CCU Undercover: Moo Gourmet Burgers

After the last classy, sophisticated walk through the sands, CCU needed a break. She came home that night to a dimly lit apartment, her stomach full and her food heart (yes, she has two hearts, one for loving food and one for loving people) content.

She kicked off her high heels, wishing for ugg boots and jeans on her next outing. ‘Who needs evening dresses?’ she thought to herself, though deep down it was her exhaustion speaking.

Slumped, she fell asleep only to dream of the most perfect burger. Soft, fluffy with a filling so fresh, McDonald’s could legitimately be sued.
And now she shares her quest of finding and enjoying this dream burger with you all in another:

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Find it a little off putting I speak in third person up there? Don’t worry, only for story telling purposes and mood setting πŸ˜‰

**Did you know: Caesar used to speak about himself in third person all the time? What a… unique and different quality πŸ˜›

Anyway, so as you have read up there, I tasted probably the most dreamiest and most delicious burger partnered with perfect fries a couple of days ago. How do I put this, oh yes, I. Was. In. Heaven.

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But let us start the journey from the beginning shall we?

My brother and I went out for lunch together, and I had planned Moo Burger for ages after reading several reviews on it, stalking its menu and flickring its photos πŸ˜‰

I had built up this image in my head already and I must admit, I was a little worried I was going to be disappointed – what a pointless waste of thought that was πŸ˜›

We entered into a very cosy style of restaurant, almost immediatelyΒ  making me at least, feel as if I had just come home. But that home had come from the 70s.

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There was a giant, psychedelic cow, the symbol for Moo Burger painted on the wall, and actually, the bright colours were not off putting, almost endearing to the image of the restaurant. Maybe also because directly underneath it was a cow patch fabric couch but whatever πŸ˜‰

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It was overall very, unpretentious as my brother coined it, as far as a cafe-eatery goes (I would not call it a restaurant) – simplicity but retro style, funky music in the back, a small gumball machine and walls plastered with children’s drawings connecting to the shop. Nothing flashy, a little sassy, cool and chintzy, with full on self-advertising without making the customers feel like they have walked into a ‘we are the best’ place.

My brother and I both loved it.

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We came to ordering and for me, being a menu stalker, I already knew I wanted the Falafel Burger, though I tossed up between the crunchy onion rings or fries. Since there were only two of us, we decided to share a basket of fries which was a great idea considering how generously they serve their portions.

My brother’s eyes went straight to the Chicken Parmigiana Burger, as this is his favourite style of chicken. One thing you should know about my brother. He is traditional. He likes his meals straight, not often with fancy twists. Hence he of course, had a simple chocolate milkshake.

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Really not too fancy, so I took one photo of it (though I love the straw!) – I took a sip and saw immediately why my brother loved it. Intensely chocolatey but not an overboard taste in the mouth, cool and refreshing and thicker than a regular milkshake but thinner than a thickshake. Served in a chilled milkshake glass. Perfect.

moo burger7My drink? I was a wreck. I wanted all of the Moo Shakes ;)! I mean, Maltesers blended with chocolate syrup, Snickers and nuts and caramel in a drink? How was I to choose!!?? I think I thought ‘I will have this for sure’ at least 20 times before the words actually had any meaning! I eventually decided on the Strawberries & Cream Moo Shake because my favourite burger-milkshake combo is with strawberry.

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This drink brings out the love in me, and I quote, I said to my brother ‘This is summer in my mouth’ – A light and malted flavour whipped cream topping a smooth, thick and slightly artificial (the good kind) thick strawberry milkshake with a kick from extra malt flavour. I cannot even begin to say how awesome it was and how hard I found it not to gulp the entire drink down in one. Furthermore, the presentation made this milkshake gourmet. A gourmet milkshake? Not very common πŸ˜€ – But Moo Burger claims to serve gourmet burgers (a.k.a menu) so they have full marks right now!

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Next came the food, quick and fresh out of the kitchen. My brother, actually changed his mind to get a Big Moo after ordering so in less than 2 minutes, he rushed back to change. Apparently the chicken was already in the fryer! Now that is service!

My brother certainly did not regret his choice though. Although I only have the one shot to show you since the chips were in our middle (hehe, shame :P), the chicken was a large, perfectly crumbed piece, so large that it daintily stuck out the side of the sandwich. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside πŸ™‚
There was a beautiful piece of eggplant which seemed to be roasted as well and oodles (but not overwhelmingly) of wonderful melted cheese and sauce…

Chicken Parmigiana Burger - Crumbed free range chicken breast, thick cut mozzarella, eggplant, baby spinach, home-made mayonnaise & tomato relish ($16.50)

Chicken Parmigiana Burger – Crumbed free range chicken breast,
thick cut mozzarella, eggplant, baby spinach,
home-made mayonnaise & tomato relish ($16.50)

Still being on my Moroccan kick, I opted for the Falafel Burger, although there were three very delicious vegetarian options, something I am definitely not used to in burger joints. My burger came with fresh salad and patty, and the condiments all along the side which I loved. Tzatziki, hummus and a tomato relish to rock the world! I put on as much as I desired, coating my bread and what a burger it became. The falafel was soft with a wonderful flavour to it, spiced perfectly.

Falafel Burger - Falafel, tomato, mixed leaf lettuce, hummus, tzatziki & home-made chilli jam served on the side ($13.50)

Falafel Burger – Falafel, tomato, mixed leaf lettuce,
hummus, tzatziki & home-made chilli jam
served on the side ($13.50)

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In regards to the burgers, I just want to point out that their buns were the best I have ever seen. They were the reason that the burgers were not extremely heavy as they were so soft, fluffy and light. Spectacular. I also liked that yes, you have to stretch your jaw muscles to eat but it was not a huge filling to burger ratio, making it comfortable to enjoy πŸ™‚

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Lastly, the chips. The prize-winning, award worthy, gourmet French fries. Personally, I can only believe that they were so crunchy yet so soft inside because they must have been double fried. No doubt it makes the most difference πŸ˜€
I also loved the basket it came in, very high class indeed!

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General Overview of Moo Burger

  • Very fast, friendly, efficient service
  • I love the accessibility of the place – self serve water available, newspapers at the ready, all condiments at your disposal + tomato sauce & seasonings at your table with napkins – made dining an easy experience
  • Comfortable seating – couches, tables, stools and bar style, it catered to everyone and there were pillows πŸ˜€
  • Fantastic unpretentious interior which is really welcoming, nothing is daunting
  • Lives up to its name – gourmet burgers no doubt!
  • Fantastic gluten-free and dairy-free options so all-diet friendly

Rating: 10/10 – a perfect burger joint – it gives you everything you expect

Booking: Unnecessary

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Other Reviews:

Address & Contact Details:

Website: http://www.moogourmetburgers.com.au/
Menu: http://www.moogourmetburgers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Download-your-menu-here4.pdf

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Address:

232 King Street
Newtown NSW
2042

Number: 9565 4001

Moo Gourmet Burgers on Urbanspoon

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After our little lunch, my brother and I were stumped for a dessert. We did not wish for ice cream because of our gorgeous milkshakes so we got confused and left it *gasp*. I mean maybe a Mookie (Moo Burger Cookie) but they are only available at Manly! Hmmph πŸ˜›

moo burger6I now realise what would have hit the spot perfectly. Some good fudge. Some smooth, creamy, dreamy fudge.
So I wanted a nice big batch, some to keep, some to share with friends etc. but sometimes fudge doesn’t turn out the way you want… especially if it is your first time doing one of those thermometer needing candy style fudges but you choose a gorgeous recipe which does it by timing.

You see, I usually make my fudge the easy way. I put a couple of ingredients in a saucepan, stir them around, add in some nuts, pour into a pan and BAM. The fudge is good to go. Now I know that the real fudge is made with a much more complex method involving soft-ball stages, candy thermometers and stuff like that.

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I never thought I would make one but I found this amazing recipe for maple nut fudge. I did not see any Celsius or Fahrenheit so I saved it but upon making it, I realised this blogger did it according to timing. Ok, no biggy whatever. Haha… biggy πŸ˜‰

I followed the recipe I had adapted it to, and got the most amazing recipe in the world. After 7 minutes of cooking post-boiling, the soft-ball candy stage had still not come so I increased the heat slightly, cooked for 2 more minutes then called it quits. The mixture was pretty thick and everything looked well. Hahahahaha…. *hysterical laughing*

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When I check on the fudge it is not set. It is as cold as the tiles in winter but it is definitely not set. Uh oh… maybe I should have checked soft ball stage continuously, even if it wasn’t according to time πŸ˜‰
I thought harm was done but then I looked at texture. It was thick, smooth and glossy just. not. set. So I dipped an Arnott’s Scotch Finger and so began, a beautiful friendship with my Maple Nut Fudge… Dip πŸ˜€
Smooth, flavourful, slightly nutty-chunky, where had it been all my life? πŸ˜›

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Monty Python was wise – remember ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ πŸ˜€

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Anyway, choose to make this fudge, definitely use Ann’s sweetened condensed milk recipe but keep soft-balling trial till you soft-ball πŸ˜‰

I just added in some walnuts and peanuts (chopped) and this dip was a hit. One of the most delicious maple flavoured gems I have ever tasted!

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125 Comments

  1. Pingback: CCU Undercover: Criniti’s « Go Bake Yourself

  2. viveka says:

    This is a place in my taste … both looks and food!!! Love the cow theme. Thanks for the video – it’s so mad. Where at a trendy burger place in Victoria yesterday – very busy, but it wasn’t more than okay. Nothing wrong with the burgers, but when I compare them with burgers at β€œGourmet Burger Kitchen” in UK – they were only halfway there. Great photos by the way.

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  3. While away I’ve been missing your blog. Got the chance to visit today and I realize exactly how much I miss it. AWESOME post once again, it looks like burger shop heaven! Thanks and cheers to you. πŸ™‚

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  4. All of that food looks amazing. How far away do you live again πŸ™‚ I, too, struggle with picking out the perfect milkshake. There are always too many delicious choices. The psychedelic cow is awesome.

    P.S.- I need some of that fudge.

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  5. I love a burger joints which serves GOOD milkshake in those cups. I have several gourmet burger joints around my house that I like. Got some craving for my favorite strawberry milkshake now. This place looks like a wonderful place, especially you gave 10/10!! Take me~! πŸ˜€

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  6. Tisa says:

    When I first started reading this I was wondering how you would eat a burger ( since you’ve mentioned you don’t meat, then realized several lines down it was a falafel burger. Good choice, Ms. Uru and the critiquing is so fine. The maple nut fudge is super luxury afterwards, I love how you dolloped it into a pudding dish ( can never have enough fudge, right?)

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  7. libishski says:

    I want to go here!

    I’m not from Sydney but I’ve come across this name as I’ve had to deal with them at work once haha. If I’m in Bondi, I will definitely check them out πŸ™‚

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  8. Hahah, never knew about that tidbit! I think Cathleen will be speaking in third person more ofter πŸ˜‰
    Those burgers look SO good! Also, I’ve never had a “summer in your mouth” kind of milkshake before. But I will seek out one, no worries!

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  9. Kim Bee says:

    Seriously wicked cool place. I would want to live there and never leave. I mean I love cows. They’re so cute. I need a Moo here. Why don’t we have Moo here?

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  10. What a burger experience enjoyed and remembered! Now you have your ‘special occasion’ joint all picked out for you and your brother! I can’t say that we have the ultimate burger spot in our world…but we might need to remedy that and get out there!

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  11. The combination of milkshake and fries is absolutely unbeatable. I can’t remember the last time I had it, but now I’m craving just that! If only there were more places around serving vegan milkshakes… It’s not like they’re hard to do! Ah well, I’ll keep looking at your photos and pretending they’re MOO-less. πŸ˜‰

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  12. Sophie33 says:

    My husband & I only eat home-made burgers at home but these burgers at the other end of the world, look very appetizing, great & well flavoured too! πŸ™‚ Too bad that it is in Australia! 😦

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  13. Ohhh this looks like a great place for burgers and remember seeing other reviews damnn it i’m in melbourne lol if not i’d definitely go visit πŸ™‚ OHHH i always love your desserts!!! Homemade ones are the best!

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  14. Love a good burger and I’m definitely game to try a chicken parmigiana burger (who knew such a thing existed!) I’m with you revthe milkshake, strawberry all the way!

    Plus that maple nut fudge, definitely indulge yourself moment for the weekend!

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  15. Zoe says:

    Thanks for your undercover review of this restaurant. I would love to dine in this place if I’m visiting Sydney and I will order the falafel burger!

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  16. oh yum, this meal sounds amazing! i love that there were plenty of great vegetarian and non-red-meat options – that’s awesome so that you can go with a big group + everyone can find something to eat. =) your falafel burger has inspired me to make falafel tomorrow, by the way – thank you!!

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  17. Brittany says:

    As you know, I am not an animal eater..but this place looks adorable, and delicious!! Your burger looks great..the FRIES look unreal!! AND THAT ICE cream shake thing YUM!

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  18. I could spend HOURS reading a menu and still not be decided on what to order, hahahaha! It drives my hubby nuts.

    Uru, you sure MISSED out on those chicken burgers. That thing look fabulous. Your drink is so inviting. Not good for my HDL cholesterol I am sure.

    Neither is that yuummmmmmm looking fudge, but at this moment, I don’t really care. It looks rocking.

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  19. Tara says:

    okay, so I know you’re clear on the other side of the planet and all, BUT, if you’re ever in Seattle, the best burger in town is at the Palace Kitchen (a Tom Douglas restaurant)…do his Palace Burger “Royale”. It’s absolute heaven! And your fudge post made me smile. Reminded me of a flopped banana cream pie I once made. Never actually set firm, but tasted delicious as a topping over ice cream:)

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  20. Carolyn Chan says:

    I had to really concentrate and remind myself that this was a post on burgers after I saw your pics of the shakes – I forgot how decadent they make them back in Oz with all those lashings of whipped cream and syrup. Calorie busting just looking at the pictures ! The burgers looked pretty delish too !

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  21. Oh my goodness, I so want a Moo in the UK. Where have they been all my life. The shakes look amazing but I so would have gone with the strawberry shake too. And the burgers? Wow! I love Tzatziki too so am completely drooling at everything. And the happy accident creating the fudge dip? Love!!!

    Like

  22. Could it possibly be the same Moo Burger?! One just opened a couple of months ago in our neighborhood and we went for my birthday (in June)! We loved it sooo much. I got the Greek one. They also serve maple syrup with the sweet potato fries which were amazing. I’m thinking it can’t possibly be the same company but they have the same mentality perhaps!
    http://www.mooburger.net/

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  23. I just adore your positive attitude and way to spin everything so it’s sunnyside up. This maple dip looks incredible…especially with those cookies. Your Moo Burger reminds me of Umami Burger in LA (minus the decor). Umami goes for edgy LA, let’s squeeze ’em like cattle (note joke please) vibe. So LA, so not kitchy or fun but absolutely DELISH! I am so happy you had your moo burger Uru. I love getting to spy on your food excursions.

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  24. Suzie says:

    Looks like a fun little cafe! Both of the burgers look delicious and those fries…yum! Your milkshake was gourmet, so pretty. I love your restaurant reviews, I just wish I could eat there πŸ™‚

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  25. Liz says:

    What a cute restaurant…your burger sounds marvelous! And I love your “invention” of maple dip πŸ™‚ I never trust those recipes for candy with minutes vs. temps…I am sure to mess those up!!! Have a great week, my friend!

    Like

  26. kitchenriffs says:

    Chocolate and peanut butter are my two favorites flavors of fudge, but maple nut is right up there, too. MOO sounds like just my sort of place. Really enjoyed reading about your adventure – thanks.

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  27. Candy-making takes practice, CCU, which should not be a problem for you given your love of sugar. Get to work! If I lived in your neighborhood I would surely go to Moo Burgers and have the falafel and a chocolate shake (unless they have coffee malts, my absolute favorite).

    Like

  28. When you screw up a recipe and it still turns out well, my family calls that a blunder recipe. My aunt’s blunder cake (where she uses about half the flour called for) is practically famous, and my brother often asks for my blunder whoopie pies (I used a 1/3 cup scoop on the sugar instead of a 1/2 cup). Now you’ve joined the ranks with a blunder fudge dip. πŸ˜‰

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  29. It’s only 7 am here and I’m dying to have one of those burgers.. oh, the torture!! I’ll have to have a dry bowl of cereal instead. Life isn’t fair. Like the fudge.. but you turned it into something even better, I love your dip idea!! xoxo

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  30. Hotly Spiced says:

    I haven’t been to this restaurant but it looks really good. Both burgers look amazing and those drinks! You could really fill up just on the generosity of the cream alone! I love how the fries look and how they’ve been presented. Great review Uru xx

    Like

  31. Spoon Feast says:

    I have never had a milk shake; those have me wondering why.
    Great looking falafel.
    Lucky you to have youth on your side!
    The “cookie dip” is a great idea. Best ideas often come from intentions not turning out right.

    Like

  32. I want to go to Moo Burger! That place looks awesome! Obviously, though, your brother is not as much of a traditionalist as I am. I would have gotten the most basic cheesburger and a vanilla (or…ok…maybe peanut butter/choc) shake. πŸ˜›

    Like

  33. Eva Taylor says:

    Great review of the burger joint CCU. I find it peculiar that they call the chicken a burger; it’s not really, it’s a chicken sandwich served on a burger bun! The shakes look great, I can’t remember the last time I had one, so decadent.

    Like

  34. LOL I love MOO ! It looks like someone’s converted garage off the kitchen. πŸ™‚ A perfect place to eat and relax.

    The fudge cracked me up. You could call it a cookie dip and create a whole new product. Never disregard opportunity. πŸ™‚

    Like

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