Collingwood

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Biggie Smalls – Collingwood – Friday 11 December 2015 – Dinner

IMG_4434Walking down Smith Street towards Biggie Smalls I couldn’t help but double take at one of the other kebab shops along the way. It’s claim to fame is being the shop that is used for a TV show. I have seen some ads for that show (Kebab Kings) and it makes me worry for the future of that particular shop.

Sweet sounds of hip hop are blasting out of 86 Smith Street and I already like the theme of this shiny new glorified kebab shop. Having just begun its life I’m surprised that at 7pm I can pretty much go straight to the counter after a quick perusal of the wall mounted menu, and order my first taste of Shane Delia’s kebabs.

Looking around as I wait I realise that in a matter of ten minutes there are no stools or booths left in this diner. It is instant success, but will it last? The concept fits beautifully in Smith Street and I already have several people I’ll be recommending to check it out just to have a listen to what the DJ (yes, DJ) is playing.

A-Rab lamb kebab

A-Rab lamb kebab

As for the kebabs, I chose the A-Rab. It is their lamb version, accompanied by smoked hummus, herbs and pickled onion. The lamb is terrific and fills up the kebab generously, and the smoked hummus is clearly visible, adding heaps of flavour along with the Biggie hot sauce, and old skool dressing (roast garlic yoghurt). This is a contemporary combination wrapped up in a well made and toasted traditional pita. There are comfortable flavours you know, with a pop from the less traditional additions. I think it will be a kebab for certain tastes, and certain days when you feel like something a bit different.

I am not a huge eater by any stretch and the bag of small crinkle chips is monstrous in relative terms. But they have this addictive spiced butter and preserved lemon that forms almost a sparing crumb over most of the chips. I could not stop.

Hot Crinkles

Hot Crinkles

Biggie Smalls was not everyone’s thing when he was dominating the hip hop world, and the kebab shop of his name won’t be everyone’s thing either. I’m not a good one to judge though because I have a soft spot for a good kebab, especially one executed this well, and more than a leaning to hip hop, especially the old skool.
Biggie Smalls 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