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I’m a little late with this blog entry – too much work and not enough time makes Mellie a very untimely blogger. So you’ll have to suffer through this particular entry as this lunch box is no longer available. But don’t worry, you can check out the current Cafe Vue lunchbox menu here, which I figure will be just as mouth watering as previous boxes.
For the uninitiated, the lunch box, which comes in neat red packaging, changes on a monthly basis and will set you back $15.
The July starter consisted of a truffle and mushroom risotto cake with pipette of garlic mayonnaise. Unfortunately I think this would have benefited from some heat, as it was just a little on the cold side. Truffle responds ever so nicely to a bit of warmth in which to release the aroma/taste, and the chill just blunted the flavour somewhat. Otherwise, it was a nice puck of creamery rice.
The salad consisted of leafy rocket, shavings of courgette (zucchini) and parmesan, with a test-tube of lemony vinegarette on the side. It was a great combination, and the dressing was perfect in the balance of salt to lip puckering tartness.
Now to the best bit, the rabbit sausage roll. To start from the outside, the puff was an absolute study in the art of pastrymaking. Layered every so finely, the pastry was buttery, crisp and topped with a smattering of sesame seeds. The rabbit within was minced, seasoned and delicately gamey. I initially wondered where the sauce was (well hey…how can you have a sausage roll without sauce?!), but on second thought I’m glad the roll arrived nude, as the sweet pleasant earthiness would have been overwhelmed. Ooh…I could eat this again and again and again.
For sweets, a duo of Eccles cakes. Different to what I know Eccles to be, these cakes were round like a golf ball. Once again buttery pastry (though not as puffy as the sausage roll) encased plump currants. During the cooking process the juices had leaked out to create a treacle-like toffee topping, almost like the caramel coating on a croquembouche. Divine.
While your Vue de Monde post had me wishing for money to appear so that I can properly treat myself, here’s one thing that won’t break my bank account!
The lunch box looks awesome – small and sweet with a variety of stuff. Definitely interested in checking it out, if only for the uber-delicious looking rabbit sausage roll!
Not a huge fan of rocket though (in fact can’t stand it x.x) so hopefully there’s another salad for the August menu.:D
Thanks for rec!
I’m still disappointed I missed this one – would have like to try some truffle!
And yes, the menu for August is looking very good, I have to make a big effort to try it.
The August menu is divine! I had it the first day it came out, no salad though.
Starter: Fresh snow peas with tuna mayonnaise, simple but very tasty.
Sandwich: Duck & pumpkin brioche, really lovely soft bread and duck pate with pumpkin.
Savoury: Rye bread with baby beaufort, loved the cheese, didn’t so much enjoy the mustard & pickle that accompanied it.
Sweet: Bread and butter pudding with brandy sauce. The best dessert ever! with raspberries, dried banana, very moist and the perfect minature serve to finish off a great lunch
Missed out on the july lunchbox though and I was hanging out for the rabbit sausage roll, there were never any left when i went
Sounds heavenly! I bet it would the perfect workday indulgence. The packaging makes me want to coo with delight. It all looks so dainty!
At $15, it looks like a good bargain. But how can I get it since I work all the way out in Mount Waverley. *sigh* I will just have to live these food experiences through the blogs of others. Keep up the good work Mellie.
Ooohh..The red lunch box is one reason why I miss working in the city. It sounded really delicious!
Hey there mouse – uh huh, this is the perfect way to have a little taste of Vue without breaking the bank.
Hi anna – okay, so when are we going!?
Hey Sarah – thanks for your report
Oooh…the bread and butter pudding sounds the best (but then, it is one of my favourite winter desserts!). So is there two “bready” type courses for August?
Hi truffle – yes, one feels ever so special to break the work day with such an indulgence. EG can testify that I too coo-ed the first time I saw the funky red box
Hey thanh – I think you need to take a day off work and come into the city! Or if you can get a largish group together, I believe they will deliver.
Hi cherrie – yes, I felt I needed to take up the lunch box reporting since you left town. Such a hardship….
That lunch box looks really good!
Can you just pick the box up from the cafe, or do you have to pre-order, etc?
Mmmmm, looks so so so good. By the way, I’m going to Japan in September! For a month! Woo. My primary reason was because I love japanese food.. I read you’re going in October – Leila
Hi shopaholic – yup, you can just pick up a box, though I would advise arriving around midday to ensure they haven’t sold out. But you can order them in advance by phone/email.
Hey Leila (aka.anon) – you’re going in September?!? Fantastic – you’ll have to give me the lowdown on all the cool places you find.
I can’t wait to go – I’m absolutely busting!
This is just so cute! Test tube dressing and all!
Sigh. Another reason why I should really get a new job in the CBD! But I am taking a day off in the next week or so, therefore I shall endeavor to make a point to visit Cafe Vue. After I get to waffle on that is
Gotta love those little lunch boxes. Oh I miss civilization. Your so lucky living in my favourite city
Mmmm looks delicious!!
If only I worked in the CBD again…
Great blog by the way!!
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Read: the-melburnian.blogspot.com
Hiya ilingc – I just love the little test tubes and pipettes. Yeah, they may be a little pretentious, but so darn quirky! So, did you get yourself to Cafe Vue?
Hey squishy – I’ll dedicate the next box to you
Hi anthony – thanks for the compliment. I’m a regular reader of your blog and love your thoughts and editorial style
I especially like your food reviews. You visit some interesting places.