Damon Bradley, Southbank (by invitation) by Bureaucrat

Damon Bradley is, quite simply, affordable luxury for any occasion.  The Eat and Be Merry Crew was invited to try out Damon Bradley's spring/summer menu. It's easily one of the more popular eateries located inside Southgate Melbourne.  With hues of purple and crisp white, and the most friendly service you'll ever come across, it's a fabulous place to treat yourself to a little sweet delicacy or something more substantial.  While we were there, the place was filled with what appeared to be an elegant hen's party (where the women were all wearing floral wreaths and having high tea), groups of baby boomers, young families and couples - it seems like no one can resist the lure of gorgeous cakes, desserts and light savoury meals that are on offer.


One of the showpiece spring/summer items is called Perfectly Purple.  It's an absolutely pretty dessert, that's reminiscent of a deconstructed black currant cheesecake.  This was sumptuous, divine, delicious!  As the Lawyer declared, "it's berry, berry nice!".

Served in a glass, it has layers of white Belgium chocolate, fresh blueberries and raspberries, passionfruit macarons, vanilla custard and double cream. It's garnished with edible flowers and a macaron shell.  With the generous amount of fresh plump berries in there (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, to name a few), you could easily convince yourself that this can go towards your five-a-day (as Homer Simpson says, "it has purple in it - purple is a fruit").


We also chose Velvety Red, which appears on the regular menu.  This was also impressive to behold - a glass full of red velvet cake, double vanilla cream, chocolate fudge, lots of sliced strawberries, which is topped with strawberry sauce and lots of voluminous whipped cream.  For those wanting it to be an even more gourmet experience, this dessert also comes with wine pairing (a pinot noir, in case you're wondering).


For drinks, we tried of the spring/summer specialty drinks.  We had hard time trying to decide which one to get (they all sound delicious!). The thirst quenching tempters includes: watermelon, strawberry and guava; coconut, lemon and basil; passionfruit, pineapple and peaches; and iced tea with flavours of rose, strawberry and lavender.  We settled on the raspberry and hibiscus drink.  It was refreshing and full of raspberry and mint blended with ice.  Perfect for a hot summer's day.

I also picked a pot of black honey tea.  This was a wonderfully warming tea which had mellow notes of honey. It went beautifully with the desserts.


If sweet delights aren't for you, then be tempted by the selection of equally pretty salads (which includes the summer salad that is garnished with edible flowers), finger sandwiches that are served on silver platters and baguettes.  And for those who don't have time to linger, be like the many shoppers that pop in for a takeaway coffee and macaron or two.

Verdict

We loved it.

Overall

Whether it's a special treat for yourself, catch up with friends, or as an elegant alternative to the end-of-year Christmas party, Damon Bradley will definitely impress. You'll be well-looked after by Eileen and her team at Damon Bradley.

Find it at

Damon Bradley
Southgate Melbourne
3 Southgate Ave
Southbank VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 9645 5966