Its not often that staff in a Franchisee Restaurant express disappointment in what you’ve ordered. Although it’s definitely strange – on it’s own weird level – it shows a passion for food that you don’t really expect.
We’ve been meaning to go to Grill’d for a while now – it’s directly across the road from my Chiro so I need to walk past it at least once a week – salivating at the smell and size of the burgers people seem to be enjoying so much more because I’m not having one. To be completely honest – it’s one of the reasons I make my appointments early in the morning – to save myself from the horror temptation.
So when we finally made it in for lunch – I knew straight away what I would order – my undying love for pickles and mustard rendered me useless against any other choice but the "Mustard and Pickled".
Hubby – being anti-salad and “weird stuff” – started with a Big Queenslander and thus began the disappointment. After asking for all the salad to be removed, an extra slice of cheese to be added and DEFINITELY no Herbed Mayo – the Waiter was crestfallen and his disappointment was obvious.
“But now it’s just like one of those things from Maccas??” He whimpered into the Cash Register but Hubby was immovable.
I was intrigued that this Uni-Student type would care so much and it made me even hungrier.
The smells wafting out of the open-plan kitchen had me drooling even before we had a table – but I’m happy to report that even though we didn’t wait very long – it was worth every minute of suspense.
My burger was DELICIOUS!! And it actually looked like a burger. Like the stylised ones you see on TV- not the squashed, congealed and leaking lump you usually end up with via drivethru.
I was entranced. Succulent beef patty with sweet salad and tangy pickles – the Dijon mustard was slightly over generous but had a gorgeous kick that caused me to nearly inhale my burger with delight. I am officially hooked.
I’m not sure if the Waiter’s disappointment in Hubby caused him to go overboard on the presentation of his burger – but it was perfect – distinct layers of meat, egg and cheese. I’m sure this is what Maccas burgers are meant to look like – but never do. It was almost too pretty eat. (almost...)
The side of chips were absolute perfection. I actually feel comfortable saying that these are the best chips I have ever had. Cooked until crisp and golden and then seasoned with herbs and rock salt – the only thing that made them better was the Herbed Mayo. I can only assume that they make it fresh because it actually tasted like Fresh Herbs. Amazing. Who would have thought you would get such good quality from a Franchise??
Seriously - if you haven't been yet - it's time to make a date.
The Verdict: So far, the best burger I have ever had. Paired with the best chips I have ever had. An absolute winner.
Reccommendations: Your choice on the burger – I’m pretty sure they would all be good. But you HAVE to try the chips. And without being too bossy – you HAVE to have the Herbed Mayo as well.
Contact: Grill'd
I really feel the need to preface this post by saying that I LUUURVE the Daring Bakers and especially the Challenges. It is fantastic to learn so many new plating tricks and recipes, to try dishes I haven't made before and to meet other (aspiring!) Bakers through the Blogroll.
That being said - I ummed and ahhed about this challenge since the day it was posted. I didn't know what to do, I didn't know how to make it look pretty and I especially didn't want to eat it.
Why? Because this month's original challenge was a Traditional British Pudding using Suet. Suet is animal fat that is grated into the pastry to give it a rich, crumbly texture. I'm all for rich and crumbly - but not so much for the grated fat.
I battled until the very end - and as you can see, I'm even late posting...
I'm embarassed to admit it - but this month - I was a bit, fat cheater.
I didn't stick to the rules in any way, shape or form. And I am sorry. But as a relatively new member, I've actually only eaten one of the challenges - and my workmates are a bit perplexed as to why I bring elaborate desserts to work that I've obviously slaved over but have no interest in eating ... So this month I caved in and baked something I loved.
My name is Joy and (before today) I have never made a Pavlova.
Yes, I am Australian. And yes I am aware that this borders on grounds for deportation.
My excuse? Well… my Dad is a Kiwi, my Grandfather is English and I was born in Jerusalem while my Mum was Backpacking.
Still not cutting it? Not enough Multiculturalism there for you?
Well, asides from the Pavlova I ate in New Zealand that was homemade, and let’s be honest – the ratio of cream to Pav in this case was at least 50:50 – I have only ever eaten those horrible commercial ones you have at cheap Weddings.
I have never been inspired to make Pavlova. But having recently confessed this dirty little secret to an appalled group of friends – I decided to give it a try.
And now that I’ve made it – I’m even more embarrassed because it was ridiculously easy…
Easy Pavlova Recipe:
6 Egg Whites
300g Sugar
Directions:
Preheat Oven to 180C.
Beat the egg whites until they are stiff and have a satiny sheen.
Continue to beat, and add the sugar one tablespoon at a time until it is all incorportated.
Line a tray with baking paper and lightly grease. Spoon your mixture onto the sheet (either one large, or several small).
The height will determine the consistency of your Pavlova – the higher it is – the more “marshmallowy” middle you will get, while, the lower and wider will give you more “crunchy” outside.
Place into oven at 180C, but as soon as door is closed, immediately drop temperature to 150C. Cook for 60-75 minutes. When cooked, it will look crisp around the edges and just starting to colour.
Turn the oven off and open the door slightly – leave in oven until completely cool and you are ready to decorate.
Toppings:
Cream (a must!)
Fresh fruit
Grated chocolate
Spun sugar
The options are absolutely endless – and as long as you like Pavlova to start with – you can completely customize it!
Today – one of those mortifying things that you usually only read about – happened to me.
Whilst I am not under any misconceptions that I have put on weight, and need to put some effort in to shift it – this has really only accelerated my plans to go on a diet.
A work acquaintance who I haven’t seen for about 6 months greeted me by placing his hand on my stomach and saying “What a special time for you – you must be so excited”. Before giving it a little rub and walking away with a big smile on his face.
Although there was a brief glimmer of hope that he somehow heard my tummy rumbling from the other side of the car park and assumed that my “Special Time” might be lunch – there was no mistake. He (wrongly!) thought I was pregnant.
In that split second that you have, in moments like these, to correct someone – I let it pass – as I wasn’t quite sure how to do that.
