NBHD Neanderthal

What's a NBHD Neanderthal ? A mouthful to say is what it is, but mouthfuls definitely worth going for. Let's get straight into it. 

 Skinny Flat White

Coffee was Proud Mary's Brazil & Ethiopian house blend. The first sip of coffee was bold with lingering flavours of plum.

Soy Latte

Green Eggs and Ham

I was torn between a few choices, but ended up ordering the Green Eggs and Ham. The hefty slice of rye toast was teamed up with braised ham hock, fresh tomato, wilted spinach, poached eggs and finished with an impressive pea purée. A combination that oozed deliciousness with each bite. My only complaint would be that the ham was just a tad too salty for my liking. But still, NBHD Neanderthal, I do like your Green Eggs and Ham, I do like them, Jen-I-Am. 

Balmain Bug Roll

We also ordered the Balmain Bug Roll - lightly battered Balmain bug, creamy cabbage slaw,  jalapeños and nutty avocado schmear between a brioche bun. Dare I say it reminded me of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish ? But of course - much fancier, fresher and oh so much better. 

Slow Braised Lamb Shanks

On a bed of the dreamiest mashed potato in beef jus, the slow braised lamb shanks were beautifully tender. Other elements of the dish included a pistachio crumble that added texture and crunch, and creamy Persian feta that was a refreshing contrast to the hearty lamb and mash.

NBHD Neadenderthal is a cafe that offers a strong menu with strong customer service. Waiters knew when to approach you and when to let you be. A lovely space where we did not feel rushed at all, or anyone eyeing us off to leave the moment you finish your last bite and brush the crumbs from your mouth. Neanderthals may not be around anymore, but NBHD Neanderthal is certainly here to stay. 

NBHD Neanderthal

153 Commercial Road 
South Yarra, VIC

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The Meatball and Wine Bar

The first time A and I tried to dine at The Meatball and Wine Bar on Flinders Lane, we were unsuccessful. Luckily for us, it's Richmond twin was much more accommodating, and from the moment we sat down - we knew we were in for a ball.

Our waitress introduced the specials of the day and explained how to go about in choosing our 'Balls & All'. Pick your preferred balls (pork, beef, chicken, fish, or vegetarian), sauce them up (red italian tomato, white creamy, or green pesto salsa verde), and give the balls something to rest on (Italian beans, polenta, potato smash, pasta, or something veg). 

Pork Balls with Green on Polenta

The kurobuta pork balls (think wagyu of pork), minced together with fennel seeds, sage and orange rind were delicious. These balls were nestled in a smooth comforting polenta, draped in a green pesto salsa verde, and speckled with grated parmesan.

Halloween Balls

We also ordered the Special of the Day, which were the Halloween Balls - a pair of large lamb shoulder balls, served with a creamy white sauce atop richly buttered risoni. Adding some crunch were a handful of roughly chopped hazelnuts and the sweet pop of drunken raisins and roasted pumpkin.

Hip and happening atmosphere, warm and attentive atmosphere, drool worthy balls, and pun heaven - what else do you need ? Our experience at The Meatball and Wine Bar was amazeballs.

The Meatball and Wine Bar

105 Swan Street
Richmond, Vic

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Teppankai

Japanese Izakaya Teppanyaki Bar, Teppankai (铁板海）has just recently launched their new tapas menu. Carefully devised by the head chefs, the Happy Hour Tapas Menu offers contemporary twists on traditional dishes that would tickle anyone's taste buds. Of course, Melbourne Girl and I had to go check it out.

We were warmly welcomed in by smiling staff and shown the tapas menu. Sipping on the sweet, roasted brown rice flavour of Genmaicha (popcorn tea), we watched the kitchen staff, complete with Japanese bandanas, dance around each other and skilfully cook away.

Side Dish of the Day

To start us off, we were served a side dish each. The dish consisted of blanched spinach, earthy and chewy mushrooms, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Salmon Carpaccio

The salmon carpaccio was fresh, meaty and tender, which was complemented with a house vinaigrette dressing. Thin layers of lemon interspersed between the elegant slices of salmon welcomed bursts of citrus. The dish had spring written all over it !

Spicy Fish Tempura Roll 

Now this wasn't your average $2.50 Salmon Hand Roll. Think buttery salmon, plump vinegary rice encased in a light tempura batter served with spicy mayo and topped with dried chilli. 

Tofu Salad 

Silken tofu cubes, seasonal greens and crystallised seaweed were dressed in a simple wafu vinaigrette. A party of textures, making a lovely light salad.

Kai Kani Maki

A house specialty at Teppankai and the standout dish of the night was the Kai Kani Maki. Upon arrival, the charred, almost sweet scent filled my nostrils. A crab meat roll centre, wrapped in barramundi, a layer of nori, covered in Japanese mayo and then flamed with a blow torch. Topped with tobiko, the pop of smokiness and saltiness really boosted the mouthful to the next level.

Yakitori 

The tender chunks of chicken, skewered on petite bamboo sticks were moist and coated in a sweet glaze.

Matcha Ice Cream

Served with a sweet azuki bean paste and fresh strawberries, the ice cream was rich in matcha and was just the right balance of bitterness and sweetness. A simple but must have dessert to finish off a tasty Japanese meal.

Here on Bray Street, the food is not just a feast only for the eyes, but for your palate as well. Try the Kai Kani Maki and you’ll understand why. Teppenkai's happy hour was truly hours of happiness.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Teppankai.

Teppankai

34 Bray Street
South Yarra, VIC

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