I’m a huge fan of anything french so when I heard that reknown celebrity chef Gontran Cherrier is opening up a boulangerie in Melbourne, boy was I super duper over the moon excited. What’s even better was that he was here to also promote his new opening (27th worldwide) right here in Melbourne.
Stepping into the boulangerie, you get hit in the face with fresh baked goodies and they were all at the counter all lush looking and oh so delectable.
They even offered various flavours of bun including paprika, squid ink and even curry ones if you’re more on the daring side.
Of course there were baguettes and CROISSANT!! I tried the croissant and boy, was it crispy and flaky on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Oh so AMAZEBALL!
We also tried the truffle cauliflower with gruyere bechamel and spinach toastie and this was absolutely gorgeous! So cheesy, so healthy (kinda) and oh so YUMMILICIOUS! For something without any meat in it, it was AMAZEBALL!
Truffle Cauliflower with Gruyere Bechamel & Spinach Toastie
Whilst we were enjoying our drinkies, we were offered the warm salad of cauliflower and parmesan. I swear, Gontran knows what he’s doing because I’m LOVING these dishes with cauliflower!! How is he even making veggies taste amazing!
Warm Salad of Cauliflower & Parmesan
We also got to try the moroccon lamb and I actually enjoyed it. I don’t like having lamb if it has a lamb-y smell but this did not have it at all!
Moroccon Lamb
I think we also had small pieces of avocado, miso on bread and this was so DELISH! I’m loving everything that’s coming out of that kitchen.
I was keen to try the squid ink baguette since I was a fan of squid ink pastas (mmmm pastas!) but when I popped it into my mouth, I didn’t really like it. It had a very strong taste to it and I couldn’t finish my piece. Maybe I’m not a squid ink person.
Finally, what we all waited for, the pastries!! I got to try the lemon and myrtle choux (the one with cream filling inside with a little hat on top) and I absolutely ADORED it! the cream itself was so smooth, it was so full of flavour and boy did I feel naughty whilst eating it. The choux was so fluffy and light and I couldn’t even bring myself to share it with anyone.
I also tried the lemon and yuzu rye tart because I love sour things. This was super duper sour but I loved it. If you don’t enjoy anything lemon-y, do not get this, I repeat do not get this. This is a smack in your face lemon-y goodness and super rich.
Gontran Cherrier Boulangerie is a great addition and reminds me of Paris. Everything wasn’t overpriced and is made with great quality. Will definitely have to come back to check out the rest of the menu! We also got to meet Gontran and he was so down to earth and very chic!
Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the launch by Zilla & Brook PR and all opinions expressed are my own.
140-144 Smith St Collingwood
Tel – Bakery: (03) 9416 3609; Cafe: (03) 9419 1518
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