Dinner @ NorthSouth Eatery

We've been joined by Al and Elle for dinner at NorthSouth tonight. To keep us company as we try to decide what to eat we order a couple of snacks to begin with:

Arancini

Breakfast @ NorthSouth Eatery

We're back for breakfast and hurray the eggs are on!

Breakfast @ NorthSouth Eatery

Our first surprise came as we arrived at NorthSouth to find that it wasn't going to be open until 9am - fair enough, there were things to do to pass the time. The second less pleasant surprise came when we were told that those famous 60° eggs wouldn't be available until later - probably after 10am.

To be honest the menu isn't very large and to have your main attraction unavailable isn't a good thing. Eventually we did manage to selection something.

Breakfast @ NorthSouth Eatery

Our subsquent visits have been for quick coffees but we're back at North South with time on our hands for a leisurely breakfast.

Lunch @ NorthSouth Eatery

After a morning spend drooling over the cars at the Motorclassica we are in need of more than just visual nourishment. We're not really ones to specifically go to places as soon as they open but as we were passing by NorthSouth Eatery we decided to drop in for lunch.

Lunch @ 268 on Toorak

We're back for another leisurely Saturday lunch and this time I've actually remembered to take some photos of the renovated interior:

Lunch @ 268 on Toorak

The renovations are finally complete and 268 on Toorak has quietly reopened and we're back to see how the old Les Boucheries Parisiennes has scrubbed up.

As we mentioned on the last post - the same team remains but they have the opportunity to better utilise the restaurant space. Upstairs is now the restaurant proper while downstairs is a more casual eating space - the leather banquettes remain, but they are joined by low tables and casual leather cubes. When you consider its position just opposite the Como center, this change makes sense as does the new menu which has a focus on shared dishes.

As it's a lazy saturday and with so many new dishes on the menu, we've foresaken any decision making and put ourselves in Chef Paul's hands.

We begin with charcuterie

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

It's been a couple of months since we've been to Les Boucheries so a visit was well overdue. As it turns out, you could say our timing was quite good as changes are in the pipework.  There'll be a new name and a different direction food wise but not to worry, it still will be in the capable hands of Chef Paul Griffiths.

So for our lunch today, we've got a little sneak peek at what's on offer in the near future.

Lunch @ Caffe e Cucina

We continue our Australia Day feasting with something Italian and a visit to Caffe e Cucina. It's sad to say that we've never been here before - many reasons, either it was too full or no parking or there's somewhere else to go.

The space has a nice feel - that Italian feel, cramped and dark and somewhat cluttered, an eclectic mix of decoration but somehow when you put it all together it feels like home.

For starters:

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

It's been too long between visits so for our last restaurant meal of 2009 we're off to Les Boucheries Parisiennes. There's a few new dishes on the menu and some favourites so we've left the decision making in the very capable hands of Chef Paul.

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

A much too early start in the morning to get hold of some jumbo green eggs has left us rather lethargic - the solution to our condition is a comforting lunch at Les Boucheries Parisiennes. Once again we've placed our trust in the very capable hands of Matt and Paul.

~Soup~



The sweetness of the scallops are accentuated by the robust flavours of this bisque - it's earthy and rich.

~Entree~



This is a smaller serving of their main and I would order this just for that unbelievably excellent ox tail ravioli.

~Main~



Delightfully smoked, subtle enough so that you can still appreciate the fish.

~Dessert~

The meal certainly got our brains functioning again so we did manage to order desserts ourselves.



Raspberry and apple has that wonderful sweet-tart combination, coupled with a good level of crumble topping makes this a winter favourite.



The type of dessert I really enjoy, little tastes of different things and all equally delicious.




The details:

Les Boucheries Parisiennes
268 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Phone: (03) 8256 1636

Open:
Lunch - Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to late

Web:
www.lesboucheries.com.au

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

There's a new menu at Les Boucheries Parisiennes and we're having a difficult time deciding on what to eat. Having managed to select soup to begin, Paalo decided he had made enough decisions and left the rest of the meal in the capable hands of the Chef.

First Course:


Cauliflower soup, cod brandade, herb oil, caviar

Cauliflower and salt cod, this obviously is my selection. The intense flavour of the brandade is softened by sweet creaminess of the soup


French Onion Soup

A simple presentation but the flavours ring true.

2nd Course:


Beef carpaccio, frisee lettuce, asparagus, parmesan cheese, truffle dressing

Meltingly soft beef, clean well-defined flavours.

3rd course:


leek and fennel tart, caramelised scallops, sweet corn puree

so delicious it deserves a close up!



The use of fennel seeds in the pastry was a brilliant touch to bring in the flavour of aniseed. As always the scallops were picture perfect - plump and sweet and just cooked.


For mains:


Duck breast, zucchini fritter with oxtail ravioli, eggplant salad

Beautifully pink duck breast served on a warm salad of sautéed eggplant pieces.


Rabbit pie with wild mushrooms, goats cheese mashed potato, baby asparagus

Underneath that puffed lid sits the rabbit pie. Adding goat cheese to the potato is a clever idea, it brings a touch of sharpness to the rich buttery puree.

Cheese:



No dessert but who really needs it when you have such a fantastic array of cheese on offer.



The details:

Les Boucheries Parisiennes
268 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Phone: (03) 8256 1636

Open:
Lunch - Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to late

Web:
www.lesboucheries.com.au

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

We've returned for another leisurely lunch. There's a bit more of a chill in the air so we foresake the usual bubble and begin with glasses of Henriques & Henriques Madeira.

For starters:



Duck Liver Parfait toasted brioche, blood orange reduction



lovely smooth texture with well developed flavour


as usual, Paalo can't resist the appetiser plate



Next is a special treat from the kitchen:



Tuna Carpaccio pink peppercorn, spring onion, chive & lime dressing



We've not had this before but we'd happily have it again. Melt in the mouth tuna offsest with a pleasant crunch from the peppercorns, acidity is well balanced in the chive and lime dressing. Light and refreshing it certainly enlivens the tastebuds.


For mains:



Homemade Fish & Chips tartare sauce, lemon wedge (From Express Lunch Menu)

An absolute bargain at $14 - juicy fish encased in a wonderfully crisp batter, a tangy tartare and pomme frittes.



Wagyu Beef Sirloin, served with confit shallots, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, red wine sauce (Speciality Menu)

You can never go wrong when ordering the beef here, this is no exception. Rich flavour, tender meat cooked perfectly.



Sautéed Spinach ($6)


We decide to round off the afternoon with a cheese platter



From top right, Comte Gruyere - Pave D'affinois (cow) - Chevre Cremeux Fromage D'Affinois - Rouzaire Fromage de Meaux - Sainte Maure - Truffle Brie - Papillon Black Label Roquefort - Saint Agure






The details:

Les Boucheries Parisiennes
268 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Phone: (03) 8256 1636

Open:
Lunch - Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to late

Web:
www.lesboucheries.com.au

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

It's been a little while between visits so it's time to redress the situation.

For starters:


Cheese Soufflé, pineapple & ginger chutney, parmesan tuile (from Lunch Menu)

You really can't go wrong when you order the soufflé - the interior is deliciously soft and creamy


Appetiser Plate - top row - Cheese Soufflé - Oysters with Salmon Roe - Caramelized Scallops potato blini, mushroom duxelle, horseradish foam
bottom row - Duck Liver Parfait toasted brioche, blood orange reduction - Escargots de Bourgogne gently cooked in garlic butter - Atlantic Salmon basil & tomato spaetzle, olive tapenade

I did manage to nibble on a few of these - Paalo generously handing over one of those fantastic scallops.

As a treat, the kitchen very kindly sends out this next dish for us to share



Soft Shell Crab zucchini & lemon spaghetti, smoked tomato gazpacho

I just love soft shell crab and this was an exceptionally good specimen - a great combination of crisped shell and fleshy interior, the smoked tomato gazpacho is quite special.

For mains:



Chicken Breast parma ham, forestierre mushrooms, pomme rosti , truffle jus (from Lunch Menu)

The fantastic presentation is equalled by the taste. The chicken breast is stuffed and rolled, served in thirds that sit on small potato roesti rounds.




Merguez Sausage Diced beef and lamb, cracked pepper & sea salt, Red paprika (from Speciality Menu )
This comes served with pommes frittes and scissors to cut through those excellent meaty sausages.



The details:

Les Boucheries Parisiennes
268 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Phone: (03) 8256 1636

Open:
Lunch - Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to late

Web:
www.lesboucheries.com.au

Lunch @ Les Boucheries Parisiennes

It's been a while since we last ate here and there's a new menu. As Paalo likes to make as few decisions as possible on his days off, we put the decision making and trust in the capable hands of Chef Paul.

First Course:


Beef Tartare with Quail Egg, garlic croutons and balsamic reduction

We enjoyed a sneak taste of this a little while back so we're really happy to see it has made it onto the new menu.

Second course:


Caramelised Scallop, Potato Blini, Mushroom Duxelle, Horseradish Foam

I do wax lyrical over the scallops and these are as good as the others I've had before but the combination of potato blini, mushrooms and horseradish raise them to another level.

Main course:


Lamb Loin on Savoy Cabbage & Bacon Salad, Minted Gnocchi and Sultana Jus

the minted gnocchi are a very clever way of introducing mint into the dish, the smokey bacon and cabbage is delightful, quickly cooked so there's still some crunch.




Onto desserts:


Coconut Pannacotta, Pineapple Carpaccio, Almond Biscotti



Assiette of:



Passionfruit Jelly

Strawberry Donuts

Caramelised Pear Creme Brulee

The details:

Les Boucheries Parisiennes
268 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Phone: (03) 8256 1636

Open:
Lunch - Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm to 2.30pm
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to late

Web:
www.lesboucheries.com.au