UNCLE GIVES A UNIQUE TWIST FOR BASTILLE DAY
his Bastille Day (14 July), executive chef and co-owner of Uncle, Dai Duong is dishing up Franco-Vietnamese fodder for Francophiles looking to celebrate the French national day sans the traditional ‘steak frites’ and cheese.
More of a dessert fan? Uncle doesn’t disappoint, dig into their deliciously sweet Strawberry tart w/ black vinegar curd, basil meringue & pistachio ice cream on Collins St; or head to the original Uncle for a Matcha & raspberry crème brulee w/ sweet egg pastry and a rich Chocolate & peanut butter ganache w/ Vietnamese coffee jelly and banana ice cream
ST KILDA
03 9041 2668
188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
COLLINS ST
03 9654 0829
Level 1, 15 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
HOUSE OF LULU OPENS IN SOUTH YARRA
There’s a new Madame in town thanks to Ben Avramides, Tommy McIntosh, Simon Winfield (Tommy Collins Group) and Lee Smith. Returning to their passion for cafes, House of Lulu White is a bright and fun eatery for south-side locals and beyond.
With an impressive history launching an array of popular daytime-dining destinations around Melbourne (The Little Ox Café, Hawk & Hunter, Little Collins, Golden Child and The Hamptons Bakery & Café, along with Almond Milk Co), if there’s one thing this team knows well, it’s cafés.
The 4 Yarra Street site was once home to Paradise Girls brothel, where asking for your ‘usual’ resulted in something much more risqué than a strong latte! Hence the reference to Lulu White, an infamous procuress and savvy businesswomen, notorious for her ‘hospitality’.
There’s a cheeky gesture to its origins, but House of Lulu White’s focus is on quality café cuisine in a vibrant setting. Designed by TOFU, its bold pink colour palette, oak timber floors, and pops of breezy green exude a holiday feel that transports diners to the charm of Palm Springs.
Tropical wallpaper and ceiling panels, along with an illuminated sign of Lulu’s plump lips overlook the communal-style dining space, with the 50-seat venue inviting guests to graze from breakfast through to lunch over coffee by Dukes.
There’s an all-day breakfast menu featuring some of the usual brunch suspects, along with an array of more playful dishes in a nod to Lulu and the former ‘paradise’ establishment.
What a croque features Christmas ham and raclette croque with mustard, poached eggs and whipped smoked cheddar, while porridge with steel cut oats and shaved rhubarb can be spiked with an impish splash of whisky.
For lunch, there’s comforting options like the crisp fish-finger sandwich with coriander, pickled carrot and cucumber nahm prik, along with Tataki Ocean Trout, buckwheat noodles, edamame, wakame and yuzu sesame dressing.
Those after something stronger than a Dukes espresso, can indulge in Lulu’s enticing $30 bottomless brunch every weekend with all-you-can-drink Mimosas, espresso martinis and bloody Marys.
Open from 7am-4pm on all other weekdays and 8am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, House of Lulu White is Melbourne’s newest brunch retreat, a destination to soak up a refreshing tropical ambiance, despite the gloom of Melbourne’s winter months.
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