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Read the Charter of Independence here.
Read the Charter of Independence here.
By LIBERTY GADD
It's north v south. Burger v souvlaki. Jimmy Grants v St Kilda Burger Bar.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s north v south Street Food Feud pits Jimmy Grants chef Luke Croston against Burger Bar chef Paul Tyas, making them switch their usual fares of burgers and souvlaki in a battle over street food.
The food fight runs over two consecutive Saturdays – last Saturday, March 5, and next, March 19.
Locally renowned food-blogger Wendy Hargreaves opens the first round in an industrial space at Grosvenor Grocery and Bottle Shop in St Kilda East.
The cheeky rivalry between Croston and Tyas begins.
A succulent lamb patty peppered with Jimmy Grants’ seasoning is a welcome alternative to the usual beef rissole.
Tangy pickle tzatziki balances the sweetness of the soft brioche bun. Beetroot falafel adds zing to the burger and the cos lettuce, freshness. Meaty gravy ties together the burger’s Greek-inspired flavours.
Tyas’ souvlaki features Victorian grass-fed beef short ribs that melt in the mouth. Sweet bursts of pickled onion are the yin to the salty chickpea and fennel fries’ yang.
This decadent souvlaki – the pita is made with beef fat – is dressed with creamy mushroom yoghurt.
Gypsy Melbourne brewers Barrow Boys Brewing’s Red Sky Wheat beer – a rich yet effervescent brew made especially for the event – complements both burger and souvlaki.
The event staff are attentive. Empty glasses and souvlaki wrappers disappear seamlessly.
The hodge-podge of diners enjoy second servings of Croston's and Tyas’ creations; the room buzzes as patrons dissect both dishes.
Votes are counted and Tyas’ beef souvlaki wins this round.
Tyas, with a playful grin, tells the crowd it’s a proud moment to one-up the man he once worked under when apprenticing for Melbourne chef and TV personality George Calombaris.
Diners are given Jimmy Grants and STKBB vouchers as well as a sweet treat from artisanal Melbourne patisserie Don’t Lose Your Temper. For $25, this is one finger-licking steal.
The overall street food feud winner will be announced after the second round of the competition next Sunday at Jimmy Grants, Richmond.
The author of this review bought and paid for her North v South Street Food Feud ticket.
