Melbourne was not what I expected. When Roxy and I visited over the Labour long weekend, I'll admit I was expecting a city the size of Sydney but with all the idiosyncrasies of Melbourne that I've heard of, but I was dead wrong: Melbourne is a completely different place in terms of atmosphere, architecture, and culture, and is much smaller.
An example of Melbournesque eccentricities
During our stay, we walked all the main streets and most of the alleyways of Melbourne in an attempt to get to know this fair city. We also went searching for some iconic graffiti that Melbourne is so famous for.
I noticed the main theme of the streets of Melbourne is juxtaposition - there is often stark contrast between the old and the new, elegant and edgy, the barren and charming that completely works for this city. This also carries into many of the stores and restaurants here, and I found this true for the decor of Hardware Societe.
The restaurant was long and narrow and full of communal tables, but Roxy and I managed to snag a table to ourselves outside. Our waiter was very friendly and casual, which suited the vibe of the restaurant perfectly. We ordered, and in next to no time we had our food.
Liquorice Tea - $4.50
We started with a lovely pot of liquorice tea because Roxy was enamoured of the crocheted tea cosies. The tea had a lovely aniseed and mint flavour, and was quite strong. It came with a cute little cinnamon doughtnut on the side of the cup.
Baked Eggs with Brie, Slow Roasted Tomato and Sauce Verte - $14
When the waiter brought out my dish I grinned in glee - the cutest little black casserole dish was sitting there, waiting for me to open it up and unveil its treasures. Inside nestled two baked eggs with gooey yolks, decadently juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy little chunks of brie, and a lovely herby sauce. Three crispy slices of white bread were drizzled in garlic and herb olive oil and served on the side.
Bircher Muesli - $11
Roxy's Bircher Muesli was served with pears poached in a vanilla and rosewater syrup, and served with soft, juicy raspberries and crunchy macadamia nuts.
I loved my experience at Hardware Societe - it's definitely going to be something I think about when I think 'Melbourne'. The tables were miniscule and it was hard to fit all of our food on at once, but the chairs were comfortable, the food excellent and the service impeccable.
Hardware Societe
120 Hardware St
Melbourne, VIC
3000
Phone: 03 9078 5992
I'm not really a fan of muesli, but the one in the photo looks pretty delicious!
Posted by: yummychunklet | Oct 31, 2011 at 04:41 AM
The egg casserole looks delicious. I'm so glad you had a pleasant experience at the restaurant. If ever I make it here I'll know where to eat. I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary
Posted by: Mary | Oct 31, 2011 at 07:12 AM
I love Melbourne. Every time I see that tea cozy on someone's post, it makes me want it all over again.
Posted by: Dumpling Girl | Oct 31, 2011 at 08:50 AM
I would love that egg casserole...brie is one of my favorites but I never thought to have it with eggs! Looks like you definitely have a good foodie trip!
Posted by: Linda | Oct 31, 2011 at 11:15 AM
That cheesy baked eggs dish looks super!
Posted by: Angie@Angiesrecipes | Oct 31, 2011 at 08:20 PM
Jasmyne, thanks for sharing such interesting pictures of Melbourne...the baked eggs look delicious.
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead :-)
Posted by: Juliana | Nov 01, 2011 at 07:20 AM
That food looks soooo good. I am especially impressed by the baked eggs! I love brie.... mmmmm yumm!
Posted by: Manu | Nov 01, 2011 at 10:03 AM
I haven't seen pink bircher, kinda matches the tea cup :)
Posted by: Gaby | Nov 01, 2011 at 12:42 PM
I've only had the pleasure of visiting Australia once -- and only to Melbourne. I LOVED it. I remember asking natives what the differences were between Sydney and Melbourne. I think the best answer someone gave me was: "Sydney is the girl you want to date; Melbourne is the one you want to marry.'' :)
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | Nov 01, 2011 at 06:03 PM
I've never been to Melbourne before, though I would love to visit one day! I don't know much about Melbourne, but from what I've heard of I've always thought of Melbourne as similar to Sydney :S The teapot cover is so cute....haha And your baked eggs looks so good!!
Posted by: Von | Nov 01, 2011 at 08:22 PM
I love the graffiti art in Melbourne, I wish Sydney was more accepting of street art! Btw baked eggs with brie sounds divine :)
Posted by: Vivian - vxdollface | Nov 01, 2011 at 10:09 PM
We are tiny compared to Sydney! But it's fairly wasy to get around! Glad you had a good time! Now did you find any cool places for me to go!! ;)
Posted by: amyt | Nov 04, 2011 at 03:06 PM
Bircher muesli looks so so good I'ma actually attempt to recreate this dish tonight haha!!!
Posted by: WestEnd Gurls | Jul 12, 2012 at 01:42 PM