I don’t go out very much, I am not anti social by any stretch, but I tend to prefer to duck off to the mountains if I can, and, lately, the cost of living pressures here and there have made me pull back on a lot of frivolous spending.
When I do head out I have to admit I have become a little boring over these past few years. Actually, almost a decade now. I prefer to go to one cocktail lounge. I have mentioned it many times now, it is called Charlie Parker’s. The bar manager, Giacomo, he is a friend. I am very well looked after when I go. It is my “Cheers” if you will.
And I will tell you that, despite the fact that I really don’t want to give the Merivale hospitality any more money, I cannot but help find myself returning to this bar for the same thing over and over, a Tanqueray 10 gin martini, dry with a twist of lemon, and their house burger which I get delivered from upstairs. No later than 7:30pm. Mostly on a Saturday night. I add to the order a Coke Zero.
What is so special about it? I have tried to put my finger on it. I have had burgers all over the world, some have been outstanding, none have ever come close to this burger though. I would say it comes down to the quality of the meat, the cheese they use, the seasoning on the crisps, the pickles on the side, the neat salad which also sits separate. And, how could I forget, the pineapple slice in the burger.
The first bite is outstanding but the real thrill comes as I use my fingers to load another bite into my mouth, grab a crisp, some pickles, maybe a small slice of lettuce and add it all in as a chaser. I don’t know what happens in my mouth but between the hot meat, the juicy pineapple, the texture and seasoning of the crisp and the brine of the pickle, the texture of the slippery lettuce, my friends, there are some things that just need to be experienced. It is my one big luxury at the moment and accordingly you will almost never see me there without my best suit on.
And after a few bites, a sip of that martini, a sip of my Coke Zero, back to the burger.
If you haven’t tried one, might I suggest you give it a nudge if you happen to be in the Paddington area.
