Sunday, June 09, 2013

Belle's Diner II

June 1, 2013


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.

____________

You can read about our breakfast at Belle's Diner here.

____________


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.

4 comments:

  1. I love their key lime pie! The rest of the menu was okay, but not something I would return to try.... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anh! I've noticed their dessert and milkshake menus, perhaps I need to go for afternoon tea one day. :-)

      Delete
  2. The 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elisa! It was a nice burger, although I must admit that I couldn't really detect the different between green and regular tomatoes.

      Delete