When thinking about a meal consisting of a burger and French fries, it is safe to assume this dietary choice as anything but healthy. In some cases, though, we should never be too quick to judge a book by its cover — or burgers by their patties — at least in Australia.

 

Originating from Melbourne, Australia, the cleverly named fast food chain Lord of the Fries offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan menu options to its hungry customers. The restaurant's most famous item, The "Big Mark" Burger, was awarded the Best Vegetarian Burger in Australia in 2009.

 

 

LOTF's potatoes are grown locally by Australian farmers and cooked with the skins on for extra protein. Lord of the Fries' burgers are certified 100 percent Kosher (all stores have the Kosher certification displayed) and the restaurant is working on getting the kitchen fully Halal certified, stating in its May monthly newsletter, "We're bringing the world together."

 

Of the various menu items offered at the ironically healthy eatery, here is a list of the restaurant's vegetarian ingredients:

 

• Fries: Vegan, gluten free, no trans fat.

• Patties: Vegan, gluten free, does not contain garlic, onion.

• Nuggets: Vegan, gluten free.

• Sour cream: No gelatin, gluten free.

• Cheese: Rennet free, vegan (by request).

• Eggs: Certified free range.

• Buns: Vegan, gluten free (by request).

• Oil: Sunflower, recycled and used as biodiesel in delivery vans.

 

Taking interest in philanthropy as well as dietary health, Lord of the Fries is Wildlife Victoria's largest cash contributor. Any member of the crew of Sea Shepherd is permitted to eat at any location for free and the chain fills its ships' kitchens with vegan burgers before its missions.

 

The best part about Lord of the Fries is not being able to tell that your burger is not really a burger. Unfortunately, for a lot of foods we choose when eating healthy, there is a notable difference in the quality of taste. With Lord of the Fries, you can enjoy the indulgence you get from other burger joints — without the clogged arteries and guilt afterwards.

 

 

Burgers are offered at Lord of the Fries in regular and mini sizes, so you can treat yourself to a snack if you aren't feeling too famished. Onion rings are a new addition to the restaurant's menu, keeping Australians satisfied since May 2010. The restaurant's onion rings are vegan and gluten free.

 

Lord of the Fries is now franchising. Perhaps we Americans can learn from the Australians and improve our local fast food chains with a template like Lord of the Fries. For additional updates with Lord of the Fries, follow the restaurant on Facebook and Twitter pages or visit its website. 

 

 

See also:

• What is gluten?

• Gluten-free beer