19 Nov Frankie Says, Abbotsford

After some unexpected delays, Frankie Says is finally open for business. Part of the new, aptly named Sanctuary apartment complex, it’s hidden away, right by the Yarra with pleasant and peaceful view of both trees and water. There’s plenty of outdoors seating under the cover of umbrellas, and the interior features high-ceiling solid timber pillars, white washed timber, striking pendant lights and full-height glass windows to allow plenty of light in.

Antipasto – Bocconcini, Semi Sundried Tomatoes, Speck Prosciutto, Bresaola, Sopressa Salami, Giardiniera, Marinated Olives, Parmesan Grissini

Founders Megan Phillis and James Meehan, also responsible for Hoy Pinoy, The Meatball Company and Café Italia, hosted an alfresco lunch to feature highlights of the new summer menu. It began with an impressive spread of antipasto including mild flavoured and smooth bocconcini, bresaola, speck prosciutto, sopressa salami, giardinier, and a selection of marinated olives and vegetables, as well as a selection of their own table wines.

Quinoa Crispy Chicken Burger, Parmesan, Iceberg, Avocado Caesar Dressing, Milk Bun; Pulled Beef, Caramelised Onion, Gherkin, Provolone, Schiacciata

Next came some bready things. The crispy chicken had been coated in quinoa as a healthier method of providing crunch, and it was accompanied by Parmesan, iceberg lettuce, and an avocado caesar dressing on a milk bun. The juicy pulled beef with caramelised onion, gherkin and provolone and schiacciata was also delicious.

Bresaola, Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomato, Garlic, Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza

Swiss Brown Mushrooms, Caramelised Onion, Taleggio, Porcini Salt Pizza

The pizza bases were thin, light and crispy and paired with simple but flavour-packed toppings like the bresaola with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, garlic and Buffalo Mozzarella, and my favourite, the Swiss brown mushrooms with caramelised onions, Taleggio and porcini salt.

Tri Colour Quinoa, Roasted Vegetables, Crumbled Feta, Roasted Chickpea Salad, Beetroot Vinaigrette

Bitter Greens, Avocado, Cucumber, Poached Eggs, Amaranth, Pumpkin Pistachio Dukkah, Mango Lime Dukkah

Accompanying all that food were some salads. I loved the nutrient-filled tri-colour quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, feta and double-cooked chickpeas. Although it was very, very green, the bitter green salad with avocado and cucumber was kept from being boring with the addition of poached eggs, amaranth, pumpkin pistachio dukkah, and mango lime dukkah.

Chocolate, Beetroot and Rosemary Cake; Lychee, Mango, Pineapple, Caramelised Coconut, White Chocolate Cake; Vanilla, Almond, Peach, Berry Cheesecake

Chocolate, Beetroot and Rosemary Cake; Lychee, Mango, Pineapple, Caramelised Coconut, White Chocolate Cake; Vanilla, Almond, Peach, Berry Cheesecake

We concluded with a delightful trio of delectable desserts, from the refreshing and delicately flavoured lychee, mango, pineapple and caramelised coconut cake, to the richer vanilla, almond, peach and berry cheesecake.

The setting was beautiful and one could easily spend the day relaxing and lounging around while enjoying the peaceful surrounds. Frankie Says will be open for dinner in the near future, allowing us to enjoy even more of their well-prepared and wonderful food.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Frankie Says as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own and not influenced by them in any way.

Frankie Says
15 Acacia Pl
Abbotsford, VIC, 3067
frankiesays.com.au