Michael departed on his usual mid-year work trip rather swiftly after his birthday. As a consequence I've been plotting a few meals and activities that interest me more than him. On a clothes-mending mission, I made a point of stopping by Belle's Diner to try their fried green tomato burger ($13).
Though it starts out sitting pretty, there's a lot of moisture and potential for mess here. The tomatoes are poised to slip out of their crumbing; the lettuce leaves were freshly washed; the caramelised onions, tangy mayo and pickles are ready to slip'n'slide. Taste-wise the burger is rich and piquant - the buttery brioche, mayonnaise, pickles and tomato dominate.
My side of Old Bay spiced French fries ($4.50) were mere slips of chips, tasting of celery salt and a dash of paprika.
I notice that the Diner has expanded its menu and there are many more options for vegetarians (though vegan and gluten-free items remain unmarked). The staff were available when I needed them, and generously allowed me a booth to myself. It's a little pricey, but after a slightly underwhelming brunch last year, I'm now more convinced that Belle's has some substance to back up its style.
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You can read about our breakfast at Belle's Diner here.
Since then it's received positive reviews on mangiabeve, foodie about town, Melbourne Patron, wherefoodis, Let Me Feed You: Melbourne, Foolish For Food and Jordan Gregory, then mixed reviews on POOR STUDENT EATS/DRINKS MELBOURNE and egg tarts and apple pie.
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Belle's Diner
150 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
9077 0788
veg lunch $13-15.50
http://www.bellesdiner.com.au/
Accessibility: There's a small step in the middle of Belle's
Diner, but flat entryways at either end. The corridor through the centre
is moderately wide and booths are packed end-to-end for the length of
the building. While the booths don't appear particularly wheelchair or
pram-friendly, I've previously noticed some fellow diners in the far booth with a(n
empty) wheelchair tucked in beside them. I ordered at the table,
paid at a low-ish bar and didn't visit the toilets.
I love their key lime pie! The rest of the menu was okay, but not something I would return to try.... :)
ReplyDeleteHi Anh! I've noticed their dessert and milkshake menus, perhaps I need to go for afternoon tea one day. :-)
DeleteThe burger sounds really good, and fried green tomatoes are a little different to the usual lentil patty. I really need to start eating around Gertrude St more often.
ReplyDeleteHi Elisa! It was a nice burger, although I must admit that I couldn't really detect the different between green and regular tomatoes.
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