VUE DE MONDE

430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Vue De Monde used to be just up the road on the corner of Drummond and Faraday Streets, Carlton, but recently moved to the the city. I'd heard lots about its infamous degustation menu and it seemed everyone in my family had been countless times, yet somehow i'd never had an invite. In exclaiming so and arranging one, it was pointed out that a year or so prior, there had been a 'New Beginnings' lunch at Vue De Monde that i had failed to commit to. Probably having planned a big night prior and anticipating i would be too hungover to deal with schmick table service, french accents and intense flavours.

It had already long been a not-so-funny joke between my family that i'd never made it to a 'New Beginnings' lunch, that i was too lazy and couldn't get out of bed for a new beginning. Most notably i missed one at the Windsor in 1999 before i was due to start VCE, which my mum would now say was an omen, that set the tone for my going on to just scrape the barrel and pass.

But finally i made it to Vue Du Monde in November for lunch with my mother, brother and sister-in-law to be. It was the last day of their lunch special - 2 courses, wine & coffee for about $40 a head. Very cheap by comparison to their regular très cher menu.

It wasn't exactly dubbed a new beginnings affair this time around, but glasses were chinked to recenlty becoming a grandmother, an uncle and aunties. To my brother's promotion to executive somethingorother. To the upcoming wedding. And i probably jokingly charged my glass at being 'single and ready to mingle'!


Ocean Trout Tartare with Gnocchi and Baby Sorrel


Crazy tomato consommé drink with dry ice that was fizzing around & smoking out the top


Lamb Pistachio sirloin


John Dory


Petits-Fours - blueberry popcorn up the end was killer!

In their new location, asides from Vue Du Monde, they've opened adjoining cheaper incarnations, Bistro Vue and Cafe Vue. Apparently there's a special Cocktail Night on Fridays offering 5 courses and 5 matching cocktails at $75 a head - presumably they're degustation-style courses and taster-size cocktails, or it could land you full to the eyeballs.

If anyone wants to join me for cocktails and french food sometime, or has a new beginning to mark, then holler at me, i'm keen for an escargot or two. Don't even talk to me if you're vegetarian or vegan!

http://www.vuedemonde.com.au/