Riley Murphy can tell you a lot about a burger, eating anywhere between three and six a week - or sometimes all in one day as his food-blogging alter ego Chompamatic.
His passion for food came before his love of photography, but now they are hand in hand (with a burger in between - #thatburgergrip). It all began when Riley/Chompamatic (or Chomp for short) started entering food challenges all over Melbourne. Quickly this enthusiastic devourer earned the title of ‘professional eater’ and began taking photographs of all the mouthwatering and epically large food he was eating - think burgers much bigger than your head. From there, the cheat meal expert naturally transitioned into food blogging.
Frankly Frankston has had the honour of watching Riley smash down a four-decker parma in just 10 minutes. It was an impressive feat and a sight to behold. But by day this food superhero is a plumber. “I do all the plumbing maintenance at an abattoir where we basically make cheeseburgers all day.”
The burger scene has had a huge leap in popularity over the past few years. Frankston born Riley puts the dramatic increase down to there being “so many combinations and ingredients to turn what was once a simplistic fast food into something pretty substantial and impressive”.
A highlight of his career was being welcomed with open arms (and huge plates) into restaurants, which is something he’s always grateful for. The hospitality and opportunities that arise while living this lifestyle are astronomical. “I’ve had so many amazing dining experiences and eaten some of the most epic meals you can imagine.”
Not to be cheesy, but Riley claims he’s just a regular guy who loves eating - and who doesn’t? His celebrity status is growing, however; he’s getting recognised in the street and even got to meet his idol, Adam Richman, from the television show Man vs. Food. “The crazy thing was he knew who I was!”
It’s not all free food and fun times, though. There’s a downside to the lifestyle that isn’t just the inevitable food coma. It’s very demanding - it’s basically another full-time job. Riley admits it cuts into his family time because he’s always out at food events, trialling different venues, completing photo shoots and food challenges, or simply promoting a new gastronomic delight. “It’s a hectic schedule, but my loved ones are very understanding and support me 100 per cent.”
With Riley’s Instagram following at 24,000 and growing, we had to ask him why he thought food bloggers have emerged in their hundreds recently. “We live in an age where everyone has such a huge appreciation for food and the passion behind it. I think the combination of everyone having access to a camera on their phone and so many venues now pushing boundaries with all this awesomely presented food, it's such an easy transition for anyone to start up an account and become a blogger.”
For burgers overloaded with cheese and crispy bacon, make sure to hit ‘follow’ on Chomp’s Instagram at @chompamatic and follow him on Facebook. Alternatively, if you’re a restaurant or food venue looking for reviews or help running your social media account, he’s your man.