Comme

24th August 2011

After doing some study at work, i decided to reward myself with a trip to another hat restaurant (32), Comme Kitchen. Located in a lane way entrance on Alfred place with an adjoining bar and upstairs private function room, the dining room was located in the back under the staircase leading up. A homely dining room with a fireplace in the corner and a dimly lit romantic feel with wooden tables but still fine cutlery and place settings.

I showed in by the host who noted me by name without having to check the booking and let me to a table in the back corner. Immediately offered a drink list and a choice of tap or sparkling water i went for a schooner of Kirin (although it is Melbourne - who serves a schooner?).

Accompanying the drink was a wooden bowl of crusty french bread with soft spreadable amazingly creamy butter.

For entree i went with the entree sized portion of the soft delectable veal sweetbreads served with peas and featuring a consommé which added a bold flavour to a superb dish.

This was followed by a masterclass of french cooking for a main. Herb crusted lamb accompanied with a gratin dauphinoise complemented with minted peas and 3 tiny garlic croquettes. The meat was tender and well cooked and the herb crust complemented it expertly. Served with a excellent jus and a box of potato with cheese.  The garlic croquettes were an added bonus and an extra flourish onto of a superbly crafted and executed dish.

A slight delay before desert (only noticeable cos the first two courses came out swiftly) but nothing too extended. But the desert was worth waiting for. A white chocolate mousse covered in liquid salted caramel wrapped in a white chocolate cylinder served with a mandarin ice cream and cocoa soil. It was exquisitely presented and tasted even better, i loved it and would recommend it just for the desert.

A modern french bistro with all the homely feel and exquisite, technical but warm french cooking make for a well deserved and well appreciated break from a hard days work and well worth the hat bestowed on it. Good value as well with the three courses and glass of beer coming in at $80.