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In case you thought I was somewhat smitten with Japanese restaurants of late, here is an entry that will throw that assumption right out the window (but stay tuned, because there is one more Japanese review coming up shortly 
).
The Stork Hotel has been gracing the corner of Elizabeth and Therry Streets since 1852. Back in the day when people rode horses rather than cars, it used to be the last pub on the dusty track to Ballarat, a burgeoning goldmining town.
It now sits rather colourfully on the corner across the road from the Queen Victoria Market. It is part backpackers, part cafe, and wholly old time traditional pub that still sports its fair share of local clientele. And yay – not a taberet machine in sight!
What I do find rather unusual about the Stork is the menu. It straddles traditional pub fare (think parma, burgers and steak), but also ventures into some South American items. It may not be wholly traditional, but it is still interesting to find in a good ol’ Aussie pub.
EG went the chacarero, a traditional Chilean sandwich made with grilled steak, steamed green beans, tomato and mayonnaise. It came in a burger bun with a side serve of crunchy chips cooked in fresh oil (in fact, some of the best chips we’ve eaten in quite some time). The steak was incredibly juicy, spurting out with each massive mouthful.
I went the lomito, another traditional Chilean sandwich of pork and mashed avocado. The loin pork chop had been nicely caramalised on the grill with a generous sprinkle of seasoning. It was perhaps too much pork for my liking, but those who are so inclined would find it absolutely mouthwatering.
I really like the Stork – the corner position across from the market is a great spot to sit in the sun with a brew (or two) and watch the passing parade. It has cheap beer and cheap food (though it won’t win any hats), and is kind of like slipping on a pair of ol’ comfortable duds – you won’t feel uncomfortable in here.
yum!! those chips looked so delish!
Hey ginger – welcome to tummyrumbles
Yes, the chips were good, even if they were frozen and out of the packet. You can’t beat fresh oil and a perfect cook and season.
Burgers look really good – am curious about the mashed avocado you had. Although pork wouldn’t be my first choice of meat!
Cheap AND good food is always a plus I say.
Hey mouse – yeah, pork is not normally my first choice of meat either. But as EG got the chacarero, I went the other option. The avocado was good, seasoned up with salt, pepper, lemon juice and some green onions (from memory).
As I said in the post, the Stork is not a culinary hotspot. The food is cheap and decent, but what is better is the location, the beer and the mood.
I reall like it when you put real food on here, this is something I think I could sit down and really enjoy
for some reason this wont accept my bloger password. Ciao……..Dad