The Burn Returns to Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne has brought back the burn with the city’s favourite barbeque legends, Burn City Smokers, taking over the hotel’s award-winning Collins Kitchen restaurant. 

After extending their three-month residency to six months last year due to an overwhelming demand, Steve Kimonides and Raphael Guthrie have towed in their custom-built smoker for round two and are ready to show off their smokin’ hot new additions to their Southern American-inspired menu.

As passionate supporters of local talent, Grand Hyatt Melbourne has collaborated with Melbourne-based muralist, Justine McAllister for the pop-up’s return. Diners can enjoy spotting Justine’s signature collage-style designs and bold colours throughout the restaurant and outside the hotel. Be sure to check out her most notable artwork on display in the hotel’s lobby – an impressive hand-painted cow. This unique piece is on silent auction for the duration of the pop-up and Grand Hyatt Melbourne welcomes all to walk in and place a bid. All proceeds from the silent auction will go directly to Wheelly Good Coffee – a local social enterprise run by Whitelion, a not-for-profit that supports young people at risk.

We absolutely loved EVERYTHING we sampled from the menu. The barbecued meats were some of the best we have ever had. Working closely with Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s Executive Chef Jason Camillo, the menu is stunning. Our top picks include the indulgent meat platter for two with pork ribs, brisket and smoked chicken. The beef brisket was a standout. Particularly noteworthy for its fragrant and complex beefy flavours which were enhanced by being marinated for many hours prior to being smoked for around 14 hours. The meat was both soft and delicate. The beef short rib was another must have - Tender, falling off the bone, juicy and packed with flavour. Prepared in the Southern tradition using dry spices only, the ribs were served with green peppercorn sauce which added an extra punch. We loved the smoky flavour imparted from being smoked wood for numerous hours. 

For vegetarians, the menu also has some beautiful options including jalapeno poppers, fried camembert and an impressive smoked mushroom burger. 

Steve, Raphael and Jason may be serious about all things barbecue but desserts have not been forgotten on the menu. Showing off the versatility of the kitchen, the sweet part of the menu is similarly impressive. For something light, the baked whole apple is beautiful – A thoroughly modern and moreish dessert of warm and melt in your mouth combined with a walnut and cornflake crumble and frozen ricotta – it’s a very clever take on the humble apply crumble. If you are a chocolate lover then do not leave without indulging in the smoked chocolate lava cake with pepperberry crunch, cream. We loved the balanced bitterness of the chocolate which boasted a beautiful smokiness. 

Burn City Pop-Up will be at Collins Kitchen until the end of August 2018 with its menu available for lunch and dinner. For full menu details, visit melbourne.grand.hyatt.com