Libertine – North Melbourne

Date: Wednesday 3rd March 2010

Restaurant: Libertine

Address: 500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne

Phone: 03 9329 5228

Commentary : Sarah Andrew

I am sure this venue needs no introduction to many of you. On a regular basis friends and contacts ask me if I have been there. My answer is yes, on a number of occasions. I have experienced an organized event in which every seat in the premises was occupied. I have enjoyed a quiet evening meal with a friend. And after my visit yesterday I have experienced what is on offer at lunchtime.

This venue has been running for a number of years with a focus on things small and perfectly formed. The cuisine is French in nature with a very smart wine list covering boutique operators in Australia, and delightful high-end wines from Europe to compliment the food.

The operators, Zoe Ladyman and Nick Creswick offer a European experience within a very reasonable budget. They know what they are doing and do it well. Service is attentive, friendly and appropriately timed. I always leave wanting to go back!

On this occasion I joined two friends for a fixed price lunch menu ($35.00 for 2 courses and glass of wine or $45.00 for 3 courses and glass of wine). We opted for the 2 courses and made the most of BYO lunches (Mon - Sat lunch only).

We skipped entrée and went straight for Plats, the favorite choice being Baked Lakes Entrance Sardines provencale. This was just delicious and a perfect lunchtime portion. My companions selected soufflé de jour for dessert and I opted for Heidi Raclette with pear chutney.

We had an interesting wine journey, starting with a Wolfberger Gewurztraminer 2004 (Alsace), moving to La Curio Grenache Shiraz 2007 (McLaren Vale) and then finishing with Lamont Riesling 2007 (Central Otago). The last wine was a great match for both the Soufflé and cheese.

The only disappointment to the afternoon was that my ‘early finish’ was not possible and I had to return to work. I have decided that Libertine would be a wonderful place to organize a wine dinner, so my next visit may include an invitation to those who enjoy such events. Watch this space for dates over autumn.