Wednesday night in winter is cassoulet night: Libertine (watch out for the music), 500 Victoria St, North Melbourne, Vic 3051 +61 9329 5228
I‘m a big fan of Libertine. It’s more of a restaurant with a French beret than the full only Disney French dining experience that others offer. Importantly, it is run by a husband (Nick in the kitchen) and wife (Zoe on wine, front of house) team with passion.
The wine list is quirky and interesting and for not too high a cost can take you on a journey of discovery with single glasses and carafes – as well as bottles. You can even taste rare, endangered grape varieties.
But what I like right now is the $25 cassoulet offered on Wednesday night. Yes, that’s a lousy $25 for a comforting cassoulet.
Of course, by the time you’ve skulled a few oysters, had a starter and chosen a pert young souffle for dessert, the bill will come to more. But still Libertine is great value.
So if you are feeling just a bit cold and miserable, perhaps a bit damp, why not cheer yourself up with a French classic.
I’m biased because Zoe and Nick know me as I often get a little extra starter or glass of something. But I’ve recommended Libertine to many friends, including the fussy ones. And they’ve all come away more than happy. So try the cassoulet. And if it’s booked out, what the heck just visit anyway.
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Had the rabbit cassoulet at Coda today…a delicious if tiny portion…no starter or glass of anything for the likes of me however! Sat at the bar surrounded on both sides by industry types…geez you guys are so bitchy!
In France at the moment but much too hot here for cassoulet – for the brief period of the year that Europe’s weather trumps Melbournes – will be back to hearty winter dishes soon though. Great photo.
I love Libertine – the service there is just perfect IMHO. The place used to be an old school Chinese takeaway and the transformation to the room just took my breath away the first time we visited. If you are visiting North Melbourne you should try Sosta Cucina just around the corner – wonderful Italian food.
Ut Si, funny how they all bitch. What were they saying?
Gourmet Chick, Jealous. I fancy a trip to France right now.
Hannah, I’ll try out Sosta Costa.My friends who live nearby complain there aren’t enough places up there but I’ll pass it on.
I really enjoyed Libertine- they had a lovely atmosphere and great food, we were really happy with our experience there. Only disappointment was a pastry described dessert that came out a little differently to what was expected.