F is for ...............FRANCE

Mother's Day was the scene for our latest culinary escapade, where the letter "F" led us to France Soir in Toorak Road, South Yarra.

Due to the important occasion we were forced to book in for a 3:00 ‘linner’ session, and a car park directly out the front afforded us a minimal drenching as we entered a very crowded and obviously popular venue. Peering out from behind the bar was the obvious owner who greeted us in a very suave and irresistible French accent, and a similarly fluent waiter then showed us to our table.

Champagne was immediately ordered by the femme fetale, a kronenburg by la pere and the next ten minutes was spent eating the fabulously fresh French bread, which garcon promptly replenished as soon as we'd scoffed the first basket! It was then agreed that the soup of the day was to be had by all..... soupe de morue aux pommes de terre et poireaux, which translates into cod soup with leek and potatoes.

Main course consisted of three steak au poivres, which included a scotch fillet in peppercorn sauce, a scotch fillet with a mushroom sauce and a further scotch fillet with a red wine sauce.

However, when Mr X requested his to be extremely well done, the waiter laconically replied, "I will tell the chef, and then I will run from the kitchen!"

It was also unanimously agreed that three courses were the order of the day today, with the chocolate mousse in the glass cabinet alluringly catching Mr X’s discerning eye. But the waiter’s eyebrows were once again raised when Mr X asked for double whipped cream with the mousse…… "But the mousse does not come with any cream Monsieur". "Well, I’d like some please" was his uncompromising response!"

Tarte Tatin (apple tart) was ordered by the ladies and duly arrived with the mousse. However, Mr X wasn’t quite finished with the mind games with the waiter, as he quickly polished off the cream and promptly ordered another serve  It’s safe to say he has NO French blood flowing through his veins!

The scores will reveal what everyone thought about the afternoon, but it was somewhat soured when the bill revealed an item that literally jumped out from the tray and grabbed us by the throat. Namely, two glasses of champagne that cost $56! However, we were somewhat comforted by the fact that it was their Mother’s day special. Phew  Hate to think what it normally costs.

Food                       He:  8      She:   9
Ambiance:              He   8      She    7
Value for money     He   6      She    7
Accessibility           He   9      She    7
Service                   He   8      She    8           Total  77