Restaurant Review: Touché Hombre

Location: Cnr Tattersalls Lane & Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9663 0811
Link: touchehombre.com.au
Cuisine: Mexican, Latin American
Overall Impression: 8/10

We were privileged to dine at Touché Hombre 9 days ahead of the official launch (on the 26th of April 2012) featuring Australian street artist Beastman (who let loose on the walls of Tattersalls Lane) and seňor Casper (an actual Donkey to add to the Mexican flair).

The place was bustling with patrons. The crowd consists predominantly of young urban professionals of the trendy sort. We are told by Owner and Designer himself, Davis Acacia Sky (born Davis Yu) that all this came into fruition in a month. Apart from his talent in running restaurants (he is also the proud owner of The Millswyn in South Yarra); his eye for interior design is commendable.

The scene is clearly set – Touché Hombre is trendily and impeccably restrained “grungy“. The tables, shelving and the bar top are adorned with wood salvaged from Princess Pier. Naked bulbs hang from the ceilings and the splashes of neon at the entrance create a distinctive chaotic night time feel that compliments the Mexican street inspired menu. 

La Margarita de octubre 1941

Tostaditos - Spiced Chicken, mango jam, toasted sesame & chipotle mayo

The food itself is of a high standard. It is Mexican soul food – simple, to the point and executed well. The flavours on every dish are well balanced and full of flavour. It was clear that quality ingredients had been sourced. The menu boasts a selection of tostaditos, grilled corn, fresh ceviche and a wonderful list of delectable tacos. My favourite savoury dishes of the night were the soft shell crab taco and the fatty lamb ribs.

Ceviche· Diced fish, mussels, cilantro, chilli, red onion, tomato & guacamole with tortilla chips

Blood orange madagascar

Fatty lamb ribs - merquen, cilantro, lemon, honey

La Paloma

De Jaiba - Soft shell crab, corn cream, pea shoots, lime and mint

Breakfast Taco - omelette, salchicas, Egmont cheese, beans, avocado, salsa, fried onions with habenero cream

Michelada Bitchin’ Mexican Beer Cocktail

Del Coronel - Chargrilled Chicken, chimchurri & toasted pepitas

The drinks menu, compiled by Bar Manager, Johnnie Kai certainly shows the capabilities of Touché Hombre on the beverage front. His signature cocktail, La Margarita de Octubre 1941 is a classic margarita made with the original Damiana Mexicana. It is rough around the edges, a little left of centre and seductively strong. 

Ice Cream Sangas: Rice Pudding & Cinnamon

We indulged in the lovely ice cream sangas. The chocolate and chilli peanut cookie was divine. The spiciness of the chilli (not for the fainthearted) complemented the luxurious chocolate and indulgent cookie and ice cream. It was a match made in heaven. 

Ice Cream Sangas:  Chocolate & Chilli peanut cookie

Ice Cream Sangas: Dulce De Leche

Davis Sky’s passion and enthusiasm translates into a memorable dining experience as Touché Hombre delivers on all fronts - great food, brilliant drinks, excellent service coupled with an ambience that has a hell of a vibe.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Touché Hombre.