Self-confessed skate fanatic Blake Read vividly recalls shaking with excitement as a youngster queueing up outside his local skate shop to meet the pro ‘boarders, and he’s hoping his new place Beach Burrito Fitzroy generates the same buzz for the Melbourne crowd. Blake has joined forces with his brother Craig on the BBF venue, and between them the pair have come up with something truly radical — a skate park and Mexican restaurant combo. Say what?
Yup, the 12th Beach Burrito outlet has a very original feature at its core in the shape of the Burrito Bowl. This playground in the centre of the restaurant recalls the ’80s origins of skateboarding, when abandoned swimming pools were reclaimed by a new generation as places to practice the fledgeling sport and hangout with their buddies. Pistonhead Kustom Lager has helped bring the Burrito Bowl into being, and it’s placed below a 60-seat mezzanine level so that diners can enjoy the show while chowing down on the chain’s renowned Mexican fare. “Let the good times roll” blazes a blue neon sign amid the fierce blackened steel, raw brick and tiled interior, but anyone thinking of attempting a couple of cheeky rail slides after one too many tequilas can think again: only pros or exceptionally talented amateurs will be allowed to do their thing in the Bowl, and that probably doesn’t include you. Just enjoy the burritos and leave the big air to the professionals…
