Dex2rose Nitrogen Gelato

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Dex2rose.

Dex2rose is a welcome addition to Melbourne’s frozen desserts scene.

Specialising in premium made to order gelato (using liquid nitrogen), the café sets itself apart from the existing plethora of take-away gelato/ice-cream vendors by offering (as well as encouraging) patrons to chill out at the venue with their delicious coffee and cold pressed juices and soon to be introduced pastries. 

Their menu changes every fortnight and features interesting flavours combinations not available anywhere else.

Whilst cold drip coffee has become a staple in the Melbourne coffee scene, Dex2rose have gone several steps further with an Australian first - nitro brew infused with apple and cinnamon. The end result is a complex, smooth, full-bodied brew with a bright juiciness, low acidity and caramel finish.

Honey Stash

The Honey Stash was our favourite flavour. Made from top quality Italian ingredients, this Pistachio and Honey gelato surprises with hidden honeyed nut clusters. Topped with a light fresh Raspberry cream, this gelato was to die for. 

Left: Lazy Dinner (Sage, Burnt butter & Caramel)

Right: It's a Match-AH (Matcha, crunchy peanut powder)

Pink Flamingo (Peach & Rose Moscato)

Another favourite was the Pink Flamingo. A vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free wonder, this peach and rose moscato sorbet was the perfect treat for a steaming hot Melbourne summer day. We loved the refreshing flavour of the sorbet which combined beautifully with the airy coconut cream which boasted just the right hint of rosewater.

Using a time-old technique of churning ice cream with liquid nitrogen, the result is cool, smooth ice cream in interesting flavours like Lazy Dinner (Sage, burnt butter & Caramel) and Rockkaido (Rock melon & Hokkaido Milk Tea powder).

Location: Access Through Racing Club Lane 377 Little Bourke St  Melbourne,

Phone: 03 9078 0784

Link: http://www.dex2rose.com.au/

Cuisine: Ice Cream/Gelato

Cafe Review: NBHD Neanderthal

Location: 153 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Phone: 03 9826 4880
Link: facebook
Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee, Modern Australian
Overall Impression: 8/10

Having opened a mere 9 months ago, NBHD Neanderthal is fast becoming one of South Yarra’s favourite coffee haunts. The café is a collaboration between two brothers, Nicholas and Dax Byrne and reflects their belief that good food + good friends = good times. Having experienced a wonderful Sunday brunch at NBHD Neanderthal, we think they've got the equation spot on.

Occupying an unassuming shop-front on Commercial Road, and inspired by the music, cultures and people who surround them, the two brothers have opened a refreshingly different cafe in the mould of an eclectically styled clubhouse. Inside you will find an atmosphere that genuinely expresses Nicholas and Dax's personalities, and speaks of their creativity and journey from humble beginnings.

Whilst cold drip coffee has become a staple in the Melbourne coffee scene, NBHD Neanderthal have gone several steps further with an Australian first - cold brew coffee on nitro. The nitrogen charged cold brew "on tap" is poured from a beer tap and served tall over ice. The end result is a complex, smooth, full-bodied brew with a bright juiciness, low acidity and a long chocolate caramel finish - the perfect drink as the weather heats up.

Given the passion Nicholas and Dax have for coffee, it is unsurprising that their "regular" coffees are also of the highest standard. Apart from the excellent coffee, NBHD Neanderthal also serves up a delicious menu.

Salmon on Rye

2 poached eggs served on fresh spinach, ricotta, salmon and beetroot infused hollandaise 

The smoked salmon was fresh, the ricotta was creamy and the egg was perfectly poached. The creamy runny egg yolk complemented the salty smoked salmon and the whole dish was brought together by the beetroot infused hollandaise.

Slow braised lamb shanks served with mashed potato beef jus and topped with persian fetta and pistachio crumble and baby micro herbs 

The lamb shanks were the highlight of our afternoon, combining flawless texture with superlative flavours. Superbly slow braised, the tender meat of the lamb shanks fell delicately off the bone. The subtle pistachio crumble and the mild Persian fetta melded stunningly with the dreamy mash and jus. 

Hotcakes with maple syrup & candy bacon 

This dish wantonly disregards the current trend toward healthy eating and, as a result, is decadently delicious. The light hot cakes are drizzled with maple syrup and adorned with thickly cut slices of candied pork belly - a dish best reserved for a special occasion.

The excellent coffee (including the Nitro cold brew coffee on tap), the delicious menu and the authentically cool atmosphere of NBHD Neanderthal means we cannot wait to come back. After chatting with Nicholas and Dax, it is clear they are self confessed coffee geeks. But when it comes to coffee, being a geek is cool.

 

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of NBHD Neanderthal.