Cafe Viin is a cafe by day and offers French dining by night. The set dinner menu changes each month and is $69 for 4 courses. July was truffle month so there was an additional $20 mark up, but something I was interested in trying. Bookings are essential and I made our reservation over the phone for two people. I was happy to receive a little text message reminder on the day. When I walk in, I can see freshly proofed croissants on trays waiting to be baked in the oven. We are shown to our table and are only one of two tables booked for the 6pm sitting.
It takes a little while for something to come out of the kitchen but I can smell the croissants baking. There is only one croissant to share between the two of us, but these are beautifully crispy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside. It also comes with truffle butter on the side. I realise the kitchen is the small section up at the counter, and our one waiter is also the chef. I guess all the prep work is done during the day, so that he only has to bake/grill/pan fry each dish and garnish.
Our first course are the escargot with garlic and herb butter, and the smoked custard with truffle and porcini powder. Both of these are small bite sized treats. The escargot is perfectly cooked – soft and not rubbery, and you can’t go wrong with garlic butter. The smoked custard is presented in eggshells, is silky and delicate, and still warm from the oven. It’s a pleasant start to the night.
The seared scallops with corn, foie gras and truffle are perfectly juicy. There is a slight brush of foie gras (I could’ve easily had more) and it came with puffed quinoa for a bit of crunch. Absolutely delicious served with a corn puree and charred corn.
I have been looking forward to the beef wellington with truffle mash and cornichon since I saw the menu online. A jus is drizzled onto the plate after the dishes are placed in front of us. The beef is cooked medium-rare to nearly rare, and a larger portion than expected. I was hoping the mash had been infused with truffle but it didn’t seem to be the case, however there are shavings of truffle on top.
The dessert course consists of a slice of brie cheese with truffle honey, pear and candied pistachio. I’m glad there is a bit of sweetness to the dish as I don’t usually pick cheese for dessert. We left feeling full but not overly full.
Cafe Viin is small, quiet and intimate, a good date option though we did find it a little cold inside. It may take a little longer for the dishes to come out as there is only one person doing all the serving, cooking, and top ups of water. You can book into a 6pm or 8pm sitting. I believe it’s also BYO drinks but best to check. Bookings essential.
Cafe Viin
Pearce Shops, 4 Hodgson Cres, Pearce ACT
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