The Hardware Societe

I love Melbourne, I don't know how to explain the love I feel for a city - but it's there...and its real. I feel so at home when I am here (which it should, as it is where I am from, originally).

Melbourne is full of arty eclectic boutique shops, bars and cafes. No space is wasted. Down alley ways and side streets are some of the best hidden delights that you will ever find.

During a recent short trip to Melbourne, a few friends and I went into one of these side streets to the famous 'The Hardware Societe'.

Its a mix of modern country French dining for breakfast or brunch. The best thing is - They do Gluten free and vegan options! Yep! One of the image below is a vegan rice pudding with coconut cream and sour cherry.... YUM!

This place gets packed fast - If you love breakfast (its my favourite meal of the day) and you're an early bird - get you bottom down here early! If you're not an early bird - set your alarm!

You can find this tasty gem on Hardware Street. Look here on - Google maps

Tianzifang

The French concession area of Shanghai gives you a little taste of french-chic style. Tianzfang actually reminds me move of Melbourne Degraves street and small arty alley ways than Parisian streets. Regardless, it has flavour and the buzz and I LOVE it!

Fairy lights hang flippantly from the roof of the entrance dazzling you with the sense of stepping into a new world. A world full of cafes, art spaces and boutique shopping. You really do forget that you are in Shanghai.

We spent the afternoon here getting lost in the alleys and window shopping looking at all the trinkets and art (it is an expensive area to shop in, so if you're on a budget - put the wallet away and just look. If your here to splurge...then indulge!) I recommend coming towards the end of the day - only because I found the atmosphere to be buzzing.

This area of Shanghai is home to some amazing restaurants. Normally, when traveling, I like to stick with the local food, but...we couldn't help it. We had to experience some French dining (we did have one french citizen and two ex-residents of Paris in the group...). Our friend Emma, took us to a French bistro called Le Saleya.  The food was amazing! The wine - beautiful. The service - spot on! It you are every here make sure you order the Chocolate Fondant for dessert - TRUST ME!

Happy Bastille Day

The Central Coast is host to some very good restaurants. Unfortunately there are only a small amount of them and they tend to be clumped together in the tourist hot spots like Terrigal. So when L'isle de France popped up in Gosford, I was excited but also cautious as to what would be on offer.

We went to a special night function for Bastille day (traditionally not really celebrated by the French - but any excuse really to eat and drink wine!)

We are greeted at the entry with glasses of sparkling champagne and smiling faces, the waiters welcoming us into the cozy space to mingle with the other patrons. The owner/manager showed everyone to their tables and addressed the group. We were then introduced to the Executive Chef Kavi Hurrydoss, setting our expectations for the culinary journey for the night with a preface of what to expect.

Being Vegetarian - I was concerned that It would be hard to cater for (being a set menu - and being French food) but I was thoroughly surprised and delighted as to what they had created for me. Each course had been carefully chosen and balanced - The quality of the food was outstanding, the service - brilliant and the atmosphere - electric.

I will definitely be heading back there and taking my Frenchie and non-Frenchie friends alike.


lisledefrance.com.au