Don't be Rude

There comes a time in your life where all you want to eat are burgers. Delicious juicy meat patties with glorious goodness of fresh lettuce tomato and oozy melting cheese, squished together between a bun.

Talent of burger in Melbourne is a big thing right now, and the competitive structure of making the best burger is underway.

In recent events one of Melbourne's top 10 burger joints just so happened to open it's doors just only a few blocks away, and this is dangerous.

Rude Boy Burger located in Brunswick West and Brother to the siding cafe LoLo & Wren is sure becoming a staple in the local area, with gatherings of burger go getters from 6pm. Believe me the crowds are a good sign when it comes to eating a good burger, I have started eating dinner at 5:30 so I can get in before the others.

With Burgers such as the Onion Supreme, Wagyu burger topped with caramelised onion, golden onion rings, rocket, dripping melted cheese all in a soft seeded bun is mouth watering and gorgeous to eat.

Attempt the Big Popper and you will be having an explosive time with the monstrous creation of a juicy wagyu patty with jalapeño poppers, lettuce, tomato, pickle, cheese and onion finished with a chimichurri sauce.

There's no better way to compliment your burgers than to grab some of those loaded fries and finish it all off with a good old Milkshake.


On our first time there the Cubano fries stood out with it's slow cooked pork, mustard, pickles, chorizo, cheese sauce and may.

The Ghetto Fries. Loaded with jalapeño, cheese sauce, avocado and chipotle relish, also a great choice.

Golden fries smothered in amazing flavour combinations is one to share with a friend. To have a serve on your own with a burger will only make you explode. They are a meal in themselves.

Milkshakes vary from visits with the choices of the old fashioned Tim Tam slam to a strawberry cheesecake or a vanilla slice.

When I also say tim tam, cheese cake or vanilla slice, I am legit. Fill that blender with what seems to be a packet of  tim tams and and finish it off with a splash of milk and by golly me it turns into liquid gold.

At Rude Boy the service is far from Rude. It is polite and efficient serving you as fast as they can and still smile when under the pump.

Dine in or take those buns of heaven away, their will be no disappointment here. My fingers are crossed for Home delivery.... Wink Wink.

It's a good thing these guys are listed in the top 10 of Melbourne's best burgers, because they are droolingly delicious.

Rude Boy Burger

482 Albion Street

Brunswick West

9386 4302

1 UP

I figured that with all the addiction going towards Mario Cart 8, and also me becoming engaged with the world of Nintendo games for the first time at the age of 30+ (shameful I know) there is nothing better than to discuss the wonders of 8 bit.

8Bit, located in Footscary has become a rapid hit on the burger front with the inspiration of incorporating the game world into the food culture.

Now don't judge me, but not being a gamer myself I seemed very vague and didn't understand the titles of the burgers, but my wonderful partner in crime, Paul has since educated me into the world of Nintendo. Not saying that I didn't know who Donkey Kong or Mario was, but the games themselves was something I didn't get into growing up.

So know that I have been drawn into this society of WiiU I feel even more excited to speak about 8 bit with the enthusiasm that you feel when you hit your opponent with a red shell, or you get that boost to push you over the line to come first.

Accentuated around parts of nintendo games where you can aspire to continue to feel part of the world by grabbing a 1 Up Burger or a Golden Axe Burger 8 bit draws the attention from all that pass by on the lunch hour.

I went for the Altered Beast; Beef pattie with cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, bacon, 8bit sauce and BBQ sauce. The other was the Double Dragon; Double beef pattie, bacon, mustard, cheese, pickles and lettuce with 8bit sauce. Both burgers were on sweet burger buns and the patties were juicy and not greasy.

The flavours were fresh and delicious and lead to a very enjoyable burger. My favourite thing is that the burgers come in what I would call a 1/2 box. Something you can easily grab with two hands and enjoy eating your burger with out the sauce dripping down your shirt. Thumbs up to that idea!

The accompaniments of chips are always a good choice, and here they are golden and crunchy. Onion rings are not my favorite from my travels, more I guess like how a fish and chippery would deliver. But then again they are still light and have a lovely crunch and sweet onion ring centre.

We did venture to the next step and although exploding at the seams we grasped our hands to share the 1942 hot dog. Grilled Bratwurst dog with pickle relish, mustard mayo, curry ketchup and slaw. Full flavoured and delicious. This dog delivered everything you would expect and along with the burgers made for very happy eating.

Now without fail you usually have the burger and shake combination, so don't be shy in ordering shakes here. Salted Caramel, Peanut butter, Strawberry cheesecake or Chocolate bar. Any of these flavours will perfectly wash down either burger or dog.

It was a great stop by at 8bit, and I couldn't believe how quickly it filled up with take aways flying out the door and people crossing their fingers to get the better characters as their numbers as they sat down to dine. The service was quick and the staff friendly even with working frantically over the lunch period, just after they have opened their doors.

I will surly be returning, but for now I am headed off to do some laps as Lakitu on my Yoshi bike with Cloud gliders.

8Bit

8 Droop Street

Footscray

9687 8838

Just listed in top 10

In the 1900's somewhere in the land of America a man by the name of Louis Lassen created the brilliant creation of a Hamburger. A sandwich holding 1 or more cooked meat patties served usually with a conjunction of lettuce, bacon, pickles, tomatoes, cheese and finished off with a condiment such as mustards, tomato sauce or relishes.

Over time we have played and created our very own version of the perfect burger. Adding in beetroot, pineapple, egg, onion rings, hash-browns, the works.It never ceases to amaze me how we create something that no longer fits delicately in your mouth like a sandwich. You need to either dislocate your jaw to get it in, in one bite or dare I say it use a knife and fork to eat something that should always be held in your hands

TLBC other wise known as The Local Burger Co has just been listed in Melbourne's top 10 burger bars, and I must admit they are goooooood. Located on Rathdowne street, Carlton this small little Burger bar is becoming a hit to many locals.

Nothing to over the top in flavours, just simple and fresh. Me being a lover of burgers though did get excited about the fact that today's special was a sliders tasting plate. Who wouldn't say no to that when you can't make up your mind on what burger you want.

The selection of sliders were BBQ Beef, Pulled Pork and American Cheese. The BBQ Beef had a sticky smokey BBQ sauce smothering the beef with a fresh slaw, and was delightful. The American Cheese burger is everything you expect melted cheese over the beef patty with a thick layering of American mustard and tomato sauce. But my favorite was the delicious pulled pork made with a wasabi mayo and pickled ginger. Subtle delicate flavours that burst in your mouth makes if for pleasant eating.

 My Burger friend in crime went for the Mushroom burger; a slow roasted mushroom with roasted eggplant, halloumi cheese, lettuce relish and mayo. Adding a serving crisp bacon in their too and you have yourself a whopper of a meal.

For sided the chilli cheese fries were delicious and the hot wings.... ridiculously delicious. The Chilli cheese fries were mild and oozed with melted cheese and jalapenos, beans and red chilli. The wings were smothered in delicious sticky hot sauce that gave you chilli sweats but were that amazing you couldn't stop eating them. It was one of the best hot sauces that I've had, slightly sweet and sour flavours but a wham of chilli.

Milkshakes served in jars to wash it all down with are always a good choice or if you like the American softies, cherry cola, dr pepper are there for you to.

It was a delicious treat to experience the Local Burger Co and I have already been back, and have been telling friends to go there. Eat in, Take away of hire a picnic basket and enjoy it in the park. What more could you ask for? No matter where you want to eat a good burger the options are already there for you.

This little gem really does deserve to be in the top 10 Burger places of Melbourne, even after it only opened it's doors 5 months ago. What a way to start a new business with a Bang.

The Local Burger Co

687 Rathdowne Street

Carlton

9347 7561

Go industrial

As time goes by we seem to be on the search for eateries in the darndest of places. Tucked away deep in a lane way or off the beaten track of where you are headed. But whats a good find are those tucked away in the industrial sections, hidden away from large warehouses on the quiet roads, somewhere where we tend to drive through or avoid because we believe nothing would be down there.

Surprise surprise there are sometimes great finds where you wish you had seen it before if you opened you eyes. In disbelief you have missed out on something so good and are frustrated that you didn't find it sooner. 

Fat Bobs sits down a small alley between 2 warehouses in the Moorabbin Industrial precinct and promotes two great combinations, Hamburgers and Beer. Who wouldn't want these in this location. I have a many a time driven through the area not on the search of somewhere to eat but am glad to have been informed about this local fooderie by one of my Foodie friends Nat Stockley

With a feel that a Semi trailer will at anytime be parking up at the front door the walls are showcased with Neon and vintage signs. The decor is playful and endearing which perks good conversations amongst friends as your eyes gaze around the room. Booth, Bar and table seating accommodates all, grab a beer in hand and have a chin wag at the bar or dine with friends with a good sturdy burger and a bevie. 

If your looking for a good quality jam packed burger that is not too greasy then it wouldn't be a bad idea to come to Fat Bob's. The patty is big and juicy using premium meat and finished with layers of lettuce tomatoes and more dependant on what your feeling like. Go traditional or go extreme - mustard and cheese or jalapenos and more.

Two hands are required while eating this monstrosity and am glad that it comes with assistant wrapping of foil to keep it all together. Unlike your McDonald's burgers where mysteriously you always end up eating more of the bottom of the bun than the top and your left with slop in your hands (what's with that) the foil wrapping will prevent such thing.

Now I apologise for the colour of my photos as we chose to sit under the bright pink Jackie O neon sign that used to once be located in St Kilda on Barkley street, so my images are slightly red tinged.

Seeing as the Jackie O sign was so bold and bright it was like subliminal messages for me to get the Jackie o burger, A soft golden seeded bun surrounds the filling of a 190g beef pattie, tomato, spanish onion, cos lettuce, fontina cheese and finished off with glorious mustard, tomato sauce and a dash of Fat's bob's special sauce. Nourishing and filling it hit's every spot for a burger lover.

The Spartun was also on the table in the same styled bun and filled with a 180g pattie, tomato relish, cos lettuce, bacon, onion 2 ways and vintage cheese finished with some good old BBQ sauce. Wash it all down with some good ale and accompany it with some sides and you are set.

Sides are always a good choice if your are looking for some grazing food too if your just popping in for a beer. Onion rings and beer battered chips are clearly the ones people would head to first but I do recommend the Zucchini chips. Bar snacks such as the Popcorn chicken and Corn chips with guacamole are also available.

Service was friendly and relaxed and they are more than happy to fill you up with there burgers. It's a great casual hang out for workers around the area and somewhat an interesting place to check out if your looking for something new.

I enjoyed the vibe of Fat Bob's and am greatful that a friend told me about this place. If I wasn't I would have gone month's if not years not knowing about this funky place. 

My return will be on the cards with fiends in tow. 

Fat Bobs Bar & Grill

80 Cochranes rd,

Moorabbin

9555 0909

Keep it simple, keep it real

Some things are supposed to be simple in life and food tends to become one of those things that people think should be complicated. But it's not true. How often have you gone out recently and seen things on the menu you don't know or words that you read and think that someone just tried to be fancy and make up a word to make them look extravagant.

I understand that we are venturing onto new ground, sampling the new beginnings of things all things tasty but seriously, can't we enjoy the simple things in life? Not everything has to be so fancied up that the meal gets lost in translation.

I've located a quaint little place in Windsor where it's laid out with old school bar stools and styled up with vintage quirks that makes your eyes wonder the room. Chilled out tones suited to fit in with the local crowd of opp shoppers.

Parlour Diner provides humble service with a cheerful welcome that is always enticing in any establishment and made a dreary wet day seem less miserable.

Choose from the selection of burgers and rolls and down it with a cold beer or go old school with a choc malt milkshake. Simple and effective to enjoy some down time away from the desk or catch up with a friend.

My choice today was the Lobster and shrimp Po Boy a top of an Asian slaw in a sesame seeded soft golden roll. Fresh and tasty and simple flavours encouraged the taste buds to enjoy each mouthful. Although slightly difficult to eat with the jaw breaking tower of lobster and shrimp pieces atop of the overflowing slaw, but hey I am not complaining. It's a nice surprise to see such a tower.

I'm generally just a big kid at heart and although winter surrounds the outside world there was no passing up the choc malt milkshake option to wash it all down with.

Together with my Po Boy and milkshake (which only bought the husband to the yard), a selection of tasty sides were central to the table to enjoy. Jalapeno poppers were eye watering as the light batter encased the heat of the jalapeno juices which exploded on first bite. Pleasant to not have it stuffed with cooling agents as most places do, leaving for nothing but intense heat with the option to cool it down with some smashed avo if need be.

A good serve of curly fries is a given to anyone really. It's surprising how much curly fries taste compared to just your ordinary chip. I know it's all in the coating but it's still the same base isn't it? If I had to be a chooser between a chip, a wedge, a fry or curly it would have to be the curly. Although I am partial to a good mash but that's another story.

Although slightly more on the modern side of things, corn on the cob with lime and herbed butter was sweet and fresh flavoured.

Lastly on our table was the the Dog, a long wiener nestled in a golden soft roll finished traditionally with mustard and topped with fresh tomato salsa. This long snag was needing to be cut off each of the ends of the dog so that it didn't come back and hit you in the eye on first bite, it was full flavoured and hit the sides perfectly.

Everything was tasty and simple, perfect to meet anyones needs and a pleasant stop off that's for sure. A slight opp shop feel but contained a modern hit still matching to what we are now expressing our needs towards. But in saying that it downs't go over the top and maintains it's humbleness.

I am not trying to be hypercritical on the change of the world and where food is taking us. I just want people to still be aware of the simplicity food once was. I'm all for change and experimenting but food such as this, is something we need to remember.

Try out the Parlour Diner, it's sure not to disappoint.

Parlour Diner

64 Chapel Street

Windsor

9533 2006

To Rock Well @ Rockwell & Sons

I've heard nothing but good things about Rockwell and Sons so it was only a given that I get there myself and see what all the hustle and bustle was about.

This casual restaurant fitted with wooden frame work, bench seating and an embossed detailed roof was jam packed with diners craving succulent sandwiches. A simple out lay made a warm and laid back atmosphere with great bop in your seat music.

We started off with an evening of there own made sodas; Pear and Vanilla and Strawberry anise. Wow! Full flavoured syrup goodness, not a soda full of bubbles like your ordinary soft drinks. These were delicious silky beverages that tickled your taste buds. Could pull back on the ice a little as is did wash away the flavours to the end but were an absolute delight.

We of course had to go the other two flavours on offer; Japanese melon (honey dew melon) and the old school traditional lemonade. Although we spiced up the lemonade a little by adding some Gin, and seriously this is a to do when you go there. We were in Gin heaven.

The Menu is simple but flavoursome. I was happy to see some old school appetisers on the menu such as Devilled eggs, but excited to see some fancy options too, such as Duck wings.

Devilled eggs were bought out at those house parties for canapes back in the 18th -19th century. A delicious hard boiled egg, served cold with it's yolk removed and mixed with may and mustard then replaced into the whites.

These little bites were powerful in mustard flavour and a great treat to the night. Something so simple packed boldness to the palate.

We were lucky this evening to get our fingers sticky with the Confit Duck wings, with only one serve left in the kitchen it was meant to be. These tasty wings were succulent and the meat just fell off the bone. A sticky marinade coated every inch which made for a finger licking experience.

The chorizo with sweet and sour Fig was also a great addition to our starter which came out at the same time as the wings. These two dishes complimented each other in harmony.

Your palate was crying for more in each bite and packed delicious sweet and sour balance, nothing over powered the main elements of the dishes. You could taste the chorizo enough and the figs just added a hint of flavour and texture.

Sandwiches on offer for mains and it's hard to choose. The Pulled lamb with smoked eggplant and Harissa aioli was a subtle but flavoursome sandwich. Tender lamb, juicy and well balanced with the eggplant and harissa in a soft bun.

The other was my choice of the Pressed rib sandwich with BBQ sauce, dill and fennel. Tantalising in every bite, with the rib so delicately cooked and the fresh fennel was a perfect balance inside the soft white bun.

To go with these tasty sandwiches of course you have to have some sides. So with out fail it was chosen to have fries served with malt vinegar aioli, onion rings with Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and for something fresh, watermelon with a chilli lime salt.

All sides were a delicious accompaniment and that watermelon was a great addition to freshen the palate. What I liked was that the skins were still on the potato fries, made for a rustic texture and the coating on the Onion rings sublime. You crunched your way through the coating to discover a sweet onion flavour, yum!.

Dessert there are 2 choices, Chocolate olive oil cake with poached strawberries and a Butter milk Panna cotta with poached peaches and a butter milk granita.

The chocolate cake is a winner for all those chocoholics out there, rich in flavour and who doesn't like poached strawberries and small dollops of cream?

The panna cotta was softer in flavours and sweetened with the peaches, the granita was a great touch. Both desserts a fine finisher to our evening.

The service was friendly and welcoming, the slight open kitchen allowed you to watch the chefs hard at work delivering you full flavoured sandwiches and sides from beginning to end. The vibe was bustling and the music blaring. It made for a great night out for friends to catch up on a Friday night, or any night (apart from Tuesdays as they are closed).

There was nothing on the menu we didn't want, and although it's not an extensive menu, we are going to be back for more as there are still things that we want but couldn't fit in. So Rockwell & Son you have delivered to me today, you have one me over with flavours and deliciousness to make me come back for more.

Rockwell & Sons

288 Smith Street

Collingwood

8415 0700

Beauty & the Beast

Burgers, Burgers, Burgers. There's no doubt that we all love them. Juicy beef patties layered with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, slices of melted cheese and an overdose of sauce between two buns.

Grab a simple burger or take to a tower where you need to dislocate your jaw to get it in your mouth. Either way burgers are always full of flavour and a crowd pleaser.

I ventures to an uptempo burger joint in Brunswick East with some friends to only return a few days later with Hubby in tow. Clear signs that these burgers are good, don't you think?

The B.East showers you in stylish burgers with even better names. Choices are to hard to choose I must admit and I will one day go there enough to work my way through the menu.

My first visit enticed me to go for 'The Filthy', a mustard fried beef pattie, sliced vintage cheese, smother of the Beast chilli paste, pickled onions, cos and a fiery jalapeno mayo to finish.

A slight heat wave hits you on your first bite, but so amazing in bold flavours their is no way that your taste buds will stop you from devouring this fine burger.

On the second time round it was the 'Pork'. juicy 12 hour slow cooked pork shoulder pulled into the soft brioche bun with hints of crispy pork crackling, cos and a sweet green apple and cinnamon sauce. Hello Sunday roast!

The tower if you choose to take the battle and possible end results could be either someone to roll you out the door or even a call to an ambulance is their very own 'The Beast'. Brioche bun overloaded with triple beef pattie, triple bacon to be smothered in chilli cheese sauce, lettuce, pickled onions and tomato. The name says it all.

A true battle to those who concour such a monstrosity. You can even go one further with this burger and get your name on the wall of fame if you devour it in 3 minutes.

Sides of American styles fried pickles with ranch dressing, Poutine chips, Onion rings and more are there to accompany those tasty mouth watering, juicy burgers.

Pumping D.J music makes for a social gathering, grab a table outside if you wish for a quieter evening. Beers, cocktails, burgers and music make your Friday or Saturdays perfect.

If you're not entertained enough mid week, why not involve yourself and friends in their Trivia nights on Tuesdays. Test your brains, eat a luscious burger and settle back with a beer in hand. Can't get any better could it?

I'm looking forward to my many more visits to the B.East. The question is do I take on the 'Easy' beef, Dayelsford maple smoked bacon, free range egg and crushed green tomato or the 'Kiev' crumbed chicken stuffed with brie and tarragon fondue finished with lettuce, tomato and a mustard mayo?

Don't panic Vegetarian friends. They have burgers for you too that sound just as amazing as the rest. The 'Coburger' took my eye with field mushrooms, walnuts and goat's cheese.

It's certainly one of the best Burger joints on the out skirts of town and worth the drive to get there if you're on the other side.

The B.East

80 Lygon Street

Brunswick East

9036 1456