Faces of Fish Lane: Jonny Garrison of Grassfed

Fish Lane is the proud host of Brisbane’s first ever all-vegan burger restaurant, Grassfed: the hole-in-the-wall home to seven different vege burgers complemented by a fine selection vegan shakes and ice creams.

Whether you’re a practising vegan or simply excited to try a healthier twist on these American classics, it’s the perfect place to grab a green-friendly bite.

We sat down with the owner and manager of Grassfed, Jonny Garrison, to get his take on the restaurant, the Brisbane food scene, and just about everything else.

Tell us about your background.
I worked dead end kitchen jobs until three year ago when I took a chance and started making my own ice cream. Six months later, I had my own market. After two years, the dream – my own shop!

What’s your favourite dish or drink on the menu at Grassfed?
It has to be the “Aussie” burger washed down with a caramel shake.

What’s your favourite Fish Lane artwork?
The Finished Wall. It’s right by our shop.

What are you loving most about Brisbane right now?
The shift in restaurant culture. We’re slowly catching up to Melbourne and its laneways.

What’s your ideal night out in Fish Lane?
Start with a burger followed by a few soda waters and banging tunes at The Next Episode.

You’re cooking dinner to impress at home – what are you making?
A bang-on curry!

What record are you spinning at the moment?
Same as it has been for the last twenty years: Korn, Rage Against the Machine. I’m always hiding my devil horns and banging my head.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A professional football player. (note: Jonny wishes me to specify that he’s referring to the kind of football that one plays with their feet.)

What was the last movie that you watched at the cinema?
I honestly can’t remember. Usually the cinema is a place where I can catch a couple of hours of sleep and my kids are quiet.

If you could only eat one meal forever, what would it be?
Mixed vege naga pilaf and chapatti.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast.

Where was your last holiday?
Cebu in the Philippines.

What are you binging on Netflix at the moment?
Netflix, what’s that? I don’t think that I’ve turned my TV on since opening Grassfed.

What’s your favourite cuisine?
British, Indian and Thai.

What’s your go-to knock-off cocktail?
I don’t do alcohol so, soda water or a strawberry or passionfruit kombucha.

If you could have any pet, what would it be?
Puggy McPugface.

Who is your biggest idol?
Arnold Schwarzenegger. Is there anything that he can’t do?

What’s your favourite guilty junk food?
Vego spread, straight out of the jar.

You’ve won the lottery, what’s the first thing that you buy?
Nothing, I’d give it all away. I want to achieve – to earn. If I’m handed everything, I’d lose my drive and passion. Although, I might treat myself to a cherry ginger beer.

You can check out Grassfed every Tuesday through Sunday at 67 Fish Lane