Cafe Review: NBHD Neanderthal
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Location: 153 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Phone: 03 9826 4880
Link: facebook
Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee, Modern Australian
Overall Impression: 8/10
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of NBHD Neanderthal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of NBHD Neanderthal.
