Brunch at Cafe Vue 401 + Julia & Julia

All French kissed on a Saturday

SO I woke up this morning with no plans apart from my itch to see the new foodie movie Julia & Julia. Despite sending the movie trailer link, no one wanted to see this film because they were on the assumption that it was some art house/women in love type of film and were mortified that I’d even suggested such a chick flick. Yes, that is partially true, I admit that. However, the reason why I wanted to see Julia & Julia was that just like other greats- Eat, Drink Man Woman, Soul Food and What’s Cooking; the movie was all about food damn it!

After much bribery (a choc top and drink), I managed to get one, yes, just one friend to come with. Geeze… And of course, it felt like I was dragging a little kid to a dentist appointment. Perhaps I should have just organised a movie meet with my fellow foodies instead *sighs*

Now having seen the film, there were the Barry Manilow moments, but overall, it achieved the most vital tasks:

1. Made me drool
2. Made me laugh
3. Helped me decide where to eat after
4. Built up my appetite
5. Made me hit my friend due to my excitement during the film
6. More drooling (Chocolate Cream Pie scene had me all beady eyed)

Thanks to the movie, it had also reminded of the newly opened Cafe Vue at 401 St Kilda Rd, which is just a 10 minute stroll from my joint. I’ve driven past it a few times wanting to give my fellas (taste buds) a treat but could never find any parking. I wonder how it compares with its sibling at 430 Little Collins Street…

When the warmer months start to rear their heads, so do my brunches, quickly multiplying like a group of ferrets popping out of their burrows.

Details: 401 St Kilda Road (near the corner of Toorak Road) Melbourne Phone: 03 9866 8055 and 430 Little Collins Street (between Queen & William Streets) Melbourne CBD Phone: 03 9691 3899

Surroundings:

Liquids: Cappuccino X2  using one of my favourite beans, Lily. St Ali and Vittoria are still my top two.

Mains: Pear Danish. As soon as you walk in, you’re confronted with a large basket of fresh pastries which are all kept warm under a heated lamp. Now, what kind of trick are they pulling here?! My readers- you know me well enough to know that this is a temptation that I cannot resist. Impossible even.

A great classic, often done with injustice locally with way too much sticky glazing and swirls of frosting that by the time you’re done with it you have (a) definitely exceeded your sugar intake for the week and (b) forgotten what fruit it actually had. Fortunately, Cafe Vue gives the Danish the spa treatment.

Croque Monsieur X 2 which is a grilled sandwich was served with Kurobuta ham and cheese. A dish with all its simple elements must be perfected.  The golden buttered brown exterior should reveal the next layer being fluffly, airy and finally presenting the star of the show: French Gruyère forming an almost cheese sauce being deliciously melted for your taste buds. Envoyé moi aux aliments rehab.

Vanilla Macaron: Was smooth, creamy with the exterior light and slightly delicate. Although, they are smaller than the babies at Laurent Bakey or Lindt.

Part #2:

Update: 25 October

So I came back here over the weekend. This is the problem being so damn close. With the bright sunny outlook, my tired weary state from the Friday night was in need of replenishment.

Mains:

Wagyu Pie– encased in a golden glazed breakaway pastry. Not looking like your traditional pie, the melt in your mouth tender meat kept up their juicy forts protected by a rich not too boastful gravy.  Matched really well by the puree, there was no need for their homemade tomato sauce. Although, I did end up helping myself to some with the frech fries.

Tomato, bread and cucumber salad– was so simple in concept, but with its ripened cherry tomatoes combined with the warm crispy flat croutons, it packed a fresh welcoming punch right to the buds. Who said I don’t eat my vegies?! I was making mini bruschettas!

Bring a date here? The ultimate weekend breakfast spot. Alfresco dining for the anticipated Summer months. Time to bring out the jeans, t-shirt and thongs. The trusty hoodie that served me well can go back into the wardrobe to hibernate.

The cutlery box was a sublime touch. The homemade herbed tomato sauce was heavily used!

Out with friends here? As above yo.

Service: Upfront and friendly. Conveniently catering for the locals and nearby offices,  Vue gets as packed as a school canteen. Like me, you may have to join the other students at the communal table if you need a seat.

$$$: Both visits 54.60 inc drinks

Aliments Verdict de Rehab: Envoyé moi aux aliments rehab!

It seems to be all about Macaroons these days- where would recommend I get the best?