The Broadsheet Restaurant Melting Pot

Dearest internet,

Akin to how most of my life plays out, I didn't mean to end up here.  The 'Broadsheet Restaurant' pop up gave me the eye from across the street right before brunch which took me quite aback being one who is not usually at the receiving end of such sorts; I gave it a once over, liked what I saw, one thing led to another and I'm guiltily shoving money over the counter a couple of hours later (OH FOR LORD'S SAKE JUST HURRY AND TAKE IT BEFORE I AM SEEN). 

It's just so hard to resist a limited edition.  Where's my restraint?

I liked what it wore; quite Scandinavian if you ask me (no one is asking, no one).

It was done up beautifully for a place that will disappear with a poof on August the 2nd (2015).  I believe that there was a whole team of local designers involved in the plan of attack and it paid off quite nicely methinks.  Kinda digging the outdoor heaters inside (so naughty!) and that coupled with the foliage created the illusion of an outdoor experience without the bird poop on the furniture.

The baked goods on display are from Tivoli Road Bakery (all $5.50).  The two that caught my eye were the 'doussants' (babies of doughnuts x croissants) and the salted caramel doughnuts (tinier than the standard... which might just come in handy post main meal; read on, read on and you'll see why). 

This restaurant serves dishes selected from some of Melbourne's best which I find such an interesting and novel idea.  Whoever thought this up, GOLD STAR FOR YOU.  If this trend continued, there would be no more "Babe. where do you want to go?" "How about trying insert cafe?" "But I wanted to go to insert cafe!" "Why did you ask me then?!?".  One step towards world peace (too much of a stretch?).

Coffee by Small Batch.  Coffee art on a mocha (not mine).  

My order was 'soy mocha, stronger on the chocolate' as per the usual.  I really do thank the barista for his heavy handed chocolate sprinkle on the top (he really went to town) especially after he put in all that effort to make coffee art but... there was a teeny weenie bit of a misunderstanding (anyone else read that in an Irish accent? No? Just me?).  If you like your mocha to taste like coffee with a nod to chocolate, you'll swoon at the taste of this.  I only just tolerate the taste of unsweetened coffee which was pretty much what this was, but a few shovels of sugar into it made it right as rain.  Just be prepared you know?

Rye bread Smorrebrød with smoked salmon, cracked pepper cream cheese and devilled egg (from Filter : $18).  Technically it was equal to one piece of rye bread cut into three pieces, three small slices of smoked salmon, a few oozes of cream cheese, one egg and a few twigs of green; can't complain really as they did add salmon caviar and that stuff is the equivalent of gold.  The dish tasted good (loved the eggs and caviar) but there weren't any fireworks I guess?  Do note that you're likely to be hungry still after this dish.  That said, it'll leave you room to try out those Tivoli pastries from before which would fill your belly up quite so; perhaps it was all part of a cunning plan from the very start?

Twice baked brioche French toast with fennel poached pears and burnt caramel sorbet (from Top Paddock : $18)  It was reported to be enjoyable but not filling (it was the size of a few sticky note pads piled up on top of each other).

Baked free range eggs with tomatoes, fennel, chorizo, goat's cheese and burnt pickled onions (from Top Paddock : $20). This was substantial (only just) once again, and only one egg was served despite a definite plural suffix to think back.  Smelt pretty darned delicious to me any how and it was given a nod from the consumer.

I present to you some pictures of pot plants.

Very friendly service and welcoming!  The ambience of the place was so soothing and chilled we lingered a while and at no point did we feel rushed to leave despite the place filling up rapidly towards the end of our stay (we had to line up to pay!) and that's saying something judging how vast the place was.  Great concept but may require a little tweaking in the areas of portion size and mochas (PLEASE SIR, MORE CHOCOLATE) but no biggie.  It's open for dinner and dessert too from Wednesday to Sunday if that rocks your boat.  Don't wait too long though guise ok?

Yep, that's about it.  See you soon loves x

The Broadsheet Restaurant

166 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy 3065 

 

Bonjour Monsieur De Clieu!

Dearest internet,

Having opened up Pandora's Box in the last post here, I decided to succumb to the bewitchment of Fitzroy once again so I floated down in a rain of sparkles to De Clieu. 

The circle above the door clearly says 'De Clieu' in reality (as opposed to what? My imagination?) but the lighting was kinda off.

 They were able to seat us straight away and I kinda looked at them like "What? Sorry? I don't have to wait an hour for a seat at the bar AND give you my firstborn as down payment?"  I almost flung myself at the waitress in a fit of sobbing gratitude.

Notice a trend? I always sit where I can fixate on all the glorious food at the counter.

Cosy nook near the front. If I am not mistaken, you can purchase your very own French press from the back wall for all you go-getters with the extra willpower to get up earlier in the morning to make their own coffee.  I SALUTE YOU (... from the comfort of my warm bed... in my dreams).

Do not be deceived by that little area sectioned off by the grill.  It is NOT an outdoor seating area; you see that gentlemen there?  He is, in fact, only a reflection.

He was actually sitting here.  Something my evidently addled mind did not grasp until he got up and left.

This is a latte (not mine), made with Five Senses coffee.  I have always thought of myself as a highly enthusiastic bubble fan, but I was distressed to find that I change my tune when it replaces latte art.  How DARE you ruin my Instagram feed?!  (Jokes guys chill lol I'm not that insane).  However, despite being slightly under-dressed, I am told that it did taste decent.

Mocha, stronger on the chocolate.

I would say the chocolate taste was equal to the coffee, but I think I would have preferred it slightly more chocolate-y (wow, you could mistake me for a linguist with such precise descriptive terms).  Definitely not complaining though!

Alight listen up, public service announcement time.
These babies right here are the BEST soft-shell crab sliders / burgers I've ever had in a Melbourne cafe and modesty priced at $13.  For once I didn't bite into the burger, hit the crab and felt like I've licked a Himalayan salt lamp.  The salad (a mix of greens and pickles) was lightly dressed which was refreshing in-between bites of the spicy crab.  The streak of mayonnaise at the back with peanuts(?) was heaven.  Was I meant to mix it with the salad, was I meant to add it to the burger? Who know and who cares when it tastes that good c'mon.

These will fill you up, no worries.  I reckon they're the equivalent of one large burger (but with more soft-shell crab).  I believe their menu changes quite often (my my how thrilling!), so I won't note what else was available as it'll likely be redundant by the time you read this.  Nonetheless, I will delightedly report to you that they will always remain a loyal friend to vegans / vegetarians.

Yeah, that's about it.  I'll leave you with this photo because I took it and waste not want not right?  See you soon loves x

De Clieu

187 Gertrude Street,

Fitzroy VIC 3065

[No website(?) so go to Zomato for deets]

  

Party at Stagger Lee's!

Dearest internet,

I woke up feeling hipster yesterday so I decided to casually saunter down and assimilate myself into the cult (...ure) that is the glory of Fitzroy.

Took a photo of the entrance of Stagger Lee's and since it didn't turn out blurry (and therefore, utilisable!) I took it as a sign that I should enter (jokes, I stalked it on Urbanspoon first like we all do. edit: which has now changed to Zomato).

Stagger Lee you're so polite!  Don't mind if I do.  

I made myself comfortable at the end of the communal table...

... as it gave the best vantage point of the food display cabinet.

Laboratory glass cold dip brewer just chillin' on the table.

If breathing in second-hand smoke floats your boat, feel free to sit outside.

Latte (not mine).  Made with Proud Mary roasted beans if the numerous packets on the shelves are not just there to look pretty.

Emojis materialised < 3

A thoroughly enjoyable mocha; if I can taste chocolate and not just a tidal wave of coffee I've had a good time.  Um also total bonus with the two marshmallows the barista popped on the side.  HE'S A KEEPER.

Tried their chorizo and cheese quesadilla which was excellent, so much so I ended up ordering another to take-away.  Never before in my life have I done that.  I'll let that sink in.  Problem is, I can't pronounce 'quesadilla' properly so it was all a bit "I'll have the *mumble* please! (points at item) up in there for a while.  Disclaimer: definitely can't comment on its authenticity peeps.

I perused their menu too, and they offer some testosterone charged options like 'THE MAN CAVE GRANOLA' and 'BBQ BEEF BRISKET TOASTY'.  I'm very much inclined towards the 'Buttermilk Fried Chicken' and I'll be sure to go with an empty stomach next time (yes, there will be a next!).  Fret not alternative-diet friends, they are all-inclusive with vegan, vegetarian and paleo alternatives.  Nut allergy?  No problem!  They indicate that on the menu (no more fear of potential death hurrah!).

Waitstaff are very friendly and chilled.  If you like prompt service without being hounded constantly, this place is for you.

BONUS BLURRY PIC:

An evidently rushed photo as I didn't want that table of boys mistakenly thinking I was taking their pics for souvenirs.  

BTW the little corridor on the left towards the back leads to the bathroom.  I feel it my civil duty to like-minded hygiene freaks to note that it was clean, I didn't have to grab a key or step foot outside, there was soap and paper towels and it didn't smell nasty (at that point in time) so no complaints.  Be warned, there is only one toilet for each gender so factor in waiting time because no one wants a questionable puddle on the floor.  

On that pleasant note, see you soon loves x

Stagger Lee's
276 Brunswick Street,
Fitzroy VIC 3065
http://staggerlees.com.au/