Miel Container @ Brisbane CBD

Continuing on our burger quest in Brisbane back in November we headed across the road from our hotel to Miel Container.  They came with a high recommendation from a few sources.

 

We grabbed a table overlooking the footpath and immediately knew we would order the Massive hand cut onion rings.  Look at that tower!

 

 

 

Crunchy, golden and thick onion rings coated with a lovely crumb and so addictive!

 

 

The Boy never passes up pork burgers and goes with the Miso Pork Belly - a mountain of marinated pork belly on a brioche bun with lettuce, spiced gherkin, red onion and aioli. 

 

This is very good.  The pork is sweet and tender and a huge mouthful is very much appreciated!

 

 

 

I have gone with something complete different and go for the Crunch Prawn burger - A big crumbed prawn patty, brioche bun, spiced gherkin, lettuce, tomato, grilled pineapple, cheddar cheese with tartar and cocktail sauce.

 

 

 This was tasty but I felt the prawn patty needed more seasoning or flavour.  The thick cut chips are yum with a sprinkling of herbs

 

Definitely a burger to try in Brisbane!

 

 

 

 

 

Belfield on Botany @ Rosebery

Checking out Belfield on Botany at Rosebery has been on a list of burger wants for quite some time and I was a very happy person after visiting in October last year.

  

There are 10 burgers on offer along with sides and milkshakes.  Simply and easy.....

 

 

 

 The Boy opts for the mouth drooling B.W.A.  A double patty, double cheese, streaky bacon, onion rings and hot sauce burger that is dripping with excitement.  It's a winner.  He is a big fan!

 

 

 

The sides on offer include tater tots, sweet potato wedges, crinkle cut chips and deep fried mushrooms.

 

What do we go for?

 

A bucket of tater tots are the perfect accompaniment to a good juicy burger.

 

 

The deep fried mushrooms just took my dining experience to a whole other level.  These were amazing (and I really mean that).  I think these have just become my new favourite side dish! 

 

Plump, juicy mushrooms coated with an awesome crumb coating and deep fried to golden perfection.  Oh yum! 

 

 

I went with the Pork burger.  A unique concoction of a peanut butter pork patty, kimchi, green apple and mayo.  It was so gooooooood. 

 

 

 

We loved our burgers here.  we loved the mushrooms and the tater tots.  We loved it! We have been raving about those mushrooms for months and who doesn't love a good crispy, hot tater tot!

 

 

 

 

January 2017 rolls around.  It was our last day of our holidays, before heading back to work and we decided that we needed a burger and headed back for our second visit. We took up an Ompty.com offer for burgers, which are an awesome deal that include, a burger, side and a can of soft drink for $10.

 

The Boy opted for the classic Belfield burger consisting of a beef patty, cheese, rocket and Vegemite mayo.

 

 

 

Of course we couldn't pass up on a serve of tater tots and a serve of the deep fried mushrooms plus a side of crinkle cut chips!

 

 

 

Although the mushrooms were smaller (which got you more in the bucket *wink..wink*) they were still as tasty as ever.  The tater tots are exactly the same awesomeness and the crinkle cut fries are super crunchy and crispy. 

 

This time I went with the Mushroom burger which included a hash brown, rocket and aioli.  I was a little underwhelmed by this burger. 

 

 

Our burgers were 'okay'.  We weren't left drooling like last time.  We loved our mushrooms and tater tots and I love dining in at Belfields.  It was just the burgers didn't live up to the hype that we had on our first visit which left us wondering if it was an off day or things had changed (a few friends have commented lately too) - I hope not. 

 

Another visit is on the cards so we can decide.

 

 

 

Miss Kay Burger Bar @ Brisbane

 A recent visit to Brisbane had me researching for burgers and our first night (after a day of sipping cider in extreme heat) we landed at Miss Kays Burger Bar. 

 

Burgers are a great eat to help sop up some alcohol.

 

 

 

 

 

I went with something different and got the Poutine burger.  A juicy, med rare beef patty with bacon bits, haloumi, fries, gravy, pickle, lettuce and mayo.

 

The burger was good, just not as saucy as I usually go for.  the halmoui offered the squeakiness of the cheese curds needed for poutine and gravy to bring it all together as something different.  Overall a good feed.

 

The boy went with the Mac Daddy.  Filled with a  beef patty, mac n' cheese, American cheese, lettuce, pickle, mayo and loaded fries.  He seemed to enjoy it and said it was okay.  (He'll hold on further judgement as his memory may have been a little skewed after a day in the sun!)

 

A serve of onion rings with Miss Kay's seasoning were good (although very oily).  I really liked these, the boy not so much (again holding judgement).

Definitely a burger bar I would happily visit again next trip!  The Ludakrisp burger looks next level!

Bare Grill and Cafe @ La Perouse

 

The burger craze has been sweeping Sydney for some time now and there are some awesome burger joints that are taking the "meat between a bun basic burger" to new levels.　 One of the most notable burger joints is Bare Grill.　 In a little over 12 months Bare Grill have climbed that ladder to new heights and offering up some great tasting concoctions!

I have had the pleasure of smashing a Bare Grill burger or two over the past few months and it has fast become my go to burg place when a craving hits.

The last couple of visits I have chosen The Hangover (not the Bradley Cooper variety).　 A soft bun  with beer battered fish, American cheddar, hash brown, sunny side egg, fries and pickled mayo.　 I love me some pickled mayo!

The Boy has indulged in the Wild West burger.  Thanks to Ompty's great discount deals.  You can grab either of these with fries and a soft drink for $10!

 

 

Now, although Bare Grill has become famous for it’s burgers, the rest of the menu is also great which includes T-bone steaks, BBQ Pork ribs, souvlakia and the assortment of grilled fried seafood.　 I cannot forget to mention buffalo wings and EPIC fries (which are just that, EPIC!)

Thanks to ompty.com for inviting me along recently to sample some more delights, it gave me a chance to try some of the other delicious offerings (I usually smash a burg and hit my peak!).

We start with the buffalo wings, BBQ wings and a serve of the EPIC Fries (definitely sharing dishes by the way).　

The buffalo wings are crispy and crunchy covered in a not to spicy buffalo sauce.  I love buffalo wings and blue cheese dip!!!

buffalo wings

BBQ wings

The BBQ wings are good too but my real focus was on those EPIC fries.　 I was lusting over them. Definitely one of those ‘I need a moment to myself’ moments (haven’t had one of them in awhile!)

EPIC fries

Epic fries.　 Crispy waffle fries topped with pulled pork, gooey liquid cheese (that stuff is addictive), spicy aioli, shallots, bacon and Carolina sticky BBQ Sauce.　

I move onto the burgers.　 I have opted for The Fatties.　 Appropriately named after the Facebook Group (which I am of course a member of).　 It has double beef patties, American cheddar, bacon and the delicious Bare sauce (addiction right there peeps)!

The Fatties really hit the spot for that ‘cheeseburger’ craving.　 The beef patties are juicy and perfectly cooked.　There is just the right amount of grease to soak into the burger too.

Don't you just love the branding on the bun?

The Boy has been eyeing off The Bare Cockfighter the last couple of visits and goes with it today. It has two Southern fried chicken, bacon, American cheddar, guacamole, coleslaw, iceberg lettuce and big bare sauce.  Instant love!!

Everything is made in house (except for the pulled pork, which is ordered in).

I didn't taste these two burgers but they looked mouth watering. The Trip and The Cure.

The Trip has a beef patty, bacon, onion rings, American cheddar, hash brown and truffle mayo (front pic) and The Cure consisting of double beef patties, American cheddar, jalapenos, bacon, gherkins, hash brown, fried egg and that delicious Bare sauce (back pic)!!! Oh my.....

 

There are other offerings too.  The Greek Salad and Souvalaki is fresh and zesty.

 

For beverages, there is the usual selection of soft drinks and milkshakes…then there is the Freak Shakes! 

The Nutella Bomb is an eye popping chocolate milk shake/dessert delight.  Topped with a nutella filled donut and whipped cream, it truly is the BOMB!
Perfect to share over a romantic lunch?

Bare Grill is the perfect lunch or dinner spot (and a walk along the beach to walk off the food coma).  Get there early (particularly on a sunny day and coming into the Summer months).  The lines get long and crazy.

If you are in need of an ice cream they offer Pat and Stick's cookie icecreams!!!

In 3 days time Bare Grill is coming to Surry Hills.  Friday they open their doors to a second venue.  the menu will offer some new burgers and my tastebuds can't wait.


*Roofood dined as a guest of Ompty and Bare Grill. Thanks for a fab lunch!
 

Dexter - Meat & Buns @ Preston, Melbourne

On a recent quick visit to Melbourne, which was all about friendships and catchups and celebrations, I knew I would have time for only one meal out.  But how does a foodie choose just one restaurant in a city that has a plethora of amazing places and one I never get to visit very often?

 

As I was staying in Preston, a quick search on the area led me straight to Dexter (just up the road from my hotel). 

 

 

Minimal signage. X marks the spot.

 

Brothers Sam and Tom Peasnell along with friend Adam Goldblatt, who collectively have careers that include infamous Pitt Cue and Homeslice, both in London, Chin Chin, Movida, Auction Rooms and Three Bags Full and they have collaborated to bring  this 'non-traditional meatery' (their words) to Preston, a North Melbourne residential melting pot that is on the up and coming.

 

 

 

 

Once inside the space is well lit with sky lighting and lots of light wood and white walls.  There is a communal table/bar running the length of one side with tables and bench seating on the other.  There is also another space out back past the open kitchen.  I love this minimalist, airy, light fitout.

 

 

 

 

So, let's talk all things carnivore first up.  Dexter is all about the meat.  Southern style American BBQ in fact. Here the guy's choose optimal cuts of protein suitable for smoking, low and slow braising, sous vide and chargrilling. 

Their lunch menu is a condensed version of their dinner menu but still plenty of meaty goods to choose from.

The menu has me drooling and a serve of scratchings  is needed to start (because well as you know crackling is my crack!) and a Pickle Back.

 

it was a 'I need a moment to myself' moments

What the hell is a Pickle Back you ask?  The perfect aperitif!  A 30ml shot of Makers Mark bourbon and a shot of Pickle Juice (house made by the way).  The bourbon is truly a remarkable drop and the house made pickle juice is sweet and savoury all in one.  I was close to ordering a second!

There may be buns on the menu but definitely no burgers or meat patties here.  Brioche buns are made in house to accompany the pulled and smoked meats.  There are so many delectable offerings but I go with the most popular choice.  The Pig's Head Bun.

 

A slow braised pulled pigs head meat rolled into a croquette and deep fried topped with pickled pineapple, vinegar slaw and pickles. Soft chewy bun encases this crispy delight.  The rich jowl and head meat is tender and juicy and comforting. The pickled pineapple is juicy and tangy and the vinegar slaw is tangy. 

 

I cannot pass over a side of the Bone Marrow Mash.  Yep!  A swirl of super smooth mash floating in a bowl of light gravy with gelatinous dots of delicious bone marrow.  Topped with a gremolata.

 

This is decadent and rich and so inspiring.  I mean bone marrow in gravy on mash...I'm lost...

 

As a side note, I did have a small slight issue with something but the boys and their staff handle it perfectly as expected.  They are friendly, welcoming and clearly passionate about what they do and what they are producing in the kitchen.  That enthusiasm rubs off a little on me.

 

Couldn't have had a nicer lunch!

 

Although I was already bursting to the brim with meaty goodness, I was kindly offered up a taste of another popular side. The KFC.  Kentucky Fried Cauliflower.  A spicy, nutty batter coating pieces of cauliflower.  Perfectly dipped in siracha sauce.  These were so fabulously delicious! 

 

 

 

I understand that Dexter is a welcoming place in the neighbourhood and as I make my departure I am already planning a return for dinner.  Their night menu offers a larger range of meats including short ribs in caramel sauce and  pork ribs and trays of meats plus yet another popular item, the meat donut!  Burnt brisket ends stuffed inside donuts and laced with icing sugar.  HELL YES!

 

Thanks for such a great meaty lunch Dexter.  I will be back next time I'm in Melbs. 

 

Dexter
456 High Street, Preston
http://www.dexter.melbourne/


 

Miss America's Diner @ Riverwood

Sydney's current craze is American BBQ and burgers and who am I to complain!  I get to indulge in some good ole fashioned American comfort food.

 

 

 

The best thing about this craze is that alot of new places are opening up out of the inner city area and heading to the burbs including Miss America's Diner.  By day this place is The Spot Caffe and on a Friday night it comes alive as an American Diner, complete with flag bunting and quitchy 50's Americana memorabilia.  I am instantly the smitten kitten.

 

 

Our party of 9 were sitting outside at a red and white checked table.  Jumbo playing cards are supplied for some entertainment (for the kids, however adults are welcome to play to!)

 

 

The menu is two pages long and is filled with classic's, burgers, dawg's fries, sundaes, spiders and sodapop.  Miss America's Diner is also BYO.  So adults are drinking wine while the kids opt for shakes.

  

 Brown Cow and Blue Cow shakes.  The flavours come in chocolate (brown), pink (strawberry), yellow (banana), black and white (vanilla).  Ask for a Fat cow and it comes thickshake style. 

 

These shakes are malted with soft serve and cream. I love the addition of lollies, wafers and cream atop of the shakes.

 

I think we ordered most of the menu!

 

I went with the James Dean burger.   Double beef patties separated by cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and sauce.

 

I have to admit the cheese melted between the patties is a revelation!  Juicy and full of burger flavour, this burg was GOOD. Really good!

 

I couldn't eat it all, particularly as we were also nibbling on side dishes (see below) and one of the boys polished it off on top of his dawg. Big appetites are needed!

 

 

A juicy beef patty with double cheese, lettuce

 

 

A couple tried the Love Me Tender and both said it was good.   Chicken breast, bacon, cheddar, lettuce and honey mustard burger.

Someone went with the Chilli Dog. The bun was filled with a pork sausage smothered in chilli beef, onions, peppers, spices and  was piled high with chilli and oozy melted cheesy sauce.

 

 

The tiddly winks (aka the kids) went with either a junior dawg which is a sausage in a bun with sauce or the Hot Diggity Dawg which was topped with bacon and melted cheese (hold the mustard sauce).

 

 

 

 

We could not pass up a selection of sides to share.  We ordered the chilli fries, which in my opinion some of hte best chilli fries I have ever had.  The chilli had a good kick of heat but it also was thick and really tasty.  pairs with the best cheese to come out of America and these were the bomb!

 

Another must try was the Heart Attack Fries and I know why they are called that and equally delicious.  Skinny fries topped with crispy bacon, two types of melted cheese (and I forgot to ask what ones) and shallots.  Let's just say 'skinny fries' is a misnomer!

 

These were pretty delicious and reminiscent of a cabonara sauce flavour.  Although these were very good we all decided that we preferred the chilli fries (saying that I would definitely have these again as a side if I wasn't feeling up to spicy heat).

 

The Buffalo Wings are something I feel in love with while I was living in Canada.  I would always meet up with one of my great friends there for a pub night once a week or so and we would have beer and wings.  Proper Buffalo wings.

 

So I had to try these out tonight.  6 wings fried golden and crispy and dipped in a vinegar based hot sauce and perhaps butter? (that's the traditional way).  Served with celery sticks and blue cheese sauce. 

 

I liked these but I reckon they could be a little more vinegar-y and spicy...but then again spiciness is subjective!

Even though we realised we had to much food we couldn't stop ourselves ordering a serve of the Corny Corn.  Boiled ears with butter and topped with crushed cheese corn chips.

 

Crunchy, cheesy and tasty. I love me some corn and they are the perfectly bite sized.

 

The kids wanted Banana Splits and these were glorified with lollies again!  Sweet heavens.....

 

For those adults wanting dessert they finished off with the warm Apple Pie (and we will ignore all the references to the movie made at the table). This was simply served with a glass of soft serve icecream

 

We had a fun night out and ate some great food.  The memorabilia is awesome and the atmosphere is great. 

 

The only downside thing I noticed and it's no bigger really was service was a little hit and miss, it was busy and the girls were run off their feet and we were left waiting for a few things that were needed at the table.  It happens and we weren't in any rush and mentioned no big deal.

 

Making the trek to Riverwood (okay I'm not to far but others might grumble) is worth the effort on a Friday night and I am looking forward to those chilli fries again.