LOCATION
Normanby Chambers in Melbourne CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
When Shannon Bennett closed the doors on his famed Carlton eatery Vue de Monde in 2005, only to reopen in a new CBD location a short time later, the response was over whelming resulting in award-winning success for this classy, modern restaurant which offers the same classically-inspired French cuisine Bennett has become renowned for.
Available lunchtime only Tuesday to Friday, the excellent value fixed price lunch menu, the Menu Du Jour, offers two and three courses with a selection of five signature dishes to choose from. Start with the foie gras grille a la poire et au Gewyrztramer: grilled Strasbourg foie gras served with caramelised pear, walnuts, grapes, eight spice and Gewurztraminer reduction. Follow with the canard a la pêche: confit duck leg and roast breast with roast peach, pistachios and thyme topped with pomme soufflé. Room permitting finish with the assiete de crème brûlée. Alternatively choose the gourmand menu, a degustation or tasting style menu of 5 courses tailored to each table’s specific likes and inspired by the day’s produce and available at both lunch and dinner. The impressive wine list with an expansive French and Australian selection has countless possibilities.
Veda Wickens, April 2007