Meet Joe the new head chef at Boozy Burgers, taking charge of all things beefy.
If you’ve ever had a burger from Boozy Burgers, the burger kitchen located just outside Eden Brewery in Mittagong then you know just how dead-set delicious they are.
And if you haven’t… seriously, what are you waiting for?
Every Highlands burger aficionado should be devouring Boozy Burgers on the reg, so don’t dilly-dally and get yourself there pronto!
But before you do, let’s introduce you to Joe, the new head chef eager to fill your belly with juicy, cheesy goodness.
Following the passing of Nathan West, the beloved local chef who helped make this joint the legend it is today, Joe’s taken up the spatula with the support of the Boozy Burgers and Eden Brewery crew.
Check out our chat with Joe in the kitchen!
1 // Hi Joe, tell us how you came to be a chef here?
I’ve been a chef since I was 20. I’ve worked in a fair few restaurants around the Southern Highlands and at one point my wife Belinda and I ran a cafe of our own which was on the main street of Bowral. Then we had our son and it was just a bit too much for both my wife and I to be working full time, so we had to sell it.
After that I went to The Imperial Hotel, I loved working there and all the people I worked for, it’s a great venue.
2 // And what made you decide to come on over to Boozy Burgers?
I was ready to try something new and when I saw the position come up, I thought it seemed like an awesome opportunity to stay in the kitchen but to change things up for me.
3 // And how are you enjoying it so far?
I’m loving it! It actually reminds me of the cafe we had before and I was missing that kind of working environment, so it’s great. I love the people I’m working with as well as the customers.
Taking over from Nathan, who passed away last year and was well-known and loved is something significant. I met him a few times and knew him as a really talented chef. Everyone here who knew Nathan has really made me feel welcome, so I’m grateful.
4 // Do you have any plans for the menu?
We’re keeping all the favourites; the locals and I love the menu here so I don’t want to mess with it. I’m changing up some of the sauces for some new flavours. I’m excited to play around with specials as well.
Last week I did a taco special where I braised the beef in the beer from Eden Brewery and it was really popular. I think it’s good to keep the well-loved classics but also add some fun specials to keep things exciting.
I’m always open to hearing what locals love and what they’re looking for.
5 // What would be your ultimate menu item?
My background is actually Middle Eastern so I really enjoy things like Lebanese food. It would be fun to create a special with those influences.
I’m also really getting into Tex-Mex food. Jacob, the owner of Eden Brewery is from Texas and he’s been introducing me to some of the dishes and I can say I’m definitely a fan. I’m hoping to make some more Tex-Mex-inspired specials.
6 // What does a normal day look like so far?
I’ve got some awesome kitchen hands I’m working with who keep things running smoothly. We can get pretty busy on those weekend lunches and the space isn’t huge so you can only do so much. You’ve got to use your time efficiently which I think we do.
We don’t like to make our customers wait too long for the food but even though we know the burgers are so good they are worth waiting for ha-ha!
7 // What do you like to do in the Highlands?
My wife is not working at the moment and she’s home with our son Liam. He’s only two so we’re both making the most of our time with him before he goes to school. Exploring the Highlands and hanging out together.
Thanks for chatting with us today Joe, we’re so excited about all the things happening at Boozy Burgers and are so glad to see that the legacy of deliciousness carries on.
Let’s all make Joe feel welcome in his new position by popping down to Boozy Burgers for some good food and of course, popping into Eden Brewery for some good drinks too!
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