Tanked by Hammer and Tong launches at Less than Zero

Melbourne and Brisbane have one very distinct thing in common. It’s definitely not the weather or the beaches (Brissy is in the lead there); it’s not the coffee (sorry Brisbane, you lose) or the wine bars (sorry again Brisbane); and Bris, Melbourne totally did smashed avocado first!

It’s all about the river.

In both Melbourne and Brisbane you either live North of the river or South and rarely do you hang out on ‘the other side.’ It’s not discrimination (unless you believe this article ). In Brisbane it’s all about the crapola public transport; in Melbourne it’s because there are so (SO) many good dining options in all the inner suburbs that you never really need to leave your ‘hood. It can mean that you miss out on some foodie gold though.

Fortunately there are a few places helping us out. Top Paddock opened a Southside breakfast alternative with Kettle Black; Milk the Cow has sorted out both sides of the river; and now Hammer and Tong are bringing their flavour-packed bar food to South Yarra.

The Hammer and Tong team have taken over the tank-like kitchen, at Less than Zero in South Yarra, bringing a top class menu of bar snacks to match their range of cocktails and craft beers.

 I was invited to the Tanked by Hammer and Tong launch party where I got to taste some of the food on offer.

Foodporn warning 😉

First up was the Avocado Briont Toast ($10)

Silky, peppery avocado and philly cheese dolloped onto a thick chunk of crunchy toasted brioche and dusted with dukkah. I was sold. So much so that despite being well-full later in the evening, I demolished a couple more.

Surf and turf fritters ($10 for 4)

These kinda tasted like a meaty felafel ball (in a good way) studded with corn kernels and topped with a romesco sauce.

Kim Chi Okonomiyaki ($9)

So damn good! A gorgeous thick pancake, loaded with kim chi and plenty of mayo and bonito flakes on top.

Wardy’s Crispy Chicken Ribs ($15 for 6)

Chicken ribs are becoming a bit of an on-trend food in Melbourne and I for one am deliriously happy about that. These were super crunchy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside and the ‘fish fang sauce’ sweet and rich with umami goodness.

Smoked Chicken Slider ($6 each)

A perfect little bun, fresh coleslaw and a magnificent pickle with tender smoked chicken (you can pick and choose what goes on the slider; there are also beef brisket or lamb shoulder options).

Sriracha Candied Bacon Jerky ($8 for 4)

The only problem with this bacon is that they have the name wrong, it should be called crack bacon. Bacon coated in toffee-like candied sugar with a buzz of spice. Groan-worthy stuff. This was served towards the end of the evening and I thought for a minute it was a dessert. I would happily eat this for dessert, or as a starter, or for breakfast for that matter. You might need two serves of this just for yourself.

Sumac Strawberries, Yoghurt Panna Cotta and Walnut Crumble ($8)

I am running out of superlatives now, this is just scrummy. Really well balanced, not too sweet; the tangy yoghurt cuts through the sweetness of the strawberry syrup and the crunchy, nutty crumble and freeze-dried strawberries add some delicious texture.

For the health-conscious or vegetarian there is an amazing sounding Spiced Cauliflower Freekah Salad with eggplant kasundi, currants and almonds ($8)

The prices are really good for food of this quality. If eating full portions, two menu items would be more than sufficient for the average person. My advice is to take a group of friends so you get to try everything .

The space is great; cosy bar at the front, beer garden out the back and a pool table upstairs. It lends itself to becoming the local go-to bar for anything from a quiet drink to a catch-up with a group of friends.

Unfortunately I can’t report back on any of Less Than Zero’s cocktails, this night was all about the food. The one that caught my eye when I was scoping them out before the event was the 666 Southside Hustle with 666 buttered vodka, orgeat, hibiscus syrup, lemon and fresh mint with a buttered lemon sugar rim – it sounds like it might be enough, coupled with some fabulous bar food, to convince this Northside girl to cross to ‘the other side’ more often.

Disclosure: I attended the launch as a guest of iD Collective. All opinions, photos and ideas remain my own.

Tanked menu available Thursday-Monday from 5pm.