Burgers

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Denis the Menace – Cremorne – Friday 13 November 2015 – Lunch

Chicken burger

Chicken burger

One sure fire way of making an immediate impact is to have a clever, and most of all good looking, fit out. This is one thing that even the most nonchalant diner can see straight away.

A good looking venue provides immediate attraction but is only a small piece of the puzzle. There is obviously a lot more to it, but this is one ingredient that should be easy to do, yet is often not well executed. At Denis the Menace in Cremorne, the airy and open warehouse ticks the first box.

This is your traditional café, but with a Thai accent. The menu is filled with all-day breakfast options and has an extensive lunch menu too. We have no trouble finding something enticing.

Pulled pork bun

Pulled pork bun

It was a very busy Friday lunch period and we were lucky to secure one of the last tables, but there is decent turnover. You can tell that with the busy lunch rush the waitstaff are under pressure. That pressure did lead to some mistakes being made, including Catherine’s glass of wine being missed. Once we realised it was not coming, and asked, we got a speedy rectification, and an apology which makes all the difference.

While waiting for our drinks, I ordered the chicken burger which comes in a light bun with pickled vegetables. Catherine ordered the pulled pork roll which comes in a nice soft long bun, topped with plenty of chipotle mayo. The chicken burger was fantastic, flavoursome with the right amount of spiciness, all ingredients working well together. Equally good was the pulled pork in a soft roll, although Catherine will ask for a touch less chipotle mayo next time around. And there will be a next time.

There is a huge amount of potential here. Denis the Menace is still settling down having opened five months ago in an area that is more of an office worker hotspot, than a foodie haven. The food is smart, reasonably priced, and packed full of flavour. Success seems to be assured as long as Denis doesn’t go off the rails like its name sake!

Denis The Menace Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Mr Scruff’s – Collingwood – Sunday 18 October 2015 – Lunch

Mr Scruff's Beef Burger

Mr Scruff’s Beef Burger

Something that will never go out of fashion is burgers and burger joints. It has been said of many things; but even the worst burger is still good.

These days, there is not enough time for average burgers, meaning any visit needs to be planned and coordinated effectively. This means our net is not cast wide often.

Today we’ve taken a chance on Mr Scruff’s on Smith Street in Collingwood. While it looks small from the front, walking through you quickly realise there is another room, plus a medium sized area downstairs out the back. In fact, given it is lunch, this place is jumping!

Downstairs there are more enjoying a drink in the sun, than digging into the burgers on offer. Inside, the disco ball and extensive DJ setup is getting a rest, and burgers are the go. Both of us order the simple Beef Burger with American cheese, cos, pickles, onions, and Mr Scruff’s special sauce.

There’s no frills; just the way I like it. A delicious medium rare patty that is balanced in its size, with a good helping of melted cheese, and pickles, in a bun that provides that sweetness you need whilst also maintaining a sound structure. The onion rings accompanying the burger make for an even more indulgent meal. Catherine’s first comment was “Big Mac, but good!”

Going back to the bar for another beer I hear the barperson proudly tell a customer that Mr Scruff’s has one of Melbourne’s best burgers. She also then tells me that on Friday and Saturday nights the disco ball is in full swing to the very early hours. It is always a difficult task to rank burger joints, especially on one sitting. What is clear to me is that Mr Scruff’s do a great burger and one that is not outshone by Huxtaburger further down the road which is one of my favourites.

Mr Scruff's Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato