Grill’d, Belconnen

I don’t know why it’s written with the e replaced with an apostrophe, but I’m willing to overlook it. Even though it’s part of a large chain, plenty of people emphasise that Grill’d makes the best burgers in Canberra.

I got caught up in the Grill’d hype a few years back, but I found their burgers okay, but it’s been a long time since the last bite. I know I was a fan of the ‘Simon Says’ – a chicken burger – but I recall being disappointed with a few dry chicken breasts.

At my friend’s urging, we head to Grill’d on a Saturday lunchtime, and the store in the mall – with inside and outside seating – is packed.

There are menus on the tables, but it’s an order at the counter affair. While the line to the cashier is long, it moves quickly. Remembering my Simon Says experience, I opt this time for a lamb burger: the appropriately named ‘Baa Baa burger’. In addition to Grill’d has a small collection of bottled beers and ciders, and I’m stoked – and surprised – to see Lick Pier ginger beer is available (life changing, I promise). On ordering, there’s a choice between wholemeal and sourdough buns.

Life changing Lick Pier ginger beer (currently available at Dan Murphy’s)

We take our table numbers and find a seat outside.

On the table is a ‘Local Matters’ brochure – every month, Grill’d picks three organisations to divide a set sum of money between; the division of the money is based on how much support each organisation gets from Grill’d’s patrons (by way of a token in a jar).

Local Matters brochure

I’ve no idea how this works because we’re token-less; apparently the tokens aren’t always distributed to patrons. Shame! I think it’s a really cool idea.

Our burgers arrive within a few minutes of one another. My friend gets us cutlery given the size is a little intimidating, particulary with the steak sandwich.

Mega sized steak sandwich

Closer look

My lamb burger comes out on a plate the same size as my friend’s steak sandwich, but I’m without chips or dipping sauce, so it looks a wee bit lonely.

Lonely Baa Baa burger

It also looks a little… bland. I can see the lettuce, some cheese poking out and a smidgen of the herbed mayo, but where’s the tomato, the relish, the avo?

There it is!

Not wanting to make a huge mess, the clever cutlery is employed.

Bring it

That’s more like it

I’m dubious until I bite into it – and then I’m convinced. This is genuinely a great burger. The lamb pattie is incredibly moist, and the flavours meld well, hitting the taste buds in the right order. I can forgive the presentation because the burger is ‘structurally sound’ – nothing falls out, and (once cut), it’s easy to hold.

I’m not normally a fan of chains, but if every Baa Baa burger is like this, I’ll be back again.

Date: Saturday, 25 January 2014

Where: Grill’d, Westfield Belconnen, Belconnen Town Centre

Cost: $12.90 for one burger without chips or mayo

Worthwhile factor: Highly worthwhile

Want more? Grill’d’s ACT menu, with prices and kilojoule counts, is available online here. Yummy Lummy has also reviewed the new Canberra Centre establishment.