One sorry thing about being a Vegetarian (particularly a hungover one) is that most fast-food chains are off menu. Some of the big names don't offer a veggie burger, and if they do then the cheese used is often contains rennet. The chips are quite often cooked in beef fat and I think it unlikely in a fast paced working environment, that there would be any separation of equipment used for veggie items.
Thus, when I was told about Lord of the Fries I was overjoyed. Especially as the first, rave review, came from my friend Neil, who likes his pig with a side of pig! He told me he had eaten half a tub of nuggets without realising that they weren't chicken. In my experience faux meat seems to be a sticking point for some meat-eaters. I've had people argue that it makes no sense, that if we dislike the practice of eating meat that we shouldn't eat things that taste like, or that are shaped like meat. In fact, even after I have explained my personal reasoning on this, I had omnivore advise me that my opinion on the subject was incorrect! Personally for me, I don't want an animal to die for my dinner and if I can have something that tastes a bit like bacon, but is not a dead pig, then I'm pretty happy with that.
Firstly, I shall declare my intention to eat every single item on LOTF menu. Thankfully, I haven't managed this as yet, or it would be a very long review indeed. LOTF started as a chip van, grew to be a popular takeaway in Melbourne and finally spread it's tentacles to Sydney. We now have two franchises in Sydney, one at Central Station, the other on George Street, just before China Town. Once again, joined my my veggie Compadre Leanne we rocked up after a hard afternoon drinking on Bondi Beach.
We opted to share the mixed sides, the classic fries and nuggets. The nuggets are frankly, sensational. Alas, the container only had a mere four in it, and was mostly chips, which are pretty good. Just salty enough and crispy at the edges. Just as we were enjoying the last of our fries and unwrapping the burgers in anticipation, we were set upon by a very large cockroach scuttling to attempt to also enjoy our meal! Ever the quick thinkers we snatched up the food whilst screaming our heads off, and the cockroach, probably rendered deaf (if they do, in fact, have ears) scuttled back under the bench. Whilst we found a new bench to sit on that was hopefully less infested. This left us to lament that LOTF is takeaway only, a dine-in option would be ideal.
We both decided on the Parma Burger. This is a mock chicken patty, napoli sauce, cheese, fakin' & onion. The rich tomato sauce melts into the cheese forming a gooey pasta sauce-ish mix, the saltiness of the fakin' is the perfect overtone for these flavours. This pretty much override the mock-chicken, but who cares, it tastes amazing.
For desert we purchased both flavours of Soy Shake - the Oreo Cookies and Cream and Peanut Butter. The Cookies & Cream was slightly disappointing. I quite like soy milk but sometimes it can have a slightly dry aftertaste, and this shake had exactly that. The Peanut Butter was delicious, although perhaps a bit sickly towards the end where all the peanut butter had settled.
A special mention must go the extensive sauce menu. I myself am a worshipper of condiments. The more condiments, the happier I am. With chips, I believe one should AT LEAST have two options at a time, even if it's just the basics, ketchup & mayo. I'm always partial to a bit of Aioli and not indifferent to Salad Cream and skinny fries, so the fact that LOTF have no less than 14 sauce options PLUS a guest 'Sauce of the Month' is a triumph in the world of condiments. The Deluxe options are a little pricey, considering for a takeaway it's probably already at the more expensive end of the scale, but you can opt for the Vegan Tomato Sauce free of charge. Still, I'd splash out for something slightly more unconventional and can definitely recommend the Vietnamese, a great mix of creamy and spicy.
Hidden in a copse of twinkling trees in Hyde Park just beneath the Aquatic Centre you will find Bodhi, home of Vegan Dim Sum delights! The restaurant was bustling on a Friday evening and we hadn't made a reservation so we were seating outside amongst the fairy lit trees and hanging lanterns, it was a mild winter's night but the garden was still dotted with heaters to ensure the patrons were not too chilly.
I was excited to try the Mock Pork buns having seen the meaty
version, but never been able try them. These were advertised as barbeque
flavour, which to me tasted more plummy than barbeque. They were unexpectedly
sweet and fluffy, my palate said desert, but great to try none the less. The
spring rolls were ginormous and came with both soy and sweet chilli to suit
your taste. 
The organic rose was light and refreshing and a good compliment to the food, a
lot of which was quite heavy. Perhaps we could have made better choices but a
great deal of the Dim Sum sharing dishes were fried whilst I do love the crispy
saltiness of pretty much fried everything, it is good to temper that with some
fresh steamed veggies! Having said that, the deep fried Aubergine with peanuts
soy mince and mushroom was pretty bloody lovely. We also had the stir friend
beans with enoki and shredded tofu, and some steamed edamame, just to get a bit
of fresh greens in there.
We were joined by Leanne's veggie Mama all the way from Bristol,
who isn't keen on spice so, to be safe, ordered a separate main of sweet &
sour mock chicken with vegetables. Normally I avoid sweet & sour like the
plague, possibly because it reminds me of times B.V (before vegetarianism) and
the MSG radioactive orange sweet & sour chicken from the chinese and chippy
down the road. However, when Marianne kindly offered me a taste I find it to be
the best dish of the lot! Perfectly sticky with just enough sweet - and a
scattering of fresh vegetables.
Next time I return to the Bodhi tree I'm definitely bringing some
more friends to share in the delectable Dim Sum... but I might not be so generous
with sharing my main course.
