Nomada Cafe and Restaurant Impresses in Fitzroy
Nomada Cafe y Tapas is already acclaimed as one of Melbourne's top cafes by the Good Food Guide; but it also doubles as a stunning tapas joint at night. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to Nomada to sample the tapas menu and we were highly impressed. We're always excited for something new and distinctive in a sea of Melbourne copy cats. The team here resembles an all-star line up, signalling that this is a foodie savvy cafe with plenty to offer.
At the location where the former Hammer and Tong was located (famous for its soft shell crab), Nomada is a chic modern and engaging site. Here you will find interesting food offerings with a plethora of processes from curing to fermentation to dehydration to water baths to vacuum packs to curing.
The two Jesses bring together a cacophony of foodie inspiration. This restaurant and cafe in Fitzroy is a collaboration between two good friends and chefs Jesse Gerner (Bomba, Anada, Samuel Pepys Wine Shop and Greenpark) and Jesse McTavish (Kettle Black and Top Paddock). These guys have shaped the landscape of Melbourne with their culinary genius. They are not short on experience or ideas. Jesse McTavish was behind such icons as the Top Paddock and Kettle Black hotcakes; the most photographed brunch dish in Melbourne. But he has plenty more ideas to proffer. So Jesse, what's the next big thing? He'll tell you!
We're huge fans of Jesse Gerner having visited and enjoyed top dining and bar memories at his venues; and to be honest any venture he's involved in is a joy. Right now these guys are letting the food speak for itself, with no hype. We were given a sample of the tapas menu with plenty of innovation and technique in play.
In recent times Jesse McTavish has spent time surfing along the east coast; clearing the head before the next foray being Nomada?
Media imbibing the delights of Nomada. Personally this was a joyous dining experience to be savoured; the chefs menu at $55 a head would be a great way to go here. The food here isn't overworked or finessed; the heart of both Jesses. No edible flowers for the Insta crowd (although this food is both great and grammable).
Nomada has had a facelift from the previous Hammer & Tong; we love the rustic comfort and chic of furs and leather, as well as great use of timber and sexy tiles and plants. It feels homely here, or at least how you would like your home to be. Someone mentions they can sense Byron Bay here; maybe the influence of Jesse McTavish. Then again there's a picture of Jesse McTavish dad with a longboard on the wall. So maybe this is Byron Bay meets San Sebastian.
Charcuterie hits the spot with Serrano Jamon the hero, enjoyed with a Jesse Gerner signature Vermouth.
