Burger Wellington – Narrowing the scope…

I love a good burger, but I don’t plan on traveling to Waikanae or even as far as the Hutt really, to get one. Unless someone has a particularly impressive sounding meat sammich off the beaten track (Possum burger in Levin?), I’ll be Wellington bound for the duration.This reduces my options a wee bit, so that's a start.

There are 109 participating restaurants in Burger Wellington, and it only runs for two weeks. If I didn’t reduce this list (as is the temptation if I'm honest), I would have to eat 109 burgers in 16 days. That’s 6.8 burgers per a day (plus sides!). Ignoring the logistics involved, that’s a whole lot of burger. None of my trousers would fit me afterwards, and I like some of my trousers. I love a burger too, as previously established, but I’m not going to come out of this competition wearing a smock, and sweating meat juice, so a refined list is the only real option.

Not all of the restaurants tempt me at initial glance. In fact, there are some fooderies in the list that I wouldn’t touch with the proverbial, so that will help whittle numbers down a bit.  Some of them are very nice places indeed though, and some burgers will be a guaranteed delight to behold, if last time is anything to go by (and behold them I shall, in my big fat greasy mitts!). To assist in my deliberations, and to help you as well, dear reader, I’ll be publishing details of some of the better looking propositions over the next few weeks to help whet mine, and ‘yourn’ appetites.

Here’s the first one that has peaked my interest. Mostly because I’ve still not eaten ostrich, and it’s my lifelong ambition to eat as many different sorts of animal as I can, without breaking conservation laws. 

An ostrich I didn't eat

Beach Babylon’s ‘Head in the Sand’

“Grilled ostrich patty with prosciutto, smoked provolone cheese, mizuna, and spicy cherry relish in a Turkish bap, with seasoned hand cut wedges and smoky mayonnaise”

‘Head in the Sand’ will be available lunch or dinner, and will set you back $21. Not that bad for a full meal really, and it’s a kewl place to visit.

oooh, ironic decor!

A little hip and happening possibly, but hey, I’m a tolerant type, and for a good enough burger, I can mingle with the trilby wearing hipsters 'totes' unfazed.

Some hipsters I tolerated once. Check that popped coller! Choice.

We visited Beach Babylon recently, and I had one of their regular burger offerings, the ‘Little Miss Piggy’. It’s no longer on their menu unfortunately, but it was a pork patty, with extra rashers of bacon, cheese and curly fries on the side. There was also some kind of relish and aoli probably, but to be honest, all I could taste was the pig :) It was a pretty special experience I must say. That’s going to be a hard act to follow, but they might just manage it with the ‘Head in the Sand’ Burger. 

Address: 232 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay (View map )

www.beachbabylon.co.nz

If it's warm enough, nip down Oriental Parade afterwards for a refreshing gelato at Cafe Eis. Great gelato range, and if you tell them I sent you, they'll give you some of their special secret recipe sorbetto (this is a lie).

Remember, the competition is between the 10th and the 26th August, and you can vote by text to avoid offending your favourite wait person. Do vote though, good burgers deserve recognition. For too long have those swill mongers Maccas and Burger Ming sullied the humble burger's good name. Long live Burger Wellington and all it represents!