The Hardware Société & La Belle Miette

118-120 hardware st, melbourne
ph: (03) 9078 5992

“No need for introductions here.”

Everyone knows about this hole-in-the-wall-along-a-pretty-damn-dead-alley. Although most people get the name wrong. Société. Not Society! Pronunciation peoples!

Its overwhelming popularity probably comes from the fact that it’s slightly hidden away, is creatively decorated and offers good-value frenchy/spanishy MEALS (on weekdays anyway…). But honestly, these guys have dominated Urbanspoon’s “most talked about” before Chin-Chin came along and knocked em off the top spot, so my post will hardly do anything to budge people’s opinion of it.

So, here’s a short and sharp post……or maybe not.

Events of the day: F & I rocked up. Waited for a spot. Sat in the lonely outdoor corner. Ate Food. Drank Cider. Nom’d Macarons.

The lunch menu changes from time to time but usually offers dishes that include scallops, duck leg, steak, veal for around $17-20. The breakfast and weekend menu has eggs, eggs and more eggs – fairly simple compared to the enticing lunch menu. One of the unfortunate things about HS is that they don’t take changes to menu dishes. This doesnt’ really affect me but may affect others who have dietary requirements.

I ordered the: Seared Scallops – chorizo, radicchio, goats cheese, shallots, despot vinaigrette (displayed above), whilst F got the good old scotch.

To be honest, the dish itself didn’t seem that impressive in terms of presentation. Taste wasn’t a particular hit either. The scallops could’ve done with a bit more searing and whilst i don’t mind roe, i felt there was too much of it. The chorizo and the cheese were nice on their own but the lack of enough dressing meant the overall salad was a tad too salty. Bit of a shame really.

Scotch fillet – potato dauphinoise, watercress, shallot jam, cafe de Paris butter

Whilst I was sitting there a bit disappointed with my dish, F was happily scoffing this dish down. Noticing her content, I had to scab some off her….Actually, I didn’t have to ask – she gave me a generous portion at the start for me to try! Lucky me she’s too nice!

One bite and O.M.G!!! This was amazing! Cooked to medium perfectly and so, so, so tender. The butter – oh – that CAFE DE PARIS BUTTER just SOAKED in to that steak. Rich & Creamy by itself, drawing sweetness from the shallot jam. This sauce definitely makes this one of the best cafe dishes I’ve EVER had. Drink, drink, drink it! It’s also good but not surprising to see HS making a Potato dauphinoise (italian style – layers of potato baked in cream, cheese, milk, etc.) rather than chips and a mash. At home, mum usually uses watercress in soups, so this was the first time i had it as a ‘salad’. Its slight bitterness gives the dish a bit of balance but…….just dip it in the butter anyway.

SERVICE – this place has generally been good in terms of service. Most are friendly and informative but there have been a few times where the waiter/waitresses have been very cocky and unhelpful. Good luck!

After HS, it was hard to resist walking down the La Belle Miette to pick up some Macarons! Indeed, LBM are making much of a name for themselves as being the place to go for Macarons.They are pretty, refined and the flavours on offer are fancy-smancy.

White – ‘Bastille’ – Moet et Chandon and Blackcurrant
Grey – Mariage Freres Earl Grey Chocolate
Red – Pimm’s Pomegranate

The Bastille and Earl Grey are amongst my favourite there, suggested to me by my friend a little while ago. I’ve had the Bastille a few times and it’s quality has been consistent (hint of champagne with a decadent blackcurrant jam in the centre). The earl grey is not as good as it was when i first had it, but nevertheless it will be a hit for earl grey lovers. Pomegranate is also very good. My other favourites there are the Hazelnut Belle Miette and Violet & Blueberry.

For those in the Richmond area and cbs going to the city, they also have a shop there!

————————————————–Based on this experience————————————————–

The Hardware Société Rating: 8/10

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Palatable

scotch fillet!
value
creative interior

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Unpalatable

seared scallops
no change to menu dishes
can be be a little claustrophobic

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Overall

HS is a very reliable option during the weekdays when you don’t know where to go for a quality, good-value meal. It’s a small place so expect some waiting for seats but don’t fret, it’ll all be worth it!