Californian cuisine is as varied and hard to define as Melbourne dining. Diner culture, influences from almost every continent, Alice Waters mesclun and more make up the state’s food culture.

Katherine Sampson has turned her burger joint Hello Sam – which opened in 2013 – into a Californian street-food shop with an emphasis on Mexican cuisine. As the burger market became oversaturated, Sampson tells Broadsheet she wanted to breathe new life into the business while “finding a concept that was going to resonate with burgers.”

Sam’s Cali Cantina continues to serve some classic burgers from its Hello Sam days (the Hello Sam store in Bentleigh East is still open), but now also serves corn tacos and Mexican rice bowls.

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The quesabirria is a cheesy take on a birria taco. Slow-cooked beef and a mixture of three cheeses are complemented by fresh onions, and served with beefy consommé. The pork carnitas tacos use pork cooked in a rich broth with half-cut oranges and whole cinnamon sticks. Pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa), salsa verde and pickled onion add acidity and texture.

Bowls come with Mexican red rice, pico de gallo, black beans, lettuce, cheese and vegetables and a choice of protein such as Baja fish and lamb barbacoa (a Mexican slow-cooking style).

Drinks focus on tequila and the venue has partnered with Agave Luxe on a range of shots and cocktails. Fun, nostalgic cocktails include the Tequila Sunrise, Fruit Tingle and Moscow Mule.

There are also milkshakes with both milkshake and gelato concentrate for extra flavour. Sampson says the most popular are the chocolate bar-inspired Cherry Ripe and coconut Bounty creations.

The space has been revamped and softened with subtle infusions of colour. Muted tones of dusty rose and dark teal, wooden panelling and cognac-coloured leather upholstery lend a retro and cosy feel to the space.

There are plans for a weekend “Feed Me Fiesta” feast of Southern fried chicken, birria loaded fries, desserts, cocktail jugs and more. Weekday lunchtime specials will include tortas, tacos and special cocktails.

Sam’s Cali Cantina
760 Chapel Street, South Yarra
9973 9551

Hours:
Mon & Tue 5pm–9pm
Wed to Sun midday–9pm

samscalicantina.com.au