Decisions.
Deciding what to eat is never an easy task in my book. I always end up loitering over the menu, scrutinising each option with considered thoughtfulness, hoping against hope to find the perfect meal.
There is much to deliberate over at Le Monde, a hip and light-filled Surry Hills cafe where patrons dine with oversized sunglasses and the barista's arm is covered in tattoos.
I love the menu boards for a start, the thin plywood scorched with the Le Monde logo and what looks like a coffee cup stain. I'm a sucker for tactile surfaces, and I can't help but run my fingers along the recessed sections of the menu board.
Flat white $3.50
House blend roasted by 5 Senses Coffee
We place our orders for coffee and sandwiches, a decision pained by temptations of confit pork ($15), anchovy linguine ($13), lamb shank pie ($13) and potato and chorizo salad($13).
I'm glad the decision-making is over, until the waitress writes down my order and asks "What type of bread would you like? Michette, sourdough or ciabatta?"
Argh. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. I like all of these! My brain whirs furiously, weighing each one up with consideration.
I opt for michette, and sigh with relief. Talk about a curveball! I sit back in my chair, ready to relax...
"Would you like it toasted or fresh?"
Panic!
Le Monde Club Sandwich $14
Does this make me a food tragic? Presumably so!
Before we've even finished our coffees, our lunch arrives. I'd ordered the Le Monde Club Sandwich - on michette bread and fresh - although I think toasted is better suited as it starts to get soggy half-way through.
The Club Sandwich is a tower of grilled chicken, bacon, rocket, vine-ripened tomato and topped with a splay of avocado slices. A slather of garlic aioli adds a rich creaminess.
Zucchini and haloumi sandwich $12
I swap half my sandwich with Mr Manchego, and after one bite, I realise he's worse off for the deal. The zucchini and haloumi sandwich is divine - a summery combination of pan-fried haloumi, sweet char-grilled zucchini strips, fresh spinach leaves and juicy vine-ripened tomatoes. A layer of Spanish onion jam is the highlight, deliciously caramelised and sticky.
Lunch at Le Monde? Best decision all day.
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Le Monde
83 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9211 3568
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 6.30am-4pm
Saturday 7am-2pm
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I, too, often suffer nervous anxiety attacks in the face of delicious menu options, but I would've had no such problem this time. Anchovy linguine all the way! :D
ReplyDeleteDining companions and many a waitperson have I sent insane with my lengthy decision making when dining out. I am hopeless!!
ReplyDeleteThe zucchini and haloumi sandwich does look divine indeed.
I love haloumi. I can imagine how its saltiness would work really with the zucchini! I don't think I could easily decide which bread to choose either.
ReplyDeleteZucchini and haloumi are such a good combination of sweet with salty. Also helps that eating it always makes me think of spring.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about Le Monde, their sandwiches look fantastic! The sweet onion jam would be delish with the saltiness of the haloumi.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, the zucchini and haloumi sandwich sounds particularly good.
ReplyDeleteI can totally empathise with your decision making difficulty when it comes to dining. I take FOREVER!
Those combination of sandwiches sounds great! I love club sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteI used to walk past that place all the time, although i think it was called something different about 6 years ago.
I never know what to order either. Takes me ages! Haven't been here before but I'm curious to check it out.
ReplyDelete