Melbourne Patron

A few years ago, when I lived northside and spent a lot of time around Smith Street, I first heard of pastry chef  Pierre Roelofs ' dessert degustations, then held at Fitzroy's Cafe Rosamond. (I've since heard they were previously at Monsieur Truffe 's former Smith Street site.) The idea was you paid a set price (around $50.00 each, from memory) for a set number of courses of dessert only. Yes, DESSERT ONLY. I remember being impressed by (a) the concept of a degustation comprising solely desserts (if you're a sweet tooth too - admit you're also in love with the idea), and (b) the variety explored within such a constricted genre - sometimes focused around certain ingredients, or catering to certain food requirements (e.g. lactose intolerant, vegan). Possibly, the variety was to make it more interesting for Roelofs, or more inclusive for potential customers ...but it just all sounded really clever. Roelofs is Kiwi-born and trained in Switzerland for some yea...

When Smith Street had just become a local area for me, I used to walk past Cavallero and think about how I 'must try that place soon'. But as everyone knows, Smith Street (and surrounds) is not short of venues, and I must have been busy checking out all the others first, because before I knew it, Cavallero had closed and I had missed my chance. Apparently it had been struggling. Who then, would dare to take on the site, and what would they make of it? Smith Street is a prime location, but it's also full of competition. This would have to be good. Enter Scott Pickett ( Estelle Bistro ) and Joe Grbac ( The Press Club ). Two chefs who used to work together at London's fancy-pants The Square (which boasts not one, but two Michelin stars ), they joined forces to open a brand new venue as both business partners and co-head chefs. The result:  Saint Crispin (300 Smith Street, Collingwood). Named for the patron saint of shoemakers, Saint Crispin acknowledges its site...