The Local Shack

I had a surprise email from the boys at The Local Shack in Perth city on the west end of Murray street, near Tiger Lil's. It was an invite for me and my boy to try our local place out. I've been rather busy so the meeting and the post has been at least 2 weeks in the making. But you know, good things comes to those who wait!

The weekend we went to try out the Local Shack was bf's bday weekend (2 weekends ago) so we decided to ask a few of his mates along! Two birds with one stone and all that.

The Local Shack is rather chilled and relaxed with dim lighting, a massive projector screen at one end (which the boy commented should have the footy playing and it'd be awesome - it was playing music videos) and a bar at the front of house. It isn't just your local burger places like Grill'd and Burger Bistro or even Jus Burgers. It is a burger place that is fully licensed.

I had a thorough look at their burger selection - steak, beef, chicken, lamb, pork and vegetarian burgers and it even has salads - take a pick I'm sure there is one that you would love. The burgers you get a choice of what type of bun you like - plain or wholemeal.

I decided to try a chicken burger, partly because I felt like I've been having too much red meat of late and partly because chicken burgers are the hardest to get right - the chicken breast if not made right can become too dry and tough. I picked the Rome Falls with grilled chicken tenderloins, crispy bacon, tomato, baby spinach, shaved parmeson cheese and homemade caesar sauce, it sounded mouthwatering. I totally forgot to take a photo until I was almost half way through the burger. But let me tell you it is probably one of the better chicken burgers I have had. It was succulent, flavoursome (not tough or dry) and the homemade caesar sauce in the burger was delicious.

My half eaten Rome Falls Chicken Burger

But lucky for you all that one of the guys ordered it and I had stopped him before he dug into it so you all get an idea of how big they are. (Rather generous in size and packed full of goodness too!)

Uneaten Rome Falls Chicken Burger

The boys had various different burgers ranging from the shack steak (fillet steak cooked your way, crispy bacon, cheese, dijon mustard, salad and herbed aioli) - from what GR said he thought it was rather delicious and there was plenty of sauce and from the photo he seemed to enjoy it.

One of the guys was vegetarian and lucky for him that the Local Shack are vegetarian lovers (It's really rather hard to find good vegetarian friendly burger places!) - he had the spud delight - he told me that he rather enjoyed it but felt he had a little bit too much of the herbed aioli on his but nonetheless he polished of his plate.

OH you have to also try their chips. It's crispy, fat cut hot chips salted with herbs and spices. So yum! We polished for our bowls rather too quickly.

The local shack, apart from its quality burgers, their licensed bar makes it the perfect place to chillax, catch up, have a burger and stay there to have a drink.

They have a rather impressive list of ABSINTHE from different areas of Europe. Brad and his brother (?Ash?) gave us two shots (I gave it to the boy as I was the driver and Rice, one of his friends). For those that don't know absinthe is strong and it burns your throat and everything along it if you drink it straight - I learnt this the hard way when I was younger (18 or 19 yo) and had a shot of absinthe when staying up late with the boys on one of our road trips. Anyway, lucky for bf and Rice, (I'm going to call Brad's brother Ash) did it the right way.

Two lovely glasses of absinthe filled shots, two cubes of sugar over special absinthe spoons, a lighter in hand, and a fancy ice water holding tap thing - lit the cube of sugar open the tap on the ice water and let the sugar and water drip into the cup of absinthe. Drink when fire is extinguished. Bf said it packs a punch but has a slight sweetness to it thanks to the sugar - less burning more enjoyment.

Apart from their absinthe list that you should go and check out (with designated drivers in toll!!) there is your usual list of cocktails, wines, beers, some ciders, taste testers and the most awesome thing ever is the shack bomb. We treated ourselves to a watermelon bomb. It was delicious. The fruit is fresh (I know this because there was a hole bunch of watermelon in a container next to me) infused with vodka and cointreau and served in our watermelon shell. It really was yum. I had a few sips and really wished I wasn't driving. They can also do it with a pineapple but they stock the watermelon more and if a pineapple is required advance warnings for the boys would be awesome so they can go and buy fresh pineapples for you!

Watermelon BOMB

The Local Shack is more than just a burger joint. It's a place to catch up with friends over drinks and quality burgers. It's got a great soundtrack playing in the background. The boys are ran off their feet but still manages to serve everyone with a smile, if it is a little rushed. The Shack also plays hosts to some events throughout the year, such as a drag queen parades/shows. 

Bf and I rather enjoyed our time at the Local Shack. We enjoyed our burgers and drinks and are planning to come back for some Sunday sesh/Saturday night drinks and dinner. Thanks Brad and the team for my boy and my burger and for introducing us to your place. 

We'll be coming in for a burger and staying for the drinks! 

Alfred's Kitchen

Before there was Grill'd in Perth, there was V Burger, then before that was Flipside then before that was Jus Burger, but before that, the original goumet burger with a bite and a size thats too big, but the perfect good ole' quintessential Aussie backyard burger was at Alfred's Kitchen.

It has a reputation so big that it surpasses all the other goumet burger joints and even the big man from Masterchef Australia, Matt Preston thinks that Alfred's Kitchen has the best burger in Australia. Even before he came waltzing into town, Alfred's was a local favourite. It has been serving up late-night burgers and pea soup since 1946 and is popular with everyone from bikies to politicians.

Above photo is from Perth Now by Richard Hatherly

The rest of the photos from then on is from my humble phone (my ability to remember to bring a camera is non-exsistent I'm afraid so excuse the poor quality. Just because the photos are of poor quality does NOT mean that the burgers are!) 

 

Droves of people come in to place orders regardless of what time of night it is. Whether it's as soon as it opens or it's late at night, the place was packed. Don't expect fancy dining or even a space like the other burger joints, it's just your casual wooden bench and perhaps if you are lucky and it's winter there is an open fire or unlucky and it's some idiot starting an open fire in the middle of summer. It's just a quintessential Australian roadside stall right next door to the train tracks, simple, but homely and hearty.

It was hot night but some drunken idiot goes and lits the wood in the fire place! 

Totally inconsiderate and he knew there were people around there!

 

The burgers were wrapped in butchers paper, and was perfectly layered, prim, and proper. I could tell the Alfred’s staff knew what they were doing – constructing a burger was second nature to them; a homemade style burger of pure layered goodness made with love. It was comfort food at its best.
 
Whether you are getting just a hamburger with cheese, or hamburger with cheese, egg, bacon or steak burger, or bacon burger, or lentil burger or veg burger (for those who are vegetarians) or you have a huge appetite and are willing to try the cram (which has a hamburger patty, steak, egg, bacon, cheese and of course salad) or one of Alfred's other famous burgers all are made with love and all will be scoffed down in no time.

I can't tell you if it's the best burger in Australia, like Matt Preston has stated, but I can tell you that the ambience and the pure awesomeness of sitting outdoors on benches with all sorts of people and just being chilled, relaxed and not worrying about anything except eating and enjoying the burger and your company makes Alfred's Kitchen one of the best places to go to.

Novembar's Cafe and Takeaway

Novembar's Cafe and Takeaway is one of those neighbourhood secrets that is only known by word-of-mouth, therefore, you know you having exceptional quality, great tasting food and all at the right price. There's nothing fancy about this place, but when you see the window of the shop filled with photos, reviews, and very happy diners you know it'd be good.

The decor isn't much - a simple suburban cafe with great service and great food - and really that's all you really need.

The cafe is known for it's crazy burger ideas, such as the "Hello Burger" which comprises of 101 250g beef patties, 1 t-bone steak, 1 dozen eggs, lots of cheese, bacon and well, there's a long list.  There's the new challenge, the Aussie Aussie! (just see the photo..), for all those who have big appetities and are up for a challenge.

 The Aussie Aussie Burger!!

 The Hello Burger

The size of the Hello Burger - IT was over 2m!!

Do not fear, there are also burgers for people with a smaller-sized stomach. There's the 5cent burger, the poor-man burger, the fried poor man burger (which is a burger that is deep fried!), there's the triple cheese, the November Star 2011, the Hamburger (the LOT), the cheeseburger, and for the chilli lovers, there's the "red hot and runny nose" burger. In fact, they have such inventive burgers and their patties are homemade, so it's none of that fozen icky beef patties.

The awesome and exceptional menu!

The triple cheeseburger!

 

 Hamburger - the Lot

Novembar Star 2011

 

Fat Boy (completely destroyed by CR!!)

To top it all of, Minh, the owner is very enthusiastic, spirited, funny and friendly, open to accommodate to your burger (and pizza, pasta, salad..) needs and wants.

Minh the friendly owner!

For those, not up for a burger? the cafe is known to also make great homemade pizzas, salads, and pasta. But why have those when you can challenge yourself to a Fat Boy or Aussie Boys Don't Cry! I know next time I won't be eating for the whole day and having the "Red Hot and Runny Nose" burger.

Oh to top it off, when i returned to Novembar's after about 7 months later, Minh still remembered me and who I went with and what my friends had. He is awesome like that, and I had a bit of the "Red Hot and Runny Nose" burger and OMFG. it is unbelievable hot. The burger is stuffed with the hottest chillis in the world. I had runny nose after just a bite. I'm glad my uncle had it and enjoyed it and trust me it's because he's had YEARS of training!

Before eating - Uncle with the "harmless" looking "Red Nose Runny Face Burger"

with a Brown's iced coffee chill to drink when the burger gets too hot..

 After - face was red, had sweat on forehead but years of chilli experience and torture meant that he was able to almost completely finish it without actually dripping in sweat completely... warning others may experience worse effects.

 

The Steak Burger

 

This place is fantastic, even if it is just to awe at the wonderous burger creations and to talk to Minh, the friendly owner with a passion for creating the unexpected. He also has a facebook page so add it!

the burgers are the BEST at JUS BURGERS!

On some days and nights when you feel as though a pasta dish is too rich or a pizza just doesn't have the bite or a steak is a little too much, a homemade burger sounds just right! So on one of my randomly strange cravings and desire to explore the little ole' Perth, I dragged few friends after pilates and we headed to Jus Burgers (whom, may I add has earned the name of having the BEST BURGERS in town - so why wouldn't you want to visit?)

For all those unfortunate souls who do not know where it is, it is situated on Newcastle St. in Leederville in this tiny little shop with a "blink" or you'll miss it sign. The cafe is small, but extrememly busy - and like all good small eateries it has a no-booking - first come first served basis - thus if you come at rush hour or a large group be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes and the waitressing staff are friendly and outright about this - giving you a number and telling you exactly how long it will be. The wait is worth it!

The deco of the place is very trendy, relaxed and chilled. It uses little stools and bar stools as chairs - which adds to the BBQ-like-cosy-atmostphere, the perfect place to catch up with friends on any night of the week (except Monday - when they are closed). The kitchen area is open - so those who like to know what's going on can see how the burger is made. In addition - they have a little kids corner where drawing accessories and other playthings are kept - however due to the size of the place - there is only so many kids you can fit!

They offer an varied and interesting list of burgers, ranging from all things beef, Pommy burger - with 100% beef, cheddar, back bacon and salad, Wagyu Beef - wagyu beef with wasabi mayo sauce, all things lamb and those that are willing to try something different, there is the Roo Burger - 100% West Australian Kangaroo meat & char grilled and the Guvnor - 100% Harvey beef (270g burger) with foie gras/duck liver. Jus Burgers also provide vegeo burgers too and are graunteed 100% vegetarian. ALL burgers can have extra Jus toppings too - with huge field mushrooms, bacon, avocado, balsamic onions - so why wouldn't you pay a few extra dollars?

Jus Burgers - photo curtosy of S. Please excuse the quality it's taken by a phone camera!

A burger of course will not be complete without the sides - they have the french fries, onion rings (made from real onion and not those funny fake stuff) and of course salads! all can be accompanied by a wide range of sauces - tomato, aioli, sweet chilli, horseradish.. i can go on!

What did I have? I settled for the Wagyu beef - very nice and juicy - not dry at all. The wasabi mayo sauce provided the perfect punch of wasabi goodness which is quickly relieved by the sweetness of the mayo. Definite buzz for your tastebuds! And of course the french fries and onion rings - fantastic - cripsy on the outside and oh-so-good on the inside.

The relaxed atomsphere, the cafe-style dining and the shear size and taste of the burgers makes up for the time it takes to wait! For those who doesn't want to wait - you can always get take-away - who would want maccas or hungry jacks when you can have jus burgers?

After you done chowing down the burger - if you have any room in your tummies - head over to Green and Co. and enjoy a coffee and a cake whilst playing connect four!