Would You Like Meatballs With That?

So we've all heard of the term 'amazeballs', but what if I were to tell you that I've actually discovered some amazing balls (please don't stop reading...I promise this post isn't going to turn into the literary version if The Porn Identity, or anything). The newest American inspired food trend (after Mexican, burgers, hotdogs, BBQ meat and retro American-style diners) has hit our shores in the circular form of meatballs, and damn are these some good balls! Just the other night I set out to discover for myself the hype that has been created by one, The Meatball and Wine Bar, located on Melbourne's Flinders Lane. I have to say, though looking forward to it, I wasn't expecting anything fantastic...that's usually the case when it comes to balls. Meatballs that is.

My dining companion and I were greeted by exceptionally friendly staff, who informed us it would be around a 40 minute wait (ie. if you're in a rush then perhaps you need to sauce your balls elsewhere. SAUCE! GEDDIT?!), but I promise the wait is definitely worth it. The menu is simple (as well as appropriately witty) and broken up into a section with cured meats and mozzarella boards, a sliders and 'heroes' section (essentially your meatballs in burgers or a sub), and then there's my personal favorite the Balls and All option. This choice allows you to select your balls of either beef, pork, chicken, market fish or vegetable, then your sauce, perhaps tomato, pesto...or perhaps you'd prefer white sauce on your balls? (Sorry, couldn't resist). And to finish up you can select your base of beans, homemade pasta, creamy polenta or greens. My companion selected the special of spaghetti with veal, pork and beef balls in a delicious tomato sauce and I opted for the vege balls on beans with tomato sauce. And of course you couldn't have the Meatball and Wine bar without the Vino! We had some great wines by the glass, as well as good cider and beer.

The whole atmosphere of this place is relaxed and chilled out...in a way it reflects the ethos of the food. Simple flavors done well. So jump on the band wagon (ball wagon?) if you have a craving that only balls can satisfy, this is the place for you! And if your not satisfied you can always head down to St Kilda Road afterwards for satisfying balls...