Restaurant Review: Let's meat at NG to celebrate 6 years

Restaurant Review Lets

By HANNI REICHMAN
As some Jews observe the 5770th revolution of the earth around the sun in combination with the moon revolving around the earth, Tel Aviv's NG Meat Bar marks its sixth year - and according to inside sources, this is the anniversary worth marking. To celebrate, NG is opening its doors to the barbarians out there, which, luckily, is not an ethnic distinction. What does this mean? Well, for three nights in a row, from September 28 through October 1, and then each Sunday night throughout October, a table is set for 20 diners to arrive at 7 p.m. Plates and cutlery are not included (despite their appearance in the press photo). Over the course of the evening the table will be graced with: a grilled oxtail; a whole beef fillet, grilled and on the bone; a whole grilled goose; and, a grilled leg of lamb. Alongside will be grilled vegetables, to include beets, carrots, fennel, cauliflower, pumpkin, radishes and more. Beverages are pitchers of fine wine and boutique Israeli beer - which NG, a long-time promoter of the local microbrew community, keeps on draught. Without plates and cutlery, diners are expected to channel their barbaric ancestors and use their hands. To carve the meat, an axe-like butcher's knife is available. Plastic aprons will be provided since things will get messy. And, the coolest bit is it's a communal table. So you might come with a special someone or a group of friends, but you'll be devouring various types of flesh with people you might not even know. But you'll have to get to know them since you'll want the wine passed at some point. Also, everything at the meal is eat and drink till you drop with the meal expected to last for a few hours at least. That means you'll have plenty of time to get to know your new friends before asking their help in walking out the door. Just kidding, they won't be able to walk at the end of this feast either. I have eaten at NG twice and thought it wonderful. The huge, expertly prepared cuts of meat, the impressive selection of Israeli microbrews and the funky atmosphere combine to a lovely dining experience. It was always just the plates and cutlery that bugged me out. I mean, why do you need them? What are they good for? Finally, that will be an issue no more. Well, for a few nights anyway. And, if this just isn't your thing, NG is still a great place to dine with plenty of space for the non-barbarian types out there. NG is located at 6 Rehov Ahad Ha'am, Neve Tzedek, (03) 516-7888. The barbaric anniversary feast is NIS 270 per person and reservations are required. Not kosher.