Big Boy BBQ

~~BBQ IS NOT A CUISINE, IT'S AN OBSESSION!~~

Big Boy BBQ has been on my neverending 'to eat list' for quite some time now. 

Considering it was a Friday night, we wanted a relatively cheap eat before we went to watch Olympus Has Fallen (WHICH IS SO INTENSE I MIGHT ADD). We got to BBB at around 5:30pm, before the after-work / dinner rush. There was only one other booth filled in there, meaning it was nice and quiet. Within an hour, the venue started to fill up with hungry people wanting delicious ribs. The place fits people comfortably downstairs in booths or stools, outside and upstairs. I didn't get to go upstairs because it was closed when we got there. 

BBB's motto is SLOW FOOD... FAST, and it definitely was. 

I love places that serve quality food, quickly! 

THE BOTTOMLESS CUP FOR SOFTDRINK - $3.40

Since Subway stopped their softdrink refill rule, not many restaurants have refillable drinks these days... I was super excited when I saw it on the menu for merely $3.40. We got our moneys worth with three cups of sprite and one cup of raspberry (In case you were wondering, we didn't actually drink three cups of soft drink, the cup is small and most of it was ice anyway). Standing ovation to BBB for being one of the first to bring it back!!!

I bought this awesome shirt for $2 :)

The waiter laughed at Hong when he saw sauce marks on his plate because he tried every single sauce. Cutie. There was enough sauce on the ribs, you really didn't need more.

WINGS N RIBS - $35.00 with two sides

(Add $4.00 if you want pork ribs)

Although it may not look like a lot of food, it was more than enough for the two of us. The ribs were so soft, and cut at the right places. IT WAS SUPER JUICY AS WELL. As soon as you took a heavenly bite, it was just like pulled pork. Hong said he enjoyed the ribs at BBB more than he did when he went to Sydney Hurricane's. The ribs at Ribs and Burgers in Northcote are not pre cut which made eating too difficult. I don't like obstacles in my food. 

The wings were overdone, meaning that the meat was too tough and not juicy. I love chicken, don't get my wrong, but it was too burnt and dry for my liking. The sauce on top was flavoursome and not too overwhelming.

The sides: onion strings (not rings), crispy chips witch seasoning and coleslaw.

($4.95, $3.95 and $3.95 respectively for a regular size)

I probably wouldn't recommend the coleslaw if you like the KFC one. I was a bit shocked with the taste because it was a bit bitter, not mayonaise-y. If you want something creamy then opt for the potato salad? Something I should have done.

I am a sucker for hot chips - I MUST HAVE THEM, ALWAYS!!! WITH TOMATO SAUCE OR TOMATO CHUTNEY OR SWEET CHILLI AIOLI. I like HOT CHIPS FROM Mocha Jo's, Coburg Sunday Market/Drive Ins and Schnitz's hot chips ESPECIALLY! Carb loading? I don't care.

As for the onion strings, I don't like onions but the fried texture and oil really disguises the taste. At least it tasted better than onion strings! I remember last time we ordered it from Jus Burgers and couldn't even finish it because I couldn't stand the taste, but my friend wanted to order it so meh.

What a cute logo! If you actually read the text in the back, this place is actually very sustainable. Something very rare and something that they should be extremely proud of. Altogether our meal was only $46.35 - I definitely wasn't expecting anything under $50. If you think Caulfield is too "far" then there is one in Hardware Lane (CBD) for your convenience. BBQ food is food for the soul, you can never get enough of it. Barbeque is one of the best ways to prepare meat as it has a smokey, delicious taste. I will endeavour to try the 'sandwiches' which are more like burgers... judging my the Urbanspoon photos they look massive! I will have to come back, and if you are yet to try it then you need to add it on your list. Pay a visit, you won't regret and you will luv it :)


Big Boy BBQ
Address: 764 Glenhuntly Road Caulfield South / Shop 27-31 Hardware Lane
Contact: 95237410 / 96709388
Hours: Sun-Wed 12pm to 8pm, Thurs-Sat 12pm - 9pm // Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Price: $$
Website: http://www.bigboybbq.com.au/

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Belle's Diner, Fitzroy

^ Behind the bar. Image taken by me and edited (like an amateur) with iPhoto.

Hello my sweet pea loyal readers,

Sorry for the blogging hiatus. I seem to be apologising every single time I write a new post. If you were actually curious as to my M.I.A status, exams are right around the corner and the stress is starting to kick in. Despite the stress, I really needed to update this blog before it builds up dust and people forget to read it... (plz dun 4get bout me xoxo)

Ok so I just landed in America, hence why I my experience at this diner. I'm not actually in America (I WISH), but just use your imagination, ok? Whilst browsing on Broadsheet looking for new places to eat at, I stumbled upon Belle's Diner, and I'm seriously glad I did.

It was new, with an old school twist at the same time... major oxymoron, I know. The diner is located behind my uni on Gertrude Street, so I was very pleased. I drove past the diner at approximately 12:45pm and it was EXTREMELY BUSY. The windows are all glass, so there is nothing stopping you from staring from the inside to the outside world. We got there at about 2:15pm and it was rather empty, which I was happy about. Seeing a foodie place that is full can only mean two things, 1. That the food/ambiance/people/music must be really really really really amazing, and 2. be mentally prepared to wait a long time for your food to be served. I have a poor temper when I am hungry (apologies to those who have witnessed this hungry gremlin). 

^ Have you guys seen Looper? Doesn't it remind you of the diner scene?

The clock was of accurate timing also, I want one in my room.

The chairs are so old fashioned and reminded me of church alters.

^ Brunch/Lunch is served.

^ Southern Fried Chicken, $17 

When I asked the waiter how many pieces you get with this option, he said four. PRETTY SURE IT WASN'T FOUR PIECES, it was defs a lot more than that. The meat was extremely tender and so much better than the chicken skin at Pappa Rich. I tried a bit of the coleslaw salad which was rather dry but still had a great tangy flavour. As for the sweet BBQ sauce, it tasted like perfection when dipped with the chicken. This is more of a snack than a meal, unless you order the fries. 

The old style fries were great. $7 for a bowl; they were crispy, fresh and had a salt on it which was comparable to Nando's peri peri salt. But unlike Nando's, the salt was fortunately all over the chips, not just sprinkled on the top.

^ Latte $3.50 from memory

It was very strong, but a good type of strong. They don't have chai (boooooo) but it was still good nonetheless. I loved the colour of the teacup as well.

^ Instagram: badasiandriver for more images

The waiters were relaxed, dressed well and were very helpful. 

The bathroom was rather annoying, as the toilet is facing a massive mirror on the wall. I don't want to stare at myself while I'm doing the business, and I didn't want to look down on the floor either.

The ambiance was very 1950's ancient American. I really liked the plain feel of the place.

The menu was very limited, but amazing nonetheless. I am coming back for the mussels.

The music was relaxing and very alternative, as you would expect for a funky place on Gertrude Street.

Don't be fooled by the name though. It is nothing compared to Misty's Diner which is greasy (but still DELICIOUS), colourful and more Americanised with sweets and soft drink sodas.

Overall I would recommend this place to anyone who are looking for a place to catch up with friends, or to experience the history of America, as Belle's really hit the spot with it. Keep in mind that they don't open on Mondays, because let's be serious, we all hate Monday.

Belle's Diner

150-156 Gertrude Street Fitzroy

(03) 9077 0788

Misty's Diner

American Food. We all know about it. Greasy. Big portioned. Epic Meal Time. Mystical. Why did I use the word 'mystical'? Because today I will be sharing my wonderful experience at Misty's Diner... and this place is nothing short of mystical. The interior is an unquestionable replica of a real American diner. The only thing that was missing was that the waiter girls weren't on rollerskates, boo you whore. This didn't change the fact that this restaurant, hidden away in the streets of Prahan, holds a menu so amazing that I just have to share it! Considering we don't have many diners around Melbourne, this place is a lot better than Soda Rock on Chapel Street. Zooey Deschanel couldn't have said it any better, I love food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her as well.

I don't know why the photos are so blue but don't h8.

As you can see from the images, we ordered a burger with chili fries that were fortunately NOT too chili because I cannot tolerate the intensity of spicy food. I did the rookie mistake of ordering a big breakfast, but when you are so overwhelmed by the menu, you do some silly things. The waffles were delicious but I wish there was maple syrup to eat it with. There were other meals I would have preferred to indulge in, but I guess it gives me an excuse to simply go back! Misty's Diner also stocks a vast selection of American beverages and American lollies and pop tarts et cetera. Misty's Diner closes at around 10pm but this place would be the best destination to eat at after a big (read messy) night out. 

Take me back to America! I miss it so much.

My family. The lifestyle. The food. The shopping.

Misty's Diner

Address: 103 High Street, Prahran 3181

Contact: 9510 1959