Friday, December 31, 2010

Shire Cafe - revisit

Shire Cafe is a charming little spot, in the hip and happening Fitzroy, but a little bit off the mainstream beaten track. The charming, cafe has tucked itself neatly between two tall walls of eye-searing fluro pink and green graffiti (easy way to find it) on a side street not too far from Brunswick.

I had visited Shire Cafe earlier this year in April, but had not had the time to revisit it and check it out.

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It's run by a lovely Bangladeshi man and Vietnamese woman, which I think helps to explain the odd mix of things you find on the menu. Everything from all day breakkies (eggs, corn fritters, gluten free pancakes (extra excited for this one!)), a variety of wraps, soups, curries, vietnamese style salads, burgers and of course dessert.

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Last time I came, the chai latte was excellent, with gorgeously frothed milk and just enough honey to satisfy my sweet tooth. This time, the milk was a little bit overdone and with a tad overdose of honey. Whilst I do have a penchant for sweets, this was a little bit of an overkill.

Having such a big menu can make it difficult to decide what to eat sometimes, I must've sat there and 'uhm-ed' and 'aah-ed' for ages, tossing up between the gluten free pancakes and well...lunch.

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I decided on the latter, saving the pancakes for a breakfast outing another time. Instead, I ordered the 'naked' burger, a massive burger patty served on a bed of fries, with cheese, lettuce and tomato. Seriously, this guy was huge. Take a look at this cross section...

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That must be like an inch thick! It was definitely a good feed, with that much meat and the fries to go with it, the patty was pretty tasty overall and was lovely with the cheese, although I question the parsley garnish a bit....

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And if you thought my burger was big, take a look at Brad's....it's a beast! I think this was just the Shire beef burger, or something along those lines. In essence, a burger with all the trimmings. Plus fries. We always thought Grill'd burgers were quite formidable, but this was really something else. It really wasn't much different to my burger in taste, and amazingly, Brad polished off the lot (how does he stay so thin?). Although I did pick on his chips, which were very well cooked, light and crispy. Mmmm.

We both enjoyed our meals, although in comparison, I would have to still say that Grill'd probably do their burgers better, the patty itself has better seasoning. Shire burgers were all beef and not too much flavouring within the patty, although I did like the little bit of crunch within from the onions I think. But if you do want value for money and a hell of a feed, Shire is certainly not a bad option either.

Next time....pancakes....

Shire Cafe
69 Victoria St
Fitzroy, 3065

Shire Cafe on Urbanspoon

7 comments:

  1. After eating 2 weeks of Asian food, this looks absolutely absolutely yummy!!!

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  2. The naked burger looks a little like meat loaf to me. Anyway, whose blue eyes are those? They are pretty!

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  3. Bryan - Oh I know what you mean! Went to Malaysia and had cravings for Italian!

    Michelle - Haha a little bit, it was so big! And those pretty eyes belong to Brad my boyfriend and eating partner in crime. :)

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  4. The naked burger looks mad hot! And ahh, yes, my boyfriend is also one of those annoying folk who can eat like a pig and still be slim, with a flat stomach. Life ain't fair.

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  5. Libby - Sigh boys. What to do with them?!

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  6. Beautiful pictures here, of the cafe, the food and Brad - he has amazing eyes! I love the idea of the naked burger - good for when a hardcore meat craving strikes! Yes, next-time pancakes :)
    Heidi xo

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  7. Heidi - Thank you! Will pass on the compliments to Brad ;) And yeah, maybe not a bad option after a good work out at the gym...? Haha :)

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