Mr Burger Hobart

 I had a good burger today. Was it the biggest burger? No. Was it the most exciting burger? No. Was it just a good burger? Yes, yes it was.

Gudge had joined me for a drive into Hobart to visit my good friend in hospital and we had yet to visit the new Lego store, so with weekend free parking, we thought we'd make a day of it.

We were feeling peckish and thought we'd like a burger and chips. I knew there were a few burger places on Liverpool Street and when we saw Mr Burger we headed in. 

Now generally, I like to check reviews, risk assess, double think and usually end up going somewhere I've been before for safety, but I'm trying to do things a little differently these days. I am trying to fall back in love with spontaneity, with new things, with Hobart. 

We got a table and used the QR to access the menu and order.

I ordered a Single Double, Gudge a Spicy Chook and a share serve of French Fries.

The restaurant was nice, it was not too loud, had a buzz without feeling overwhelming. It reminded me of the places I used to like going to burgers in Brisbane like NKB, Betty's Burgers, and the one that was on George Street, up the top of the Mall (do these places still exist?).

It was a little wait, maybe 30 minutes til the food arrived but this was okay.

The food finally arrived and we were happy.

The chips looked great and the burgers looked lovely. We were slightly concerned with their underwhelming size, but they did look tasty.

The chips were exactly the chips I crave for when I have chip cravings: perfectly crunchy from start to end, dark gold in colour and that nice crispy crumbly texture on the outside. Ever so lightly under-seasoned for me, but absolutely forgivable. 9.5/10.

My Single Double looked great. As mentioned the size was a little underwhelming but the flavour totally made up for it. The bacon was excellent, so thick. We both mentioned that our meat (my beef patty and his chicken) seems a bit thin, but the overall ratios were all perfect, The meat was seasoned and cooked exactly how I'd do it if doing it myself, super fresh, soft, buttery buns and all salads were fresh. 8.5/10

Gudgies Spicy Chook made him very happy. He said I had to mention how wonderful it was to get a mouthful of jalapenos and spiciness in every bite and this made the burger for him.

Despite our concerns of the size of the burgers, we both left full, totally satisfied and with smiles on our faces and both in agreement that we'd happily return. For just over $20 a head for lunch that we were both stoked with, we couldn't be happier.

gfg

Photo courtesy of agfg.com.au

Mr Burger

120A Liverpool St, Hobart, AU 7000

Eating Sydney

 

For almost a year we have been waiting for this trip. A chance to get back to Sydney, to escape the longest wintry-weather misery of home and defrost and to get to see a show at the Opera House. Not any show, but one of Gudge's favourite bands, Swedish Prog-metallers, Opeth.

Before we got to the airport, we have a little tradition...

My usual: Whopper with Cheese

And at the airport, I have a little tradition (wink and smirk). On a side note, our flight was delayed. We live an hour from the airport so once we're there, we're there. I received a message to let me know of the delay 25 minutes after we were supposed to have boarded. Thanks for that Jetstar. I fly Virgin 90% of the time and I'm going to try to up that to 99%. Our flight home was also delayed, both for plane problems. Nope. Done.

The upside to this, and something I haven't been asked in some time, would I like a small or large wine. I think there's only one answer to that question, and I was very happy with my massive glass of Rose to get me through the delay. 

But we arrived eventually (we also had to circle around Sydney in the air for 40 minutes to wait for a storm to pass, I don't blame Jetstar for this.)

We stayed at the Meriton Pitt Street. My third time. I love its central location and walkability. I LOVE staying in an apart-hotel. Sydney accommodation is quite expensive and the Meriton is no different but we worked out the extra money for accommodation can be made up by eating one or two meals a day at home instead of at cafes or restaurants. So we were quite frugal but still ate well and had a wonderful time. I won't bother writing up the toasted sandwiches or cook at home pizzas.

View from room 3903 Meriton Pitt Street

Our first day involved a walk around Surry Hills and a visit to the Museum of Australia to see the Relics Exhibition. Gudge adores lego and we has certainly got me into it too. This was created by 2 of the winners of Lego Masters and depicts a futuristic, post-apocalypic world. Humans have ruined the planet and died out and mini-figs have taken over. It was extraordinary, so well done and very witty.

We stopped in back home for a midday siesta before walking down to Circular Quay for a ferry ride to Manly to take in the perfect weather before some afternoon window shopping.

As you can imagine, we were pretty knackered and opted for an easy, eat in meal.

I picked these up from the Woolies downstairs and reminded me so much of being in Japan, grabbing some bites to eat from the conbini and relaxing back at the room. These were certainly NOT the Japanese prices I fell in love with. 

Nigiri, Sushi roll, Takoyaki, Matua Savignon Blanc

Our second full day, we started with more window shopping before grabbing a little brunch of pistachio cheesecake to bring back to have with a cup of tea.

Pistachio Cheesecake, English Breakfast Tea

And a solo afternoon trip to the Botanic Gardens and specifically the Calyx for me. It was everything I hoped it would be.

The Calyx

As tonight was Gudgies special night, he was to choose the dinner destination. We had been on our last trip and it was very good. Of course it's for tourists and has the views to justify that, but the food and service was great so I was happy to go back to Wahlburgers.

It was one of those Tasmania-esque type days where all day it was coolish, but by the afternoon it was very hot in the sun, so we opted to sit in the shade, but still got to take in the surrounds.

It was happy hour and Monday night meal deals so I was happy with all of that. I started with a pornstar martini which was excellent, despite having to google the correct way to drink it (alternate sips between the martini and prosecco)

I couldn't go past a $25 Porterhouse (usually $44) with onion rings and salad with a side of truffle aioli and Gudge ordered a Chicken Burger. 

The steak, although it felt like a lower quality steak was cooked really well and was delicious. Good salad, the truffle aioli was excellent and very tasty accompaniment but the onion rings were cold.

His burger was not, in fact a chicken burger. But he was still happy with the burger and the tasty chips.

I decided I needed a little caffeine to get me through the night and I thought some sugar wouldnt hurt either, so we ordered an espresso martini and a serving of their Fried Dough- All American with cinnamon apples, ice cream and cream.

Although still pretty delicious, this was not cinnamon apples but chocolate sauce- The Classic. 

We certainly couldn't complain with 2 cocktails, soft drink, coffee, a steak, burger and dessert for not much over $100 but I don't think we'll be back after the incorrect meals brought out on two cases. (I still love Mark Wahlberg though.)

But the night was young and we were off to the show that was the reason we were in Sydney afterall.

A spectacular evening to wait. In a remarkably beautiful city.

And finally to the Opera House, great seats to a spectaular show. A bucket list item ticked off in having been to a show inside the Opera House and Gudge was so happy with the set. The band were outstanding, and had all the professionalism of a band formed 35 years ago.

Off to the airport in the morning and a quick eat before our lunchtime flight (once again delayed).

There's a lot of things we don't have in Tasmania- Ikea, Aldi and 2 weird things that we probably wouldn't miss if we had access to them, Red Rooster (oh gosh we get cravings for Red Rooster) and something I didn't even remember I had missed til I walked past. Roll'd spring rolls. I also ordered a Bahn Mi, which is good because we didn;t get home til close to 4 pm.

And that was our not-so-fancy but 100% enjoyable trip to Sydney. Done and dusted til next time.

Bushy Park Roadhouse Burger

So, you know there's those times you just want a burger reminiscent of those your parents used to get you as a kid? Or is that just me?

I have lovely memories of a accompanying my parents to a market or auction and after being very good, getting to share a burger.

This is not your gourmet $25 burger that has become the norm and don't get me wrong, there is a very special place in my heart for a gourmet burger, however sometime I just want a burger a plain old burger.

Our local store, post office (where we collect our mail) and petrol is the Bushy Park Roadhouse and the girls there have just been so welcoming to us since we've moved here, they are the heart of the community they also go a great little take away and today I just felt like a good old burger.

photo courtesy of realestate.com.au

I order a burger with the lot and a small chips.

Although the burger has been in the warmer is still tastes lovely and fresh. I like the way that the burger bun gets soft almost line a bao when it's been in a warmer for a bit. The 'lot' includes a beef patty, cheese, bacon,. egg and BBQ (or tomato as an option) sauce but no salad. It's just... good! It made me very happy. I had the option of chicken salt on my epic crinkle cut chips and I happily took that option. These chips are perfect, just perfect. I had these sitting out on my patio as it the first day of spring and the weather was wonderful.

The craziest part... old fashioned prices... burg and chips, 11.50!

Nice to have a good takeaway so close to home.

Bushy Park Roadhouse

525 Gordon River Rd, Bushy Park TAS 7140

take a left at this sign and head about 500m down the road

Eating Hobart Again

My Gudgeon and I visited Hobart recently. I wanted to show him the city I one day wish to live in.

I remembered how beautiful and friendly it was, I had almost forgot how good the food was down there.

I'm here to remind you.

We arrived to our North Hobart airbnb early afternoon on the Tuesday, had a couple of beers and had a little Google to see what was around. We stumbled on an amazing sounding menu from a little nearby pub called The Winston Alehouse and Eatery, a really interesting menu of modern American. We wandered down to have a look.

Painter's Cottage. https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/14952758

The pub itself was really lovely, an older style with a jovial crowd enjoying the daylight savings evening.

We decided on the Eggplant Parmy Burger and the Deep Fried Burrito and side of pork. With mac n cheese sticks to start, but everything to come out at the same time.

Mac n cheese sticks were scrumptious as mac n cheese anything should be. The Parmy buger was amazing so much flavour, perfect textural combinations and great chips. The burrito comes with an array of sides, it's super crispy on the outside and the insides of rice and beans is so tasty. I love that you can add which bits and bobs from the sides as you want to.

We decide already that this is not only one of our favourite pubs ever, but this is some of the best Americana food either of us has ever tried. Also proving that this kind of food can still be fresh and crisp and not just drowning in cheese and oil.

Day two: we have coffee from what will become our favourite coffee shop, Providence Cafe. Perfect coffee every morning of our trip, and very handy being right across the street. We head off to Richmond (my favourite, and Australia's oldest bridge), Pirates Bay, Blow Hole and Devil's Kitchen then Port Arthur) I pack us ham and cheese croissants and crackers and dip to take with us. We also have a sneaky fish and chips overlooking Pirate's Bay. 

Providence Cafe

 This day happen's to be valentines day, which neither Gudge have any time for, so we have party pies, pizza and beer for dinner after our adventure. It was great.

Day 3 we start with a light breakfast of croissants, topped with spinach and feta dip, and a side salad of tomatoes and basil from our Cottages garden with some Tasmanian Camembert.

Today is our downtime day. We have a wander around the boutiques along Elizabeth Street in North Hobart then make our way into town, checking out the Waterfront, Salamanca, City Centre. We stop into another great little pub called Republic Bar and Cafe for an afternoon beer in the beer garden before a little relax at home before our dinner date.

I had reserved us a table at The Point Revolving Restaurant atop the Wrest Point Casino. I chose this particular restaurant for a few reasons. Firstly it had REALLY good reviews, I thought the views would be spectacular, I thought it might be a bit naff, (I LOVE naff), and lastly I LOVE casinos.

We start with a glass of Tassie bubbles for myself and a Beer for Gudge overlooking the water.

We then head up for our 7 pm booking. The sun had been setting around 9 pm while we had been there, so I thought it would be really nice to spend a few hours watching the change from daylight through twilight then nighttime.

We weren't disappointed with the view. 

We order a bottle of Jansz Bubbles and have bread brought to our table. It's served with locally produced Tasmanian Butter... VERY happy cows. 

Our amuse bouche is absolutely gorgeous, buttery cod wrapped in nori, served with rice, saffron cauliflower and enoki muchrooms.

I start with 3 local oysters with shallot vinaigrette, they are perfect. So fresh.

Poor Gudge doesn't eat seafood, we'll have to work on that if we do ever move to Tassie. He's missing out.

I've mentioned this many times before: I love steak tartare. I love steak and getting it in it's purest untouched form is such a delight.

The steak is just beautiful, and not overpowered by mustard, onion or capers, just flavoured and seasoned to perfection. The traditional egg yolk and capers are served as emulsions with crispy bread. One of my most enjoyable tartares yet.

Gudge orders the quail ras el hanout, barley, labneh.

The Ras el hanout is a north african spice mix, the labneh is the soothing yoghurt mix.

He loved this dish.

For my main, I order the prawns- cooked at your table, flambe, Mediterranean with eggplant caviar.

As we are ready for our main however, they tell me the prawns tonight wont be the way suggested on the menu, but in their more popular 'lemongrass curry' style, which didn't bother me initially and watching them flambe was very theatrical.

However as I began eating, I was disappointed, I didn't want curry prawns. Especially at $55! 

The waiters were very apologetic, and I felt for them, as they themselves had just been told this. But If I had known, I probably would have selected something completely different from the menu. 

A fairly mediocre main, unfortunately.

Gudge rates his main of potato gnocchi, pumpkin, pepitas and spinach very highly. I taste it: Instant food envy.

He always rules when ordering Vege mains. 

A delicious side of broccolini with truffle butter. 

We don't order dessert but get a lovely, dramatic (and complimentary) treat...

Delicious frozen, gilded chocolate coated ice cream balls, that have the table next to us gasping with delight and envy.

Our waiters were so divine, personable and friendly, the service was excellent, and the pure novelty of a 77 minute 360 degree rotation was worth the visit. Such a shame about my prawn main, but there is no way I will let that detract from a truely memorable experience.

And actually not naff at all.

We spend the rest of our evening drinking Ameretto Sours and playing roulette and have a really nice night.

It's saturday and we're off to Mona, we decide to have brekky at our favourite coffee shop before heading off. Perfect coffee as usual, and for me a fantastic toastie: poached chicken, avo and cheese on turkish. It's fantastic.

Gudgeon enjoys his avo and haloumi on sourdough very much.

After a wonderful day at Mona (you HAVE to go!), we look for a bite for dinner, we stop into Capital, who let us have a table without a reservation, dispite being booked out! I'm so glad they did, our pork belly, gorgonzola and mushroom pizza is AMAZING!

 As is our cheesy garlic bread. We probably could have fit in another pizza. it's base was perfect for me, and the toppings were a great combination and just the right amount. I also love that it has no red sause, a trend I am really moving on from.

Our last day we stop into local cafe Room For A Pony, as Providence is closed on Sundays. Even though food had a wait of 45 minutes, I'm so glad we got to try this place. It was full of happy dogs and good coffee

My three cheese on toast is the thing dreams are made of.

Gudgeon's avo and smashed feta with poached egg does the trick too.

I love you Hobart.
Be back soon.