Punch Lane, Little Bourke St, Melbourne

Punch Lane, Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Sunday 22 January, 2006

This brasserie is located just up from Chinatown towards the Parliament building. It's directly opposite Longrain (yes, Sydneysiders they have recently opened one in Melbourne). It looks like a Parisian brasserie, it has collages of French cheese wrappers, wooden floorboards, a large wooden bar in the centre and an ecletic mix of wooden chairs and red lounges. There are large chalkboards with specials listed, several wines by the glass and there's a great display of empty wine bottles at the rear of the restaurant. It's welcoming even if the staff aren't.

We ordered drinks and it took ages for the menus to arrive. The staff here do the bare minimum required (or it could be my expectations after Vue de Monde). I enjoyed the Spanish chicken croquettes with dijonaisse for entree and the Porterhouse steak with creamy mash, candied red wine shallots and jus for main. My tennis buddy enjoyed the stuffed zucchini flowers for entree and the Porterhouse steak with creamy mash, candied red wine shallots and jus for main.

The food was good and Punch Lane has a relaxed, informal atmosphere. I'd definitely return to enjoy a glass of wine and a light meal.

Punch Lane - 43 Little Bourke St, Melbourne - (03) 96394944

http://www.punchlane.com.au/index.html