Fortnums in Sassafras

Fortnums in Sassafras

I have visited beautiful Sassafras many times but I have never been to Fortnums.  Last week circumstance, and an invitation from my Mum, intervened and I found myself eating lunch there.

Fortnums in Sassafras

Autumn in the Dandenong Ranges is really not to be missed. It is oh so achingly beautiful with the always beautifully treed surrounds popping on their party shoes and best frocks and really glamming it up for a Season.

“Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled.

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away,

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.”

From “October” by Robert Frost

Sassafras is probably the tourist mecca with so many sweet, character filled cafes, gift shops and galleries. Certainly the main street seems to be very busy no matter what time of year I visit.

Fortnums in Sassafras

The main dining room at Fortnums was quite enchanting despite its busyness. Glass windows on three sides the building does an amazing job of letting the natural beauty from outside, in.

I planned on ordering scones with jam and cream ($9.50 for two) but was then distracted by the Meatloaf with vegetables and gravy ($20.90). I think the whole tourist thing went to my head because this is not how I would normally order but the meal was very tasty in a wholesome, old fashioned kind of way.

Fortnums in Sassafras

We also tried the pumpkin soup which was creamy and tasty and served with lovely white bread and butter. And the Chicken pie.

Fortnums in Sassafras pie

We chased all this down with a Mini berry filled Pavlova ($10.90).

dessert at Fortnums in Sassafras

This was tasty, touristy dining in an enchanting and generous dining room. The service was sincere and polite even though the restaurant was completely packed out and they were also setting up for a wedding that night.

Visit for the views and the good old fashioned glass observatory vibe.

Fortnums in Sassafras

Be sure to pop into the Olinda and Sassafras Sweet Co afterward. I only have one Pear drop left from my visit and I am not happy about it. They are oh, so delicious.


Details

395 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787
Phone:(03) 9755 1200

Fortnums on Urbanspoon

Cafe de Beaumarchais

Cafe de Beaumarchais on Urbanspoon

Cafe de Beaumarchais

Cakes at Cafe de Beaumarchais

The first time I visited the enchantingly named Cafe de Beaumarchais, a thick winter mist was swirling through the streets and fog had shrouded half of the little village of Sassafras.

It is hard to imagine that anyone paying a visit to Sassafras in the Dandenong Ranges outside of Melbourne, would not instantly love it. It is drenched in charm and dripping with nostalgia and the line that snakes outside the popular Miss Marples Tea Rooms is proof perfect regarding its popularity as a tourist destination. Just quietly I know a lot of non tourists that also love the area, myself included.

If you do not feel like lining up to be cosily ensconced in the floral and lace dining room at Miss Marples then you might like to dine somewhere different. Cafe de Beaumarchais should certainly keep you happy.

It is a narrow fronted French Cafe named after a well known French teacher extraordinaire. Musician, diplomat, spy and playwright are but a few of the bows in his quiver. The cafe is decorated accordingly and is gorgeous & gilt lined in equal measure. Pop over here for some pictures if you would like.

http://www.cafedebeaumarchais.com.au

The menu has a great range of cakes and tarts and in true French fashion also does a line in simple but perfect baguettes. ($9.90 – $11.90)

Cafe de Beaumarchais

They serve Jasper organic fair-trade coffee ($3.80) , an interesting selection of teas ($4/ $8) and even a tiny selection of wine. My advice is that you try one of their Parisian hot chocolates with a tiny croissant to on the side. I was helpfully told that the croissant is for dipping in the thick, sweet chocolate and it was immediately apparent that this is a perfect idea!

Cafe de Beaumarchais

 

Next time you are in the area stop by for a visit. I really enjoyed my window seat although there will be no fog swirling at this time of year. Call ahead for a table if there will be more than one of you as this is a small, popular cafe. If you learn any more of the intriguing Pierre de Beaumarchais then let me know. If only we could all live such exciting lives!

For now, I will stick with the joy of indulging in chocolate, pastry & cake. I’ll save diplomacy and spying for another time…..

Happy Eating.

Dani xx


Details

Cafe de Beaumarchais

Cnr Mount Dandenong Tourist Road & Woodlands Avenue, Sassafras
Phone:(03) 9755 1100