It seems to be tradition that every time a Sydney Food Blogger comes to town, we take them to the uber charming rooftop terrace at Madame Brussels. Fortunately, the weather also turns out to be hot tamale.
Details: 63 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000 (next to Spaghetti Tree) Phone; (03) 9662 2775 Web: http://www.madamebrussels.com/
The first visit at Madame Brussels was with bloggers Michele (Iron Chef Shellie), Billy (A Table For Two) and Helen (Grab Your Fork). It was a slammin summers day and let me just say the male staff uniforms were proudly roaring “I like short shorts!” This blog post comes awfully late but has been reignited from it’s drafts folder by another recent visit from another Sydneysider, Leona (Pigged Out), who I thought would find this place totally kitsch.
![madame brussels DSC06403](https://foodrehab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC06403-1024x768.jpg)
Finding the place is actually quite…let me find the right word, amusing? Perhaps not. A tip: look for the door on the left of the Italian eatery Spaghetti Tree. There is a sign but most people I speak to have missed it. You will see a set of stairs leading to a lift. But let me tell you. Once you’ve made it up to the 3rd floor, you will be happily surprised at what you will see.
Phrases like “Yes Daarling” or “Why, that would be just splendid” will hit you like a mutha*****r!
![some random doggy at madame brussels](https://foodrehab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC06392-1024x768.jpg)
To describe the interior at Madame Brussels, think Afternoon Tea parties on astro turf. Billy and Helen have described it as a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz which is pretty much on point I think. Complete with comfy couches, cupcake stands and a fancy schmancy fitted out bar. Apologies, I couldn’t resist using the word ‘schmancy’ at least once on my blog. As you can see from the picture above, I’ve seen a few dogs here. I plan on bringing Cookie the Beagle next time.
Outside, the tea party continues. However instead of finding tea in our cups, we found ourselves drinking a Warsaw Mule which was a sweet combination of Vodka, mint and good old ginger ale. The second time here, Leona and I came for brunch and we ordered the Prussian Iced Tea which was made up of Earl Grey, peaches, lemon wedges, mint El Jimador and lemonade. Admittedly, the lovely waitress pointed out that they put a little extra alcohol. Running on empty stomachs, we were bloody tipsy by 11am…
The food arrives! We were so excited, our cameras came straight out like a reflex. Of course, we ordered a bit of everything on the menu. First off the rank came the Homemade Chicken Liver Parfait served with Piccalilli and toasted butter clad bread. It is described as ‘so light you will not feel it go straight to your thighs’ The light part is true as it was silky smooth but the thigh statement…well…fueled by alcohol and a heavy case of denial, for second, we actually believed it.
Round two, we were faced with the Famous Poached Chicken sandwiches. Lightly toasted, it was filled with chives, mayo and accompanied by lemon wedges and a bottle of Tabasco sauce?! Strange at first since I’d never had tabasco with a sandwich before, but when I saw Leona gleefully douse the sauce all over her sandwiches, I felt assured that it was perfectly normal. And gladly so. In fact, without the sauce, it wouldn’t have been as splendid darrlings! lol Yep, once I start with the phrases, I can’t stop…
![madame brusselsPoached Chicken sandwiches](https://foodrehab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC06390-1024x768.jpg)
For desserts, we do what bloggers do best – order pretty much all the sweet stuff on the menu! We scrolled and scrolled until we spotted the words Hot Pink and cupcakes so we immediately ordered two servings just resolve our curiosity. The rather fancy looking cupcake was killed at the fate of a teaspoon! The lemon sponge filling was beautifully tart as was the not too overly sweet icing that encased the rainbow of sprinkles. God I need a dose of fairy bread right now…
![Hot Pink Cupcakes at madame brussels DSC06396](https://foodrehab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC06396-768x1024.jpg)
Next up came the Chocolate Fondue. According to the menu, it is made up of 70% French cocoa pearls. Although the strawberries were plump and sweet, by this time, we were defeated.
![Chocolate Fondue at madame brussels DSC06399](https://foodrehab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC06399-768x1024.jpg)
![madame brussels- the outdoors DSC06385](https://foodrehab.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC06385-1024x768.jpg)
With the glorious summerdayz now in full swing, it’s time we head out for our weekend brunches because let’s face it, the majority of us actually spend our Saturday and Sunday mornings in hangover mode. But don’t you fret, when it comes to doing a fine ass brunch, Madame Brussels represents not too mention some amazing rooftop views that makes you feel as small as Stuart Little!
Tribute
Now, let’s cap off this off with a slammin tribute to the male staff who, perhaps unintentionally, had women at a few tables literally gushing and giggling back and forth like as if they were in High School talking about a crush who just walked past!
All together now, “Who wears short shorts…we wear short shorts!” Let the song continue.
Brunch at Madame Brusells? Do it.
Details: 63 Bourke Street, Melbourne 300 (next to Spaghetti Tree) Phone; (03) 9662 2775 Web: http://www.madamebrussels.com/
So um, can you recommend any other rooftop brunches/bars in Melbourne yo?
Like tapas, share this with your friends:
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Haven’t been to madame brussels yet. Maybe i should do brunch there. 🙂
hey Michelle- it’s a must do. Try their amazing share jugs
Parasols should definitely not be limited to being miniature ones made of paper and adorning pretty drinks only – pass me one whilst I sit in the sun please, dah-link!
hey mademoiselle délicieuse- ha! I agree, very kitsch indeed
Not been back for awhile… I should do so before summer turns cold. Hot pink? I am all for it.
hey penny- Yes, you’re right. Must make the most of summer- hate winter!
Hmmm, the food definitely looks good enough, but short shorts makes this place a must-visit!
hey bel- ha! My friends loved the short shorts
I’m a damn fool! Why didn’t I go here last week? WHY?! I have short shorts and everything 🙁
hey conor- I know! Holla next time your in town
Hilarious… anything with copious amounts of food colouring makes me a happy girl (it’s a pastry chef job hazard… I blame Ladurée). The chicken liver parfait looks wonderful. What fun 🙂
hey foodie and the chef- The place is heaps fun and a perfect place to get your tan on.
oOoOOoHhHHH!!!!!!! So this is what this place is! I only ever glimpse it everytime I walk to Parliament station after gym (at Virgin) and I’m always curious!! OMG… And I dare call myself a Melburnian (hides in a dark corner and sulks)
hey msihua- go go go! Must do.
I’ve only ever been to Madame Brussels once, but I must say it has become one of my most favourite spots in Melbourne! I am just absolutely in love with the whole concept – I just wish we have something similar in Sydney! It is such a wonderful spot and yes, I might’ve been a bit tipsy after a glass (or 3) or the sangria… 🙂 LOOOOOVE the Fred Perry, short shorts clad male staff, and the female staff in tennis outfits!
hey trisha- MIne too! It’s one of my first suggestions when a friend comes to town
Wow I love Madame Brussells but haven’t been there in a long time! Seeing those pictures is making me crave again, ugh. Will go back there the soonest I can! 😀
hey lorie- Yes, before we face the wrath of winter again 🙁
Sloshed at 11am, barely clad men? Brilliant, where is this place again? 🙂
hey trina- LOL you make me laugh.
Oh my goodness! I never knew they did so much food! 🙂 I want that chocolate fondue, how cute! 🙂
hey ashley- we had no more room for the fondue. It’s what you get for ordering too much!
But you didn’t take a photo of the short shorts! Holding out on us, Adrian! 😉
PS: Cookie! So cute! <3
hey agnes- haha! I refrained
Is it weird that, of everything here, I most want that bowl of gherkins? 😛
hey hannah- yes, but totally understandable! The gherkins were superb
mmmmm me want those chicken sangas and gerkins!!
ahhh I remember that day, it was such a gorgeous day. Great post!
hey shellie- it was such a great day. Yes, I want more poached chicken sandwiches with tabasco
Looks like the perfect spot for us coffee and sun lovers!
hey helen- summer is over 🙁 but when the sun peaks again, I’m heading back for more prussian iced tea!
I made the mistake of ordering a cupcake here….big mistake!!
But the jugs of Pimms hit the right spot!
hey maria- hehe. I’d like to taste all the drinks here, so many to choose from.