Jack B Nimble a Top Cafe in Melbourne
Jack B Nimble in Maidstone is surely in the top flight of cafes in Melbourne, a gem among a humble row of shops. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to experience this suburban cafe in the West and sample some of its savvy dishes. If we can make a call early in this article it would be to say Jack B Nimble is serving up restaurant quality food in a cafe. Which makes this cafe very much on trend. With kitchen connections to Grain Store, we were highly impressed by the balance and modern food smarts of the 2 brunch dishes we imbibed.
Jack B Nimble boasts a chic fit out, modern though unpretentious. The space is bright and loads of natural light and a vibrant decor with plants and great use of timber, makes this a happy place.
Recline by the window and enjoy peace in the burbs.
The World Loves Melbourne loves a great black pudding and Jack B Nimble didn't disappoint. Black pudding, potato and currant hash, slow roasted tomatoes, apple, shaved fennel, poached eggs and brown butter hollandaise is a first class dish. Where others would have gone into "fry up" mode, Jack B Nimble brought the balance. The combination of quality black pudding (from legenday Rob the Butcher in Dandenong) with perfectly cooked eggs and a compelling brown butter hollandaise is superb eating, along with a thin golden delightful hash. But then refreshing elements prevent this dish from being stodgy; namely the slow roasted tomatoes, apple and clever nuance of shaved fennel (where others may have gone with chunky potato this gives crunch without the calories).
We love the black pudding presented as a sandwich with apple; not just a hunk of black pudding on the plate.
Our kind of brunch; shows technique and is big on flavour with balance. Kudos to chefs Deborah Ong and Julian Tay.
Coffee is on point from Axil with shiny La Marzocco and Single Origin on offer.
Attractive greenery on the walls.
The second dish, of French Toast, was an absolute stunner. French toast with dulce de leche, poached pear, fresh kiwi fruit, early grey mascarpone and malt crumb is another chart topper. Once again, balance was to the fore. A sweet brunch dish such as this can be overbearing but Jack B Nimble balances out the sugar levels with poached pear and kiwi fruit. The earl grey mascarpone is a genius touch. As is the advent of dulce de leche; just spoon it up and drizzle it over your already sweet french toast. Another example of nuanced cooking is the malt crumb; just for that crunch.
Visually the dish is sexy; one of the best brunch dishes we've had all year.
Wander out to the courtyard and enjoy the vibe.
With such high standard dishes as the Black pudding and the French toast we're keen for other menu items; the Spiced Cotechino is also receiving rave reports.
We travelled across town from the eastern suburbs for this; and we're glad we did! Worth the trip from anywhere in Melbourne. Jack B Nimble is a Melbourne cafe revelation.