01 Aug The Hardware Societe, Melbourne CBD

I came really early today and it’s a weekday during school/uni semester so there wasn’t any queue. The dish I was hoping to try was the croque madame (smoked salmon, gruyere, horseradish creme fraiche and fried duck egg), but it didn’t appear on the menu. Apparently they changed their menu last week so I came too late.

August Menu

Instead, I chose the scrambled eggs with prawn and Moreton Bay bug gribiche, peas and zucchini. Today the extra food items weren’t served in a baguette like they have been in the past, but rather, on top of the eggs (in a large bowl instead of a small pan) with three slices of sourdough on the side.

Scrambled Eggs – Prawn and Moreton Bay Bug Gribiche, Peas, Zucchini ($19)

The gribiche was OK; there was much more prawn than bug. It was much nicer when eaten with the capers, but still not something I’d typically order. As a whole, the eggs were moist and creamy. I should have spread it out when it arrived at the table because some of the egg at the bottom was a bit firm. I did end up sprinkling some salt and pepper onto it because I didn’t find it salty enough. The sourdough was very good and the peas were sweet and tender. Halfway through, my stomach felt a bit funny and I remembered why I usually avoid eggs cooked this way. Still, it wasn’t as bad as when I’ve had smaller amounts of overcooked scrambled eggs, so I still finished all of it.

The Hardware Societe
118-120 Hardware St
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
(03) 9078 5992