The French are renowned for their breads and pastries among other goodies, so it should come as no surprise that Laurent’s baked goods are such a hit here in Melbourne, and have been for the last 26 years. And much like my previous encounters with Laurent Bakery, our selection of savouries and sweets from the most recent visit to the new Kew store was absolutely délicieuse. The avocado tartine, Laurent’s take on smashed avo, was sensationally fresh and vibrant with bursts of zesty flavour from the silky avocado mousse teamed with creamy Meredith goat’s cheese. A contrast to the freshness of the avo was the cheesy, decadent croque mushrooms. The creamy, oozy cheese blend was heavenly and rich - it’s a good thing we had selected this one to share. I’m told the turkey baguette tasted like Christmas. Feeling quite full, we only managed to try the Monte Carlo mousse cake whilst at the cafe. Instead of being sickly sweet or overly indulgent, the elements were surprisingly light and incredibly well balanced, the airy light chocolate mousse a highlight. A day on, we tucked into the almond croissant and Tart aux Fraises - the former still ‘fresh’ tasting and the almond paste fragrant, and the latter with a gorgeously short pastry base. Ahhh Laurent, you’ve done it again!

Turkey baguette - roast turkey with mixed lettuce, cucumber, butter cranberry sauce and pepper.

Croque mushroom - pain de mie, layered with mushroom & bechamel, sautéed mushroom, shredded cheese and oven baked until golden.

Avocado tartine - with avocado, Meredith goat’s cheese, walnuts, avocado mousse, coriander and pepper.

Tart aux Fraises - shortcrust base filled with vanilla creme patisserie topped with strawberries.

Monte Carlo - chocolate mousse, cafe creme brûlée, flourless chocolate biscuit, milk and dark chocolate glaze.

Almond croissant.

Laurent Kew

251 High St,

Kew, Victoria, 3101.

https://www.laurent.com.au/stores/high-street-kew/

Disclosure: I dined as a guest of Laurent Bakery. All opinions expressed in this post are based entirely on my experience and observations made during the time of my visit.