THE VERY HUNGRY JOURNALIST In this weekly series on what's making Melburnians salivate, CORINNA LAGERBERG examines the sweet, salty, crispy, malted delights of the fries and milkshakes at Boy & Co., where it's all done with magnificent and decadent excess.

Boy & Co. is a new and chirpy café that does two things: milkshakes and fries. Burgers have been done to death in Melbourne, so the team behind this ingenious idea decided it was time to let the sides speak for themselves.

Co-owners Ellen Donald, Bella Plunket-Gillan and Eamon Sheahan have brought us 11 flavors of creamy deliciousness, which are definitely shaking things up.

The shakes come in the simple (Classic) form and for those more daring and adventurous (Pimped). For the classics we have the Average Joe, an ever-popular vanilla malted shake and the Heisenburg, which is a take on the traditional Blue Heaven.

The Pimped side of the menu includes flavors which are a little more gourment and indulgent than the average milkshake consumer is used to. The Hansel & Gretel is a crowd favourite, which is a mix of Speculoos cookie butter with cookie crumbles.

Then there’s the PB & Choc, a combination of peanut butter and homemade chocolate syrup. I’m not sure about you, but my mouth is just salivating at the thought.

And if that’s not enough, almost all milkshakes are preservative free. 

The Britney Spearmint shake and Oreo Crumbs have become a fast favourite with milkshake addict and regular customer Tim Wells.

When asked what he had to say about the joint he said: “Do yourself a favor, make like Taylor Swift and shake it off.” His words, not mine.

The solid part of the menu is in the form of fries, inspired by co-owners’ trips to Germany and Amsterdam. These include regular, sweet potato and salt and vinegar shoestring.

If all that hasn’t spoiled you for choice, you can go for a heartier option and choose the Gravy and Cheese Fries which are topped with house-made gravy, cheese sauce, Cajun seasoning, grated cheese and spring onions.

Not a fan? How about the Chilli Cheese Fries topped with house made chilli, cheese sauce, spring onions and diced jalapenos. I’m definitely feeling a food baby coming on.

The interior, a small space, designed by Jean Paul Ghougassian from Comme Design, conjures a retro feel, with cosy booths and simple clean graphics. The hues of blue and wooden counter tops all help to create the perfect spot for a quick catch up with some friends. So round up the boys (or the girls) and try these hero sides.

A little bird told me that future plans include an outdoor cinema in the spacious courtyard and, believe it or not, alcoholic shakes for all those hardcore milkshake enthusiasts or those just wanting to let off some steam on a Friday night.

A shake and some fries will set you back more than usual, with a shake ranging from $6-$8.50 and fries $4.50-$10 but, boy oh boy, you won't be disappointed.

Boy & Co.
224 Glenferrie R d, Malvern
www.facebook.com/boyandcoshakes