3rd
Floor, 313 Melbourne Central
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Melbourne, VIC 3000
I’m not one for big nights out. The
last time I attempted to have a night on the town ended up with my buttocks
freezing off in a skimpy dress, feeling revolting the next morning despite not
having eaten or drank very much, and 80 dollars gone goodness knows where. But
when TGI Fridays sent me an
email wanting to inject some Friday into my Monday, I was happy to accept.
I admit TGI Fridays was a lot nicer
than I had imagined. I was expecting a tacky diner, trying to capitalise on the
American theme, but it turned out to be modern and snazzy family-styled diner
with a bar for a centrepiece, complete with bottle-juggling mixologists. The third floor corner view over the state
library and Swanston Street was gorgeous. And we were here to undertake the
arduous task of tasting a range of premium burgers with the added incentive of
cocktails on the side. It’s a tough life.
 |
| Philly Cheese Steak/New York Deli/Twisted Southwest |
We were lucky enough to try out the
Premium Stacked Burger range right before launch day, and whilst we were still
debating over which of the burgers to try, we were served up scaled down
versions of all 5 burgers. I could hear my waistband crying.
 |
| Philly Cheese Steak |
Each of these burgers has a
distinct American influence, and the Philly
Cheese Steak burger was beefed up with the addition of smoky beef steak
and peppers, giving a street-food twist to the diner staple.
 |
| New York Deli/Twisted Southwest |
I had been looking forward to the Twisted Southwest, but aside
from the crisp curly fries on top, this tasted just like your average cheeseburger.
Luckily it was only a handful of jalapenos away from achieving the tex-mex
identity it was going for.
The New York Deli was my favourite for the day. Topped with
flavoursome sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, deli corned beef, and a whole pickle,
it’s like having a Reuben sandwich and a burger at the same time.
 |
| French Onion/Mushroom Chicken Mushroom |
Conversely, the Mushroom Chicken Mushroom was my
least favourite for the day. Whilst the chicken and mushroom soaked in onion
balsamic worked well together, it was too dry to be very enjoyable.
The burgers finished strong with
the French Onion, a timeless
combination of cheese and caramelised onions. It was a rich, satisfying end to
our burger tasting adventure.
 |
| Chips |
And what are burgers without Chips? Our first cup of fries
was served with a smoky and spicy ketchup, as well as an addictive horseradish
mayo that underscored its creaminess with a pungent heat. But then they brought
out some more sauces, and we couldn’t say no to a second serve of chips to go
with a sweet honey mustard that Chris adored, and a sticky, smoky, and spicy
Jack Daniel’s sauce, flown all the way from America.
 |
| Pink Punk Cosmo/Electric Lemonade |
 |
| June Bug |
 |
| Hawaiian Volcano |
The jolly bunch at TGI Fridays also
did a marvellous job of trying to get us drunk with not only drink vouchers,
but also a selection of cocktail samples. Throughout the night, we managed to
try (not finish!) the Pink Punk Cosmo,
Electric Lemonade, June Bug, and Hawaiian Volcano. Whilst they
weren’t the pinnacle of complex and imaginative cocktails, they were all
invariably delicious, especially... all of them. I had to get the waiter to
take them away after a bit so I didn't guzzle them down and fall off my stool.
TGI Fridays has their target
audience worked out, and it’s easy to see why they’ve been around for 18
years. By combining an indulgent
American menu, affordable cocktails, and a vibe that makes Monday feel like
Friday, it is entirely understandable why everyone would want to be coming here
after a long day at work.
Rating: 13/20 – fatty Friday.
This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.
Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of TGI Fridays.
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