French Lettuce Patisserie & Bakery
237 Nicholson St
Carlton, 3053
03 9347 7311
What better place to get a birthday cake than from this 30 year old patisserie out on Nicholson St just a short walk off Alexandra parade. Though fairly remote (far from most other shops), despite nearing closing time there were still diners about and a small queue for people collecting their cakes.
The wedding cakes standing prominently in the window display are a floral strut of elegant artwork. The team here make cakes for all occasions, French breads and pastries, not to mention the much praised vanilla slice. Apologies there aren’t many photos – I totally forgot to bring my camera when I went to collect the cake…sigh!!!
Chocolate Chantilli – at almost the same height as the diameter, this cake towers with grace. The ‘Chocolate flakes’ as mentioned in the menu description is utterly understated – they were more like thick slabs of couverture chocolate forming palisades around the cake. Not that I am complaining. Sandwiched between thick layers of silky cream are tiers of chocolate sponge soaked in Kirsh (a non sweet fruit brandy) that gives the cake a mellow cherry sweetness. I personally found there was too much cream for my liking, and was a little light on the kirsh – I sound like such an alcoholic.
Aside getting the cake I also snuck in…
Vanilla slice – The custard is absolutely heavenly soft and ethereally fluffy. It is sandwiched between thin crusts of crumbly pastry, and a generous dusting of icing sugar. I initially thought wow that’s a huge brick of a slice, but turns out it was so moreishly delicious that I scoffed the whole thing down in one go. No wonder they have been voted best in Melbourne by the Age.
Rating: Yummy cake; yummy +1 vanilla slice. I will try to remind myself to drop by for more of that custard heaven, and maybe try the other cakes and pastries.
You may also like: Eaglehawk bakery, Dench Bakers, Noisette, Parisian Patisserie.
Almost Always Ravenous 
Is this place new?
nope, its been around for AGESSSSS
Lovely cakes!
You could tell how fluffy and creamy the vanilla slice is! Should get the cake for my friend’s birthday.
30 years? Woah! Loving the huge shards of chocolate on the cake!
ARGH! Have been wanting to try their Vanilla slice forever, they’re infamous for it. 🙂 Looks so delicious!
I swear I’ve been past this place so many times but only during peak hour traffic and cannot for the life of me find any parking! I love a good vanilla slice.
I agree about the Vanilla Slice, it is the best that I have tasted in Melbourne so far.
The vanilla slice looks so appealing to me. I must try it for myself to see if it is the best!
GOOOOO VANILLA SLICE!!!! please buy me one too if u go HAHA