Bistro Vite - Four stars

Bistro Vite - Four stars

Look, the day was nothing short of horrible. Rain was sleeting in sideways off the water and the few trees Docklands does have seemed perilously close to uprooting and flying back from whence they came.

It was not a day to be outside and, some might argue (3AW’s talk-back callers in particular), it was definitely not a day to be in Docklands.

I did not want to leave the house. I did not want to leave my car. Yet somehow I found myself in the midst of this cosy and warm experience, reminiscent of times once spent in Paris – and perhaps a bit of Boston, because it was the sort of place I’d like to go time and time again, and have everyone know my name. (My fake name of course. Can’t blow my cover.)

I’m talking about Bistro Vite – whose owner has made the VERY brave decision to move the long-time Southbank resident further down the river to Yarra’s Edge. You have to wonder if he’d previously spent much time in Yarra’s Edge because, (and no doubt God loves it for the same reason), it’s very nice and quiet.

Locals will no doubt argue that the few places it does have at the base of those monolithic towers have more warmth and sense of “community” than the whole of Docklands combined – and they could
be right.

Bistro Vite certainly fits right in. Serving European and local cuisine – its also offering something Yarra’s Edge didn’t really have – a proper restaurant, with quality but reasonably priced European dishes, that’s just casual and cosy enough to also be inviting for a quick (or lazy) coffee.

The menu is succinct, with a number of appealing options. I had to have two entrees, so torn was I between the crab and prawn ravioli in seafood bisque, and the double-baked mushroom and cheddar soufflé with baby herb salad and walnut and thyme oil. I was disappointed by neither.

The former comprised three plump parcels of firm-to-bite ravioli encasing subtle, meaty seafood not quite floating in a puddle of buttery rich bisque. The latter, a moist, eggy-but-light soufflé, turned out on the plate so as its perfectly baked top could be served as a crunchy, almost crisp, base. A glass of Barwick chardonnay recommended by the house accompanied perfectly.

My friend’s calamari tossed in a chilli and lemon dressing also satisfied – the occasional chewy piece helped by the crisp tempura batter and light dousing of chilli and citrus. Her main of steak tartare, with salad and pomme frites was generous and divine (she confessed when pregnant, it was the meal she’d craved but couldn’t have every damn day. Raw meat and eggs – who could ask for more?). A waiter’s request as to how heavily to spice the mixture when ordering was also appreciated.

Unfortunately, we got a bit too caught up in the lazy lunch atmosphere and by the time we remembered we were not in fact on holidays but instead, due back for meetings at work – we were out of time for dessert. Oh well – guess we’ll have to head back there soon, where I’d happily become part of the furniture.

P.S. A footnote on Yarra’s Edge. It may seem a bitch to walk to, particularly in winter, but it really is ridiculously easy to get to by car. Being able to jump off CityLink at Lorimer St makes it a breeze to get to from many a suburb without tackling the usual city grind. And there’s lots of free street parking. In case you didn’t know!

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