina: Well, it’s like a mini-burger, but not. It’s small, maximum three inches in diameter, the meat is cooked on a griddle, sautéed onions and pickles go well but the possibilities are endless; if you found the ultimate slider you’d know. Like Harold and Kumar’s trip to Whitecastle, we’re on a quest for the truth or at least cure a craving.

R: So, this place they call Revel, located at 238 Abbott Street in Gastown, has sliders on the menu.

A: Not only that, there’s a lot of history in that place. Add a large collection of Stay Puft Marshmallow Men figurines and a bartender by the name of H which I think stands for ‘Hot Bartender,’ …

R: With drinks called Caligula and Secret Garden on the menu, I think I know where this fantasy is going really fast, but back to business…  Revel has not just one, but three sliders on the menu. They’re only available after 11pm so your bedtime better not be early. Pulled Pork and Beef with Double Smoked Bacon and I’m forgetting one…

A: The Black Bean Slider with Avocado Salsa and you’ll taste a hint of butter!

R: Ahh, but that pales in comparison to the refreshing flavour of meat. The Pulled Pork slider really stood out considering that this little piggy was braised for 11 hours.Add in a nicely toasted bun and a little bit of coleslaw, the only word that comes to mind is awesome.

A: I agree but it’s so good to see a slider that’s worthwhile for our Vegetarian pals, too.

R: A menu fit for someone seeking a wide range of possibilities…

A: Including sophisticated drinks specially crafted by bartender H.

R: He’ll even serve you a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie at last call. It’s their thing, you know.

Editor: What parallel universe will Rangelina slide into next? Who will they meet? What will they eat? Tune in next week for Episode 2 of Slider Quest.

Raj Taneja is part technologist, entrepreneur, social media juggernaut and foodie. He runs urbanmixer.com and publishes a miscellany of musings at raj.jp and on twitter @tinhead