Hammer & Tong Launches Tanked at Less Than Zero
So irrepressible Hammer & Tong has come across the river for an exciting partnership with South Yarra Bar Less Than Zero, taking on their kitchen. Tanked is the name of the enterprise, named after the "tank like" structure of the kitchen. Kudos to Simon and Andrew Ward, as well as Dennis Ferreira, and the Less Than Zero team.
Taking inspiration from the kitchen’s tank-like structure within the bar, Tanked is the latest addition to the team’s portfolio and will bring the taste of Hammer & Tong to Melbourne’s inner south. In line with Hammer & Tong’s casual approach to fine food, the Tanked kitchen will be serving up a selection of quirky bar meals, and simple dishes with big flavours, to complement Less Than Zero’s extensive bar offering; the drinks menu features a taste of the traditional (beer, cider, wine) alongside a collection of bespoke cocktails and globally sourced spirits, including a specialty collection of Japanese whisky.
The Tanked menu showcases a variety of starters and more substantial dishes including, organic padron peppers with Yarra Valley goats curd, avocado briont toast with philly cheese, dukkah and coriander, Wardy’s crispy chicken ribs, kim chi okonomiyaki pancakes and a selection of sliders. Tanked will also produce a range of sides, and decadent desserts, such as the maple bourbon stracciatella waffle sandwich, for those with a sweet tooth.
Tanked co-owner Simon Ward said of the new venture: “The collaboration with Less Than Zero is a fantastic opportunity for us to explore new prospects and really show Melbourne what we’re capable of. We’re really excited about our newfound presence south of the Yarra. “We’ve created an entirely new menu for Tanked, but diners will still get a glimpse of signature Hammer & Tong elements and dishes, as we want to stay true to the heart of our brand and core cooking beliefs,” he added. Owners of Less Than Zero, Jeremy Koadlow, Anthony Cannan, Simon Henderson and John Ryan, are excited to be able to offer a tailored bar menu as part of the Less Than Zero experience and look forward to sharing Tanked with loyal patrons and welcoming new faces to the bar.
Less Than Zero is one of those alluring Melbourne bar spaces, modern but not without quirk.
Tanked more than impressed with its selection of food at the launch. From what we could preceive, everything was under $15. Including these sliders! Your choice of Smoked chicken, BBQ brisket, or Smoked Lamb Shoulder.
These Organic Padron Peppers with Yarra Valley Goats Curd hit the spot, with heat but not too fiery.
Chic bar with dark wood features, an an impressive drinks list.
The outside courtyard was a pleasant surprise with timber panelling, plants and appealing tables.
Avocado Briont Toast with Philly Cheese, Dukkak and Coriander was a creamy sensation and talking point.
The Chicken ribs were our favourite - what was that killer sauce? Wardy's crispy chicken ribs (named after Tanked co-owner Simon Ward) with Fish Fang Sauce, Spring Onion and Sesame Seeds. Yes we wanted more of this!
We also wanted the Fritters!
Tanked is on trend with Hammer & Tong bringing excitement and verve. Highly recommended.
