I have been a major fan of Laurent Patisserie. It all started when I went to their Como Centre store in Toorak, and had my first salad baguette. Wow! Yesterday I went to their city store.
Store
Laurent Bakery
306 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
A bit of history
The bakery is based on a French taste selection. This guy called Laurent Boillon started it in Australia, but prior he was working in Paris. You can find out about the history here. They have 11 stores across Melbourne, the one in Como Centre is signature store. You go there any day of the week, he will see it packed with people enjoy their fine French breads. They also do wholesale, if you are a baker yourself.
The ambience
Their stores are very clean, and have a golden touch to them. By this I mean, you walk in you will see bits of golden colour here and there, but no over done. They apparently import their cups and saucers from France. The food is beautifully displayed for consumption, and they are made free.
The food
I ordered a salad baguette, and one of my friends ordered a chicken focaccia. She was very impressed as well. The avocado, and sauces were just right, not over done. The baguette was appropriate cooked, and the gourmet cheese was the icing on the cake. This had to be one of the best salad baguettes I have ever tasted. If you have anything better, I would love to hear from you.
Suggestions
I never noticed in their Como Centre store, but the city store has different prices for eat in and take away. In my opinion, this is not necessary. Prices should be constant. It cost about $28 bucks for our meal, with 2 soft drinks. A bit steep, but well worth it. The extra charge for eat in is annoying.
Rating - 8.5/10 (excellent food, the extra charge of eat in dragged you down)
I have been a long time Laurent fan, and will be. Probably stick to my favourite Como store. Excellent food, great service, neat display, nice ambience.
