Giraffe is a buzzy burger and cocktail joint in the hip n happening North Laine

Last week Charlotte and I were treated to what I can only describe as an evening of indulgence of the foodie kind. After a full-on day in the office we made our way across a very busy cultural quarter – New Road was thronged - to the newly revamped Giraffe burger and cocktail restaurant. We were soon ensconced in our seats by the window with a first-rate vista of the North Laine fraternity; I love people watching.

 

American diner-style music and enthusiastic, friendly waiting staff make for a relaxed,informal ambience and the menu’s choice of laden burgers and contemporary cocktails give it a distinct ‘live for the moment’ edge.

A choice of beef patty or chicken in a bun is the main menu staple with an assortment of salady bits, cheeses, bacon, and pickles to set each creation apart. There are of course veggie options including all of the above plus falafels or halloumi.

While we deliberated, I grazed my way through a very large plate of nachos, piled high with melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream and a fiery roasted chipotle salsa - which added a pleasant smoky flavour - while Charlotte chose a more modest portion of melted mozzarella and focaccia chips.

My trousers were beginning to tighten as the burgers arrived. Mine, a Matador, was a hearty beef patty comprised of pulled pork, chorizo, manchego and roasted red pepper tapanede, extremely tasty and satisfying to the extent that I really struggled to make inroads to the coleslaw and salad sides I’d also ordered. Charlotte’s Rodeo burger – a riot of bbq sauce, bacon and house salsa - came with onion rings which, miraculously, she doesn’t like so I unashamedly had the pleasure of these too.

Fit to bust, but still willing, we opted to share pudding. A Banana Popcorn Sundae fit for the Rydell Diner – the café in the movie Grease – was set before us: scoops of vanilla ice cream, chopped banana, popcorn, fudge sauce, whipped cream and hot chocolate sauce, no less! On reflection I’m not sure what possessed us at this point but not wanting to miss anything we also ordered a Double Stuffed hard shake on the side. The innocent looking milkshake with an alcoholic twist involved baileys, finlandia vodka, kahlua, vanilla ice cream and oreo cookies.

We left the restaurant, slowly, and headed off to find our respective transport home. Thankfully my bike was nearby but I did struggle with the one slight incline on my ride home and I’m sure my tyres were in need of air the next day.

Giraffe is top for:

A full on blow out
Generous portions - don’t over order
Living for the moment
Eating in comfort with people you know; burgers can be messy

I will return – with the kids; if I take them on a Saturday lunchtime I won’t need to cook tea!

Ruth