Aux Batifolles
400 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North
03 9481 5015
French
$$
Food
- Beef Burginon
- Cassoulet Breakfast
The Good
Where to start… everything was pretty delicious.
Firstly, there was a generous amount of beef in the beef bourgnion. The slow-cooking ensured that the protein simply fell apart and melted in your mouth in succulent yet chewable pieces. As a traditional beef bourgnion, it was pleasant to find that the beef itself maintained it’s full beef flavour despite being slow cooked. The sauce carried a bold and unapologetic taste of red wine and beef. This was complemented extremely well by the potato mash, which was smooth but not overly rich and flavoursome, which didn’t distract from the beef aroma. In the end, I utilised the complementary bread to soak up all those beautiful juices, which would constitute as a meal by itself in my books!
The cassoulet was on par if not better than in France. The meats, namely the bacon and sausage were chunky, flavourful without being overly fatty or salty. Eaten along with the baked beans that were cooked to perfection with just the right softness and mushiness, the texture profile was simply unbeatable. The egg and avocado on croutons was a nice touch which added a bit of breakfast flare. I believe this was all finished off with some duck fat, which further enhanced the flavours and reslly brought the dish together.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Overall a surprisingly delicious and authentic French meal. The cooking was pretty much faultless and closely resembles what you can get in France. Portion sizes are generous and the wait staff were friendly and accommodating.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
I dare say this is hands down the best French restaurant I’ve come across in Melbourne. No it’s not fancy or trendy, but damn is it authentic and delicious! I will be back!