Behold the one-kilogram burger. It is quite a sight.
Some like mega-burgers, some don't. But one thing is clear, the humble burger has become a kind of new-age marketing touchstone for eateries far and wide.
Which brings us to Angelo and Samantha Tsiaousis, who own Sangerz Real Food at Beresfield.
Amid the rise of the trendy burger joint in town, they urge us not to forget the traditional fast-food takeaway in industrial estates.
"We always hear about the restaurants in town. But we never hear about any industrial takeaways," Angelo says.
"I've been in the business since I was a little kid, through my parents.
"There's been heaps of publicity for the new burger joints. It's about time we get some recognition."
So this is kind of a story about the old-school takeaway owners standing their ground against upstart, trendy burger joints in an avocado- and tumeric-stained world.
At high noon on Thursday, Angelo will get some of that coveted recognition. Hit 106.9 Newcastle will take its Takeaway Thursday theme to Sangerz. They'll shout a free lunch to the first 100 customers.
Showing he's not afraid to tap into the power of burger marketing, Angelo will run a challenge while the radio crew do their thing.
Which brings us back to the one-kilogram burger.
"It's got two 200-gram pieces of schnitzel, a double beef pattie, heaps of bacon, triple cheese, onion and hot chilli sauce. It can have any sauce, but it normally comes with hot chilli sauce. We call it the Scorpion Burger," he said.
"Remember the Riley McGree scorpion kick for the Jets. It all started from that."
Angelo will have a couple of people take the burger challenge.
"I once had a guy do two of them in 20 minutes," he said.
Topics: "Errr, it is the age of obesity, some people maybe won't like this. You know, the wowsers."
Angelo: "We have all the healthy options - wraps, sandwiches and salad. We even cater for vegans. Our original works burger comes with fresh salad and good mince."
Ahh, the original works burger. An Aussie staple.
Anyhow, we're pretty sure we've restored a bit of balance in the battle between the traditional takeaway and the fancy-schmancy burger houses in town.
Statue Suggestion
This from Ray Dinneen: "A letter of mine was published recently [in the Herald] complaining about a toolshed-like structure, which has sprouted in Harbour Square beside Rydges [at Honeysuckle].
"It is a pump house for the refurbished fountain. In the letter I suggested the pumps could be relocated inside a plinth in the square, which could support a statue of a local person of note.
"Although I didn't say so, my mind was heading towards Joy Cummings. We'll blow me down, the very next day it was announced that the former lord mayor will be honoured with a statue at the site of what once was the Civic railway station.
"The purpose of this letter is to suggest that you ask your readers to suggest someone worthy of a gong in Harbour Square. By the way, Big Dog and I are not eligible."
Suggestions to topics@theherald.com.au.
The Rebellion
A group called Extinction Rebellion Newcastle will hold a public talk at University of Newcastle on Wednesday.
The free talk is titled Heading for Extinction (and what to do about it).
"The planet is in ecological crisis. We are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction event this planet has experienced," the event description said.
"Scientists believe we may have entered a period of abrupt climate breakdown. This is an emergency."
Speakers will share the latest climate science on where the planet is heading. They'll also discuss the psychology around climate change and offer solutions through the study of social movements.
"Everyone is welcome and there will be time to ask questions and discuss afterwards."
The event will be held in the Club House Room, beneath Bar on the Hill, at 1.30pm.
