France-Soir
France-Soir is an award-winning French restaurant in the South Yarra district of Melbourne. This restaurant was founded in 1986. Having had only two head chefs in its 23-year history, France-Soir has established a consistent reputation that has led to it being frequented by actors, rock stars, athletes and politicians. According to the restaurant's website, France-Soir was the first restaurant to introduce butcher's paper as a tablecloth. Part of the allure of France-Soir is its team of highly trained waiters. Of its seven full-time waiters, three have been with France-Soir for 20 years.
Guests can dine on entrees (appetizers) including lamb brains, scallops, quail, and scampi, which are priced from $13 to $35 dollars (as of 2009). Plats de resistance (main dishes) such as duck, steak, pork and chicken are also available for $30 to $43 dollars (as of 2009). France-Soir offers an immense wine list, with 2,100 references. They are open seven days a week from 12 to 3 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. for dinner. France-Soir is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Professional Excellence Award from The Age and runner-up in the Best Restaurant Wine List in the World, both in 2006. They were also given the award for Best Restaurant Wine List by The Age in 2002 and the Australian Tucker Seabrook Wine List Award in 1997.
France-Soir
11 Toorak Road
South Yarra VIC 3141
Australia
+61 (03) 9866 8569
france-soir.com.au
Libertine
Libertine is a French restaurant in North Melbourne. It is relatively new, having opened in 2005. Libertine offers a selection of classic and traditional French cuisine. According to the restaurant's website, owners Nick Creswick and Zoey Ladyman offer hungry Francophiles not only a quality meal, but also a superb dining experience.
As of 2009, Libertine offers entrees such as escargot, scallops, soup and crab souffle for $16 to $18, and main dishes including rabbit, tuna, duck and fillets for $28 to $75 dollars. Libertine also offers a whole suckling pig for groups of 10 or more for $70 per person. A luncheon menu that changes weekly can be found on its website. Guests may also choose to dine degustation style, which is a progression of small dishes for those who desire to try a variety of menu items. The Libertine also hosts gatherings of 10 to 50 people in its first-floor dining room. A "c'est la vie" package for groups of 20 to 45 on Tuesday to Thursday nights is also available, which offers three courses for $45 per person. The Libertine has an extensive wine list that will satisfy everyone from novice wine drinkers to seasoned aficionados. Libertine is open for lunch from 12 to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Libertine
500 Victoria St.
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Australia
+61 (03) 9329 5228
libertinedining.com.au
Comme
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Comme, meaning "socially obligatory," is one of Melbourne's most exciting destination for events, drinking and dining. According to its website, it is an informal, bistro-style restaurant with a French-inspired menu, and is also the location of Melbourne's leading social and corporate events.
Comme is open from midday until late at night on Monday through Friday, and from 4 p.m. until late on Saturday. Their entrees include salads, scallops and vegetable plates, which range in cost from $13 to $19. Comme's main dishes include lamb, suckling pig, rabbit and seafood dishes for $34 to $39. Comme features a mellow and relaxing wine room, which houses 350 different wines, and provides guests with a welcome respite from the fast pace of the city. In the wine room, guests can also choose from a good cocktail menu. Comme offers private dining in its Grand Room, which features 6-meter-high ceilings, a marble bar, two chandeliers and space for up to 110 guests; its Onyx room can also accommodate private parties of up to 30 guests.
Comme is a short distance from the Royal Park Golf Course (RPGC), making it an ideal destination after a round of golf. RPGC has 18 holes, operates year-round and is Melbourne's most inner-city public golf course. Green fees are $13 for nine holes and $26 for 18 holes. RPGC also offers carts, clubs, buggies and lessons. For more information, please visit royalparkgolf.com.au.
Comme
7 Alfred Place
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
+61 (03) 9631 4000
comme.com.au
About The Author
Lisa Chinn recently graduated from University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science with honors in psychology and is currently writing up a manuscript of her honors thesis for publication. After two years of working in a library, Chinn has very strong research skills. She also writes articles about nightlife in Portland, Ore.
