Little Collins St. Melbourne, VIC
I may have already crossed the ditch over to New Zealand, but I must to tell you about the last stop I made in Melbourne, before leaving the fairest of cities. That place was Café Laurent.
The love affair started innocently enough. Years ago, Mum and I were in Melbourne on our second visit down under. She was probably sick of hearing me go on and on ad nauseum about the city, and I too wouldn’t let the Australian visit pass without a trip to the Victorian capital.
We had heard about a chocoholic’s tour, and figured it was probably the best way to spend a Saturday morning in Melbourne. We were instructed to meet at Café Laurent.
We started with chocolate macarons (the size of the palm of our hand!) and a hot chocolate. The whole day was fantastic (if not a bit rich by the end) but we never got over that first stop.
That true feeling of Paris in the heart of Melbourne.
During our short time there we made a few repeat trips, for more hot chocolate as well as croissant sandwiches and the like. So when I returned to Melbourne this past December, Mum insisted I visit on her behalf.
Melbourne weather is notoriously fickle. Four seasons in one day, they say. I know this. Or I should have known this. I checked the weather forecast, had Nat help me put together the best effortlessly cool wardrobe I could muster (and that would fit in my teeny tiny bag) and off I went feeling fully prepared for a week of culinary exploration. But instead of sunny, fresh days we got hot, humid, pushing 40C days. I packed skinny jeans and cute boots. What I needed was less than a sundress. I waited patiently for the heat to break. Maybe tomorrow will be cooler, I’d hoped. But the heat held strong. My last day in the city it was 40C. The day I went to Laurent.
So not exactly hot chocolate weather, but you know, when in Rome! I had spent the morning at the beach (turns out it was even too hot for that) and was on my way back through the city. Air conditioning beckoned. It was a no-brainer.
I was there at the perfect time. Late afternoon, I missed the lunch rush and those after a mid afternoon coffee break. I pressed my nose to the glass gallery of pastries, cakes and sandwiches. Then I saw it. My mind was made up.
Moist and almondine without the artificial “cherry” essence flavour that often takes over. Studded with sweet-tart raspberries, cradled in flawless short crust pastry, so well matched you barely notice it’s there (I like pastry but I don’t need to be overwhelmed by it). And for the finishing flourish, a dusting of icing sugar. This raspberry frangipane tart steals the show. Flawless. Get it. Immediately.
My hot chocolate (a skinny) was rich and creamy, and just chocolatey enough. I find hot chocolate can be a bit much, but this one behaved itself, giving me comforting chocolate flavour, but not too much to overwhelm my dessert. Understated, just like the Parisians.
Though the temperatures were soaring, it was actually Christmastime, so inside the air conditioned cool, it was nice to hear “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and enjoy the café’s Christmas tree, especially being so far away from home.
The clincher? Friendly staff who look generally happy to be at work. As I sat on my perch, eyes rolling in tart ecstasy, I spied staff laughing and smiling as they worked together. It just made my snack go down that much easier.
It’s always a sad day when I have to leave Melbourne, but at least I was able to finish off my delicious trip in style. This one’s for you Mum!
Until next time…
Comments (14)
Thank you
so much!!!!! I can just about taste it!
My pleasure, Mum. Wish you could be there.
So well written, Melanie. The tart is beautiful, but I also love the interiors…the staircase, the tile and what looks like marble counters. I bet it was just wonderful!
Thanks Allison. It really is a beautiful space. I love Melbourne enough as it is but to be able to visit Paris while you’re there is extra special. Thank goodness the food lives up to the hype.
Wow!! What a way to end the Melbourne portion of your trip! Everything looks AND sounds just perfect. Even the hot weather adds to the feel of it all. I love it.
(I always want hot chocolate, even when it’s 90 🙂 )
Thanks for writing this Melanie! I loved the visit 🙂
Thanks Sarah. Still hoping one day we’ll find ourselves in the same city for a visit. You can get hot chocolate and I’ll get a flat white:)
Oh my God, this all sounds delicious. I should be in Melbourne later in the year so I’ll try to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
That’s so exciting! You’ll have to tell me all about it!
I love the way you describe it as a little piece of Paris my friend, it looks wonderful place to go 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks CCU. Please go to Melbourne and try it some day. You’d love all the cakes and baked goods.
Great post! I love it when I find a little bit of Europe wherever I go! There’s a new parisienne cafe that just opened up in T.O and it gives me that same warm european feeling every time I walk in.
Cristina, I just heard about that place. My brother raves about it! Yes, you definitely need a little piece of Paris close by when you can’t be there.
I don’t like sweets but this is gorgeous.
The entire café is filled with gorgeous treats. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in Melbourne.