38 toorak rd, south yarra
Ph: (03) 9867 5888
http://luxbite.com/

“A sweet haven by experienced dessert gurus, Bernard Chu & Yen Yee. The place where you’ll definitely be biting off more than you can chew!”

This post has been a long time coming.

Ever since, I’ve set foot in this store mid-last year, I have returned on a very, very, very regular basis. Partly because working at my parent’s grocery store in South Yarra means I’m always driving past this joint and partly because I’ve got a huge-ass sweet tooth.

No need for introductions here – they’ve only been open a little over a year but they have been one of the most blogged about and talked about places in Melbourne. Since then, Bernard and Yen, who share an impressive CV (including the likes of Quay, Rockpool, Pier, Comme) have been shaping and refining their generously sweet menu of macarons, cakes, slices and tarts.

The shop is actually quite unassuming and very easy to miss if you drive along Toorak Rd, but on the inside you’ll wonder how you ever missed it. High ceilings, bleach-white furniture. black pastel walls with gold writing, french-styled decor and a wide selection of goodies displayed in brightly-lit, mirrored cabinets resembling designer shops along Collins St (mirror-shopping anyone?).

But they don’t just do sweets! They’re still a cafe, so good old food-on-a-plate and coffee are on offer as well. Unlike they’re old menu, the Luxbite team have done something a little innovative and open where you order what you want on your plate! Some may find the task daunting (“I just want some FOOOOODD”) whilst others will appreciate the ability to select exactly what you like! Each item selected = $2.50

Done your head in? Ok – let’s KIS – as an example, here are two plates of food with some of what’s on offer!

seeded sourdough + chicken sausage + poached egg + roasted tomatoes + garlic roasted-field mushrooms + brie ($15)

seeded sourdough + spiced onion couscous + twice cooked pork belly + grilled chorizo + dressed rocket + avocado & preserved lemon salsa ($15)

The twice-cooked pork belly is always a hit and I really enjoyed the vegies – dressed rocket (sweet and slightly oily), mushroom (garlic!!!) and avocado salsa (tangy and creamy).

But onto what this post is really about!

Check these babies out! (Inspiration for this photo came from one of my amazing photographer mates – check out BC Photography if you got time! http://www.facebook.com/bc.photoholics)

You’ll find that their range is influenced by European (French) and Asian flavours. THe list of macarons include (from bottom to top):

Bamboo Oolong Tea, Hazelnut, PB&J, Salted Caramel, Caffe Latte, Green Tea Pistachio, Pandan, Ribena Lemonade, Rose & Lychee, Passionfruit, Sour Strawberry, Peach & Apricot Cocktail, Heilala Vanilla Creme Brulee, Kaya Toast, Choc Banana, Oreo.

BOLD = my favourites. The textures of the macaron vary between differing flavours, which some may or may not like. Hazelnut is dense and rich as is the Sour Strawberry, but others such as the Kaya Toast and Passionfruit and crisp and smooth.

Now prepare for a DROOOOOLL!!!!

Caramel Cravings – caramel slice with chocolate and coconut base + salted caramel macaron! A dense caramel flavour with a touch of chocolate and a crisp base to finish

Epic Chocolate Cravings – Rich Chocolate with Hazelnut and a salted caramel ball of explosion! I prefer this slice over the caramel slice

Summer Blueberry Tart + Marscapone Tart

Summer Raspberry Tart + Marscapone Tart – the Summer tart range is a new addition to the family and is perfect for those after something lighter and easy to down

Lemon Meringue Tart – the original tart went on a diet and came out like this – different on the outside but still the same on the inside Tangy lemon balanced with creamy meringue

Mango Tango – Passionfruit Tart (Yippee!) + Pineapple Jelly and a Pretty mango flower! This one’s for the citrus lovers!

Bread & Butter – served warm with a seasonal custard. This may not look as impressive as the others but i guarantee you that this is THE Perfect dessert for winter!

Stoned Meringue Monster – raspberrry + apricot yoghurt encased in meringue-y goodness. Descendant of the ever-so-popular Meringue Monster (watermelon + strawberry yoghurt). The original meringue monster is still one of my favourites but this guy still packs a punch! The yoghurt mousse and meringue is very smooth and deceptively light. I could have all of it to myself

Supersized Love – Luxbite’s supersized macaron interpretation of the Ferrero Rocher. One of their trademarks. Tastes just like the hazelnut macaron (which it gave birth to) but is intended for those who can’t get enough of HAZELNUTs! WARNING: SHARE IT!!!

Endless Love – Rose, Lychee and Raspberry macaron. So light and easy to eat. Another favourite. My photo doesn’t do it justice but this a very pretty dessert and definitely one for the couples. Unlike its brother, Supersized Love, this dessert is gentler – drawing sweetness from the Lychee, aroma from the Rose, tang from the rasberries and texture from the macaron biscuits!

The dessert menu is constantly changing depending on the seasons and certain events! Here’s a few examples of what they’ve done recently

Banana Tart – chocolate, banana and PEANUT BUTTER!? need i say more?

Strawberry Opera – almond jaconde, strawberry, green tea and pistachio

The Tropical Snowman – Lime mousse with a coconut pannacotta with a passionfruit marshmellow and macaron. Passionfruit zing and so FLUFFFY !

Choc-Cher:E-Tree – One of the many faces of ‘E.T’ – Milk chocolate Mousse with cheery chunks, kirsch chantilly and the signature caramel popcorn!

Australia Day – made up of traditional Australian snacks: Anzac biscuit, freckles, lamingtons, croutons, aeroplane jelly and strawberry jam

Prosperity Cake – for Chinese New year! – Sesame sable, pineapple, candied ginger and vanilla.