France-Soir Restaurant
Food, wine and hospitality that customers come back to again and again.
Welcome subscribers, I really appreciate you taking the time to check out this week’s edition focused on a much-loved dining room in Melbourne, Australia. An institution of the cities renowned food scene. Enjoy!
France-Soir Restaurant
French restaurant. Two words that say so much about the food and wine which can be enjoyed in a place that labels itself as such.
An establishment using this label should offer a menu which includes recipes which are the foundations for modern cooking. I have expectations of the decor, wine options and even the style of service. Stepping into Melbourne’s France-Soir restaurant all of these expectations are realised.
This begins with being welcomed by French speaking staff. It’s evident in the long rows of tables perfectly set with white linen, polished glassware and cutlery. With the lamps casting a beautiful glow. In the mirrors inscribed with daily specials, the Gallic posters lining the walls and the bar brimming with French wines and spirits.
My visits here tend to be celebrations, birthdays in particular, so starting with a glass of sparkling wine is a must. And it gives me some time to stop, relax and just settle in. And also take a peruse through the wine list, which they are renowned for.
The wine list is something special, if you are inclined to dip into it. I did on my most recent visit and discovered a magnificent Rhone Valley gem from Roger Sabon. It had the most gorgeous combination of cherry, raspberry, violets and gently spice flavours and aromas. I honestly enjoyed every sip of this wine.
The menu is also extensive and the easy to read broadsheet layout offers so much choice. Dishes I’ve enjoyed on visits here include an excellent goat’s cheese salad served with dressed leaves and sun dried tomatoes.
Their a l’oignon gratinee (French onion soup), a deep bowl of richly cooked onions with beef broth, topped with a cheese crouton that’s grilled to melting. Beautifully done it is too.
Tuna nicoise comes as a seared tuna steak atop a classic combination of green beans, egg, anchovy, olives, potato and tomato. Grilled sardines are very good too.
Beef bourguignon is as you would expect, a beautifully prepared beef and red wine braise. In fact the classics of French cooking are offered here from soups and grills to salads, seafood and escargot, tartare, rillettes and moules mariniere.
The wait staff are knowledgeable hospitality veterans. They know how to perfectly pace the arrival of each course. You don’t need to explain. Everything will be taken care of.
Desserts at France-Soir are hard to say no to. So just say yes. To crepes suzette with oranges and grand mariner, apple tarte tatin with vanilla cream, crème brûlée and crème caramel. To name just a few.
France Soir is a restaurant that understands exactly what they are here to do. That is to deliver quality French food, wine and hospitality to their customers.
Customers know to expect a warm welcome, excellent wines, very good food and consistent service since 1986. It’s no wonder France-Soir customers come back again and again.