Freaky Foods of Baton Rouge – Vegemite and Kangaroo Jerky

By: Mark

G’day mates! This edition of Freaky Foods showcases two staples of Australian cuisine. Going to Dingo’s for lunch with Wesley, I was intrigued by a sign that said: “Vegemite and Kangaroo Jerky to Sample!” Being adventurous eaters, we had to try it. The Kangaroo jerky was the first to be brought out. It had a strong aroma, almost musty, but had a sweet flavor. It was very good. Then we were brought a jar of vegemite by the owner, Patrick Muller. He was beaming at the thought of people trying a food he grew up on. Vegemite is made from leftover brewers' yeast extract, a by-product of beer manufacturing, and various vegetable and spices. It almost resembles nutella in its color and texture. After smelling it, I forgot all about nutella. A bitter, salty smell entered my nostrils; making me have second thoughts about wanting to try it. I spread it thinly on a cracker and placed it in my mouth. A salty, slightly bitter, and malty flavor followed. If I had to compare it to something, it would be like sucking on a beef bouillon cube. Patrick then prepared it for us the way he ate it in Australia; spreading it on hot bread with loads of butter. This was a better way to eat it, as the butter definitely mellowed it out, but the vegemite was still so strong I couldn’t finish it. Though it’s not my favorite, I am glad I had a chance to try another country’s food. If you are curious, head to Dingo’s and ask for it; I’m sure Patrick will be happy to oblige.

“Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four and full of muscles
I said, do you speak-a my language?
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich”

At which point I would have politely declined!


Vegemite



Kangaroo Jerky

Local Owner Interview: Patrick Muller – Dingo’s

By: Mark

Patrick Muller is the owner of Dingo’s, an Australian themed restaurant and bar located at 11580 Coursey Blvd in Baton Rouge, near the intersection of Sherwood Forest Blvd and Coursey Blvd. Patrick is a native of Perth, Australia, where he also ran a restaurant and was an avid Australian rules footballer. He has been kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for Cuisine Rouge:

1. How did you get started in the restaurant business?

"I was born and raised in Perth, Australia. My wife is from Louisiana and she introduced me to Louisianan cuisine, which I fell in love with. My restaurant in Australia was called the House of Blues Café. It was located in a blue house and we featured live music and Louisiana food. I owned it for two years and then we decided to move to Louisiana to be closer to family.”

2. What or who were your influences?

"My personal influence was my desire to entertain and to provide the best dining experience for anyone who walks into my doors. I do this by trying to provide simple, good food.”

3. When did you know you could make it in this business?

“I try to take it one day at a time. The key is to always keep learning. To me success is when I walk across the street and look at my restaurant. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a parking lot full of cars and people leaving the restaurant satisfied and happy.”

4. How did you decide on this location?

“It was all about perfect timing. Initially I had a place picked out in the Lake Sherwood Mall. However, the deal fell through. I then came across this location and made a call to the owner. From the outside it looked like it would be a quick fix, but there was a lot of work that needed to be done.”

5. What do you love about your job?

“Making people happy and providing a place to work for my employees.”

6. What do you hate about your job?

“The never ending bills.”

7. When you aren’t cooking, what do you like to do?

“Lay in bed with my wife and three daughters and watch Sponge Bob Square Pants.”

8. What would you be doing if you weren’t the owner of Dingo’s?

“I would be a real estate investor. It’s actually what I was in Australia and it gave me the financial ability to open my first restaurant.”

9. What is your favorite dish on the menu?

“The chipotle chicken curry.”

10. What would your last meal be?

“A stick of salty butter with a crusty, hot baguette. I like to keep it simple.”

11. What is your best moment as a restaurant owner?

“I love to be able to present the guest with the unexpected and watch them enjoy it. Recently a bride-to-be and a few friends were looking for a place to eat late. They called ahead and came in and when they arrived there was a bottle of complimentary champagne on ice waiting for them. It’s the look of surprise and happiness on the customers faces that makes me love what I do.”

12. What is your worst moment as a restaurant owner?

“Once again, the never ending stream of bills.”

13. Anything new for the future?

“We just got a frozen drink machine so we hope to create some new frozen beverages to go along with old favorites. I also hope to keep our success going and become the best new restaurant in Baton Rouge.”

14. Other than what you make, what other foods do you enjoy?

“I love boiled shrimp and ice cream. I am a big fan of simple, comfort foods.”

15. If a person is only visiting your place once, what dish should they get?

“The fish tacos. The love affair between the grilled mahi-mahi and the mango salsa should please anybody’s palate.”

Cuisine Rouge would like to thank you Patrick Muller for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck to you and Dingo’s in the future!

Deal of the Week

If you are hungry and funds are low, this is the information you need.  Several places around town offer great ‘happy hour’ deals that go beyond just drinks.  One of the best deals you’ll find is at Dingo’s.  Visit any day that they are open (Mon-Sat) between 4PM and 7PM and get $2 off all draft pints and all glasses of wine.  For only $.50 more you can get a cold pint of Foster’s.  Also, all burgers and some of the delicious Panini sandwiches are only $5.  If that wasn’t enough, kids also eat free Monday and Tuesday.

This past Tuesday night, my wife and four year old son visited.  We arrived at 6PM and I got a pint of Foster’s, my wife and son had soft drinks, I ate the very tasty Dingo’s bacon burger complete with the fried egg on top, my wife had a turkey burger (the chipotle cranberry sour cream sauce is the bomb) and my son had the kids mac and cheese (which he loves).  All this came to a grand total of $15.  I have spent that much in the past on a family outing at the golden arches, and I don’t think I need to tell you who has the better food.