A Main Street Burger Bar lineup – credit Kate Holmes
By Vivienne Pearson
Any day is a good day for a burger. If you need an extra excuse, use International Burger Day, officially scheduled for Sunday 28 May.
Last year, the winner of The Echo’s ‘Burger Me’ People’s Choice award was the Main Street Burger Bar. As the name suggests, this restaurant is all about burgers (the main street in question is Jonson Street in Byron Bay).
There are nine burgers to choose from, including a Classic 10 Buck, a Spiced Buttermilk Fried Chicken (the winner of last year’s competition), a Teriyaki Fish and a Vegan Jackfruit.
There are, of course, chips – potato or sweet potato. There are also salads, including serious ones called Energy Bowls with your choice of protein (meat or vegan) for a full meal. Great if one of your group want to ‘shun the bun’ or is simply not in the mood for a burger (I’ve never experienced this myself, but understand it can happen).
This is fast-food-style eating without the trappings of junk food. ‘It’s all about providing fast food with real produce, cooked by chefs,’ says Chris Wright, co-owner and one of the chefs at Main Street.
These values extend to the drinks menu. No multinational megacorporation drinks here. Instead, you’ll find an amazing array of sodas, all of which are handcrafted by local company Flavour Fountain. A shot of alcohol can be added to any of the sodas and a range of wines, cocktails, beers and ciders is available all day. As of very recently, you are welcome to enjoy a drink at Main Street without eating (I’m not sure I could be in a burger bar without eating a burger but, again, I understand this is theoretically possible).
So what will Main Street Burger Bar be pulling out of their bun this International Burger Day?
The plans are so ‘under wraps’ that not even I am privy to details. Your best bet is to keep an eye on the Facebook page as information will be posted only a day or so before.
In case you find yourself on the Gold Coast hoping to avoid the lure of junk burgers, swing into the brand-new second Main Street Burger Bar in Broadbeach (though admittedly, this one is not on the main street, it’s in the Oasis Shopping Centre).
The only question left is: ‘Why was 28 May chosen as International Burger Day?’ Despite extensive research, I have no answer. I even asked Professor Google. It seems that some things are best left unquestioned and simply enjoyed.
Main St Burger Bar: 18 Jonson St, Byron Bay. Open 7 days, 11.30am–late. Facebook and Instagram: @mainstreetburgerbar
