Everything a Burger Should Be: The Gold Standard
Arriving at the Brisbane international terminal to collect my 70 year old Grandmother, after her first overseas holiday return from Vanuatu, I thought enroute I was going to fade away to nothing over the drive there, because the thought of having a 20 minute drive there and another 20 minutes to park and walk to the arrival lounge and then just wait, is agonising for any 20 something year old guy who is always thinking sustenance – right?
Then there was the dreaded thought about whether the plane would land on time and would it take ages for the customs process. I had left late, leaving no time to stop off for a snack enroute, just on the off chance the plane was on time and my Nan would assume I wasn’t going to be there and possibly wander off somewhere, so then I would have to spend longer before I could fill my need to refuel my energy tank again - what a thought.
The rush of having to get there on time triggered my appetite, I am sure – but it doesn’t take much. A great sigh of relief came over me when there in front of me, just next to the arrival doors, was a familiar site offering comfort to my mind and stomach - Coffee Club. For some added perspective of how reassuring this was - this Australian entrepreneurial poster cafe brand has some 296 locations in Oz, and now in 9 countries overseas, exceeding some 400 sites. Here I felt I could expect, in the least, consistency. On this basis, I didn’t mind that this franchise now appears to hold the monopoly on the food stakes for those awaiting touchdown here at Level 2 of the Brisbane Skygate Arrivals Terminal.
Cheeseburger - Coffee Club
The wide open space offered a timber enhanced layout with subtle lighting, where I could relax, with free wi-fi and charging stations too -bonus! I lined up at the counter and when it was my turn to order, of course I agonised, as the offerings were considerable, but with the pressure of those waiting, I dived into choosing a ‘classic cheese burger’, I only hoped it would be enough to fill me. It simply read ‘Lettuce, tomato, double cheese, grilled onion, Dijon mayo, tomato sauce’ and I thought classic would mean a somewhat solid serving. Sirachi sauce was offered to top it off, of course I said yes!
Coffee Club Brisbane International Airport Arrival Lounge Level 3
It seemed everyone was watching the television screens for entertainment of the unsuspecting live video of each traveller arriving, in the comedy of many not knowing where to go, trying to coerce their medley of luggage down the corridor maze exit. I was just hoping I didn’t miss the one I had come to collect. But I was easily distracted as I scoffed down the promptly served, but decent sized burger proposal set before me, with a side of seasoned wedges and spicy aioli dipping sauce.
Fresh tomato, thinly sliced (as it should be) and crisp lettuce, lay the foundation for a premium, mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned uncomplicated beef patty. This was finely complimented by two American cheddar slices, brought together with a contemporary take on an old classic. Taking zingy, yellow American mustard, and a sharp, strong dijon, balanced in holy matrimony with it’s completely opposite, nine to five, take the same route to work for the past twenty-five years, ‘partner-in-crime’ whole egg mayonaise.
Alongside, the mild, acidic nature of the tomato relish, forms a strong companionship with the dijon extraverted personality. While the underlying sweetness of the relish also works a treat with the caramelised onion, then top this off with a freshly toasted poppy seed bun and you have yourself thinking this burger should be on the Australian coat of arms, because it may offer some redeeming qualities to what some tourists may assume our taste reputation is being just limited to yeast in a jar of vegemite. I really did not see that coming from a franchise. Now I can relax on the return trip home as I hear all about my Nan's adventures on her island getaway in Vanuatu.
Air Vanuatu flying over Irikiki Resort, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu
Photo Credits: https://www.airvanuatu.com/home/travel-information/the-vanuatu-islands/efate-island