Millstone Patisserie
10A Claremont Ave, Malvern
03 9509 0789
http://millstonepatisserie.com.au/
Opening Hours – Tue-Sun, 7am-4pm
Millstone Patisserie is a small, sun-filled haven in Malvern, full of elegant French tarts, croissants, cakes and, at present, hot cross buns. Opened last year by Alice Wright following her return from working in the famous Dallayou patisserie in Paris, it is a bright and bustling space, with big canary yellow sunshades out front and a following of locals and visitors alike. I first heard about it prior to the opening through Wright’s Instagram, (follow at your own risk of death by food-envy) and paid it a visit last year: it was so good, I had to return.
My high expectations were not disappointed. The menu had me torn on what to order: past experience told me that the zucchini and sweet potatoes fritters (with housemade beetroot relish, Meredith’s goats cheese and a poached egg) were a winner, but always being a french toast girl, the Millstone brioche french toast with banana, vanilla mascarpone, pistachios, and salted caramel sounded phenomenal. Other standout options include baked eggs (with chorizo, basil, goats cheese and garlic sourdough), slow roasted ham hock benedict and a breakfast salad (think broccoli, kale, buckwheat, goats cheese and eggs), while muesli lovers are covered with the fig, hazelnut, rhubarb and strawberry bircher, a vanilla porridge with poached fruit, and a coconut chia pudding.
I eventually decided on the smashed avocado (with sliced radish, Meredith’s goats cheese and maple chilli seeds) and added a side of smoked salmon and a poached egg. It was amazing. I might even go so far as to say that it was the best smashed avo I have ever had in Melbourne. The bread was thick, crusty and grainy, there was no skimping on the avocado, the maple chilli seeds added crunchy texture and spice, and the high-quality goats cheese gave enough tang to round it all off.
Bec went for the fried polenta with sauteed rosemary mushrooms, a poached egg, and parmesan shavings, and was in similar heaven. She has high standards for polenta, and the crispy outer but moist and gooey inner texture combo here together with the perfectly cooked mushrooms definitely met them.
The sweet cabinet brought more dilemmas on what to order, but I went for the passionfruit meringue tart (passionfruit curd, Italian meringue and almond shortcrust pastry): a good decision. The passionfruit curd was strong, the italian meringue a gorgeous thick but fluffy consistency, the pastry crunchy, and the freeze dried raspberry sprinkled over gave just the right contrasting sour note. I was thoroughly inspired to attempt something similar when I get back to my Auckland kitchen! We could also see a couple of gorgeous full size cakes being brought out and decorated for specific orders, which would be a great option for your next birthday or event (or my 19th later this year…!)
Although the cafe was busy, making it tricky to get to the counter, we received friendly and attentive service on both visits. The patisserie line-up changes daily, as does the lunch menu – a variety of salads, baguettes and mains spread out on the counter from 12-3pm. All I can say is that I will be back – the rest of the menu and cabinet is still calling my name.
Rating: 8/10
Price: $7.50-18 for the breakfast menu, patisseries from $5-8.
Don’t miss: possibly the best smashed avocado in Melbourne or the drool-worthy patisseries
Pro tip: come early for your pick of the cabinet, and be prepared for a short wait on the weekend (take the time to have a wander around the tree-lined streets of Malvern!)
Features: gorgeous patisseries, child-friendly menu options.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Everything looks so mouth watering! I don’t know where I’d start but I know that I’d turn up as hungry as possible 🙂
Claudia Brick says
Haha being as hungry is possible is usually my aim when going out for a meal – I love to try as many dishes as I can!