outback - lygon street carlton

it's kinda like a theme restaurant without the floor show. and with food that doesn't taste like they scraped it off an aeroplane tray. try this - cover the first word on every menu item and the menu reads 'soup, pie, steak, salad'. there's nothing wrong with the food, you just need to question what it is that makes an 'outback steak' so different from a steak. in true paul hogan style they have kangaroo, crocodile and emu. tastes like chicken.

they brew their own beer, which gets a ten out of ten compared to most homebrews, but that equates to about a two and a half on a normal scale. drink enough of them and you don't really notice though. the meal sizes are generous, but they are awfully protective of their bread rolls- you need to sign an affidavit that you will eat them all before they'll even begin talks with the kitchen.

it's corny, there are dunnies instead of toilets and there is so much corrugated iron here that you'll be electrocuted in a thunderstorm. hessian sack chair covers too, darling. the waitstaff were good at taking the orders, but not so good at fulfilling the orders. would quite professionally take your order, but come back with an armful of plates and a vacant look asking uncertainly 'did anyone order possum quiche?' usually to the wrong table. they did keep those beers coming, but.

great place to take an overseas relative who is only in melbourne for one day- they'll go back thinking of melbourne as some hick provincial town that eats their national symbol on a daily basis and scrap their plans to emigrate and move in with you.

let's face it - who has really heard of australian cuisine? it won't exactly take off to the extent of say, italian. but, shit, it's there and good for novelty value. if you feel the need.