La Cassolette, Northbank

Gaz and I visited a new restaurant tonight, actually it was more a minimalist bistro than a restaurant. La Cassolette is situated at 26 Rebecca Walk, Northbank.

Just opposite the Yarra, there were its richer cousins, restaurants such as Bistro Guillame and Baci. The difference is glaring. The shining lights and crowd on the Southbank, compared to the less glitzy and definitely a lot less crowded row of container blocks housing restaurants, art gallery, barber shop and even a beauty parlour on the Northbank. Nevertheless the food is good, there is the same view of the Yarra, if not more beautiful because at precisely 8 pm just as we were finishing our mains, the spectacular fire show at Crown lit up the river.

We ordered the Cassolette, $35 which is a hearty French peasant food consisting of stewed haricot beans, french sausages, pork belly topped with a duck leg. It was very filling. Gaz liked the duck which had crispy skin.

I ordered the flambe of scallops with cream sauce and parsley ($33). The scallops were prepared in front of us. Grand Marnier was used to flambe the scallops then when the flames had died down, cream was added and cooked down. Lastly, parsley was sprinkled on the dish and served with parisian mash (I take it to mean smooth mash with lots of creamy goodness) and fresh salad.

The scallops were fresh and cooked just nicely although oddly there were two large and two small scallops and they were both of different textures. One was more cooked than the other but both well cooked.

To finish off our dinner, we ordered a creme Brulee to share. I am not a big fan of desserts so I was happy for Gaz to finish off the dish on his own after two spoonfuls.  The creme Brulee was served with a bowl of cream and almond slivers and dried apricot.

Unfortunately La Cassolette will be closing at the end of October. The less glitzy and quieter Northbank is not a conducive place for its business. Hopefully they will reopen in another location which can sustain the business.

As for us, we had a most enjoyable evening having the whole place to ourselves, laughing at our own jokes, listening to French music, eating good French food, listening to the two French owners talk to each other and being transported to France all over again.

Update: This restaurant is now closed.