I am hungry, nope, make that HANGRY, the very fine line you cross when you are so hungry that you just become a little devil and start to grow hungry horns, often resulting in, feistiness and the general train of thought that is, ‘no body better get in my way because I need food STAT’.
Whilst meandering down Flinders lane earlier I noticed some balls that caught my eye, meatballs to be precise at the ‘Meatball & Wine Bar‘ at 135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This place looks exactly like what I need, it’s got meat, cocktails and dessert, that’s a triple treat to a hungry carnivorous travelling soul sister.
The restaurant is dark, with exposed brick, mood lit and dungeon like. The perfect place for a girl on a ‘date with herself’ to hang out. The staff are exceptionally attentive, and make me feel super comfortable when I request my table for 1.
I eye the menu and decide on the ‘Alice spritz’ to start with, it’s a warm day and this drink is perfect for cooling me down, plus it comes served with a slice of cucumber so that counts as a vegetable serving for the day.
I study the menu fast (I’m starving at this point) and decide on the ‘balls and all’ section, I choose the pork balls – with fennel, sage and orange, pick a red Italian tomato sauce and then and I pick my ‘Sotto palle’ translation ‘something for my balls to sit on’. Potato Mash for me thanks. I love this place even before my food comes out, it’s comfy, cosy, trendy and the drink is going down a treat.
My balls arrive. The minute they are placed in front of me I just know they are going to be tasty. Three balls sit upon the creamy mash potato, drenched in a tomato sauce and sprinkled with basil and parmesan. I can not wait to get these bad boys into my mouth. And let me tell you, they do not disappoint.
Just as I am about to take my first bite, and what seems to be right on cue, the music blasts out from the overhead speakers, Hosier ‘take me to church’ starts playing, WELL, let me tell you, these balls have just taken me to heaven, they are aaaaaamazing. They are truly the tastiest balls I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I’m not typically a huge pork lover, but I just can’t get enough of these little beauties. The chunky buttery potato mash is rich and creamy and the perfect bed for these balls to rest upon whilst waiting to be gobbled up.
I attempt to finish the mash but it’s a really generous serving. My belly is full and I am content. Having said that, I somehow always manage to find space for dessert so I order the board special ‘warm red velvet brownie with cream cheese top & vanilla ice cream’.
When it arrives I realise I have clearly bitten off more than I can chew, it is enormous, large enough for two or even three people. As for the taste, it is the perfect dessert for me, not too sweet, a great mix of warm brownie and cold ice cream. The white chocolate dipped strawberries are a delicious addition. I am officially bursting at the seams and my ‘take myself on a date day’ is coming to an end. I pay the bill and head back out onto Flinders lane, the street is starting to get busy with explorers, tourists and diners queued up outside the trendy restaurants.
It’s time to retreat back home, I had a great day, and I discovered it’s not bit one bit scary to date yourself. As a bonus I can say on my day out I got to eat balls and all………….the mashed potato 😉
I highly recommend ‘The Meatball and Wine bar’ Flinders Lane. Delicious food, awesome ambience and lovely staff. 5 Stars from me.
Travelling Soul Sister 