The title of ‘institution’ for a restaurant is not one that is given lightly, but after 10 years of serving exquisite, authentic food in this stylish yet laid-back venue, it is surely one that Le Bouchon rightly deserves. Celebrating a decade in Balnarring, the Mornington Peninsula’s bastion of old-school French dining is effortlessly elegant, warm, welcoming and wonderfully genuine. While the brass-framed windows, fine stemware and marble bar exude sophistication, when you relax into your bentwood chair and enjoy your baguette without a bread plate, you will realise you are in a classic French bistro that is more than just a little bit special. “I wanted a space where everyone was welcome,” said owner Stephane Saleres.
This unaffected ambience extends to the perfectly delivered menu using only the finest Peninsula produce. Dishes such as the luscious terrine de campagne or the french onion soup complete with a gratineed gruyere crouton on top are long-time favourites. The confit duck with succulent seasoned flesh and crisp burnished golden skin makes a delicious accompaniment to the compact list of good Burgundy. Try the luscious slow-cooked pork belly or the classic cassoulet of Stephane’s home region, rich with beans and Toulouse sausage. Finish with cheese, then perhaps crepes suzette or a profiterole.
The name Le Bouchon refers to les bouchons of Burgundy, the casual bistros serving classic French dishes with local wines. ‘Bouchon’ also is French for a wine cork, which is apt because Stephane prides himself on his wine list. While not encyclopedic, it is a great example of how a well-honed wine list can offer something for all occasions. For those who want an easy light meal, you could pair it with a bottle of flinty French sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley for $58, or choose a beautifully textured Tussie Mussie pinot gris from Balnarring winery Quealy for $16 a glass. “Small affordable pleasures for the budget of everyone,” Stephane said.
Stephane was born in Agen in the southwest of France, a region of cassoulet and Bordeaux wines. After national service, he worked in hospitality in the ski fields of the Pyrenees before running front of house for Antony Worrall Thompson’s 190 Queen’s Gate restaurant in London. Stephane then made his way to Melbourne and renowned bistro France-Soir in South Yarra before an opportunity with Willow Creek Vineyard brought him and his family to the Mornington Peninsula, where he has been entrenched in the food and wine scene ever since.
“People who have travelled recognise us from their time in France. That corner bistro, that little place down the street. That is us. We are not reinventing the wheel. What we do here is very authentic and very approachable.”
After a decade of delighting both locals and weekenders, it seems this reputation is firmly entrenched and this is truly a dining institution.
Opening hours: lunch Friday-Saturday from noon; dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5.30pm. BYO wine Tuesday and Wednesday only, $15 corkage a bottle
Le Bouchon 10 Russell St, Balnarring P: 5983 2012
www.lebouchon.com.au Insta: le_bouchon_balnarring