This strip of Glenferrie Road certainly isn’t short of eateries, and it’s takes a little something extra to stand out. Le Clec is a family-run cafe, whose point of difference is the Asian flavours in its cafe menu.

This heritage listed building surprisingly houses quite a large cafe, with front and middle sections, function rooms upstairs, and a pet-friendly enclosed courtyard at the back.

House made pastries and other baked goods like doughnuts, muffins, danishes and cruffins tempt you at the counter. Sweet strawberry rice crispie-like treats come with the hot drinks.

The Kimchee Omelette is embedded with house-made kimchi, mozzarella and grilled broccolini. Other Asian flourishes appear in the form of coriander, pickled radish and edamame. Small drizzles of chilli oil add extra kick to the very moist and oozy egg dish.

The Gochu Glazed Beef Shortrib has been slow-cooked over 4 hours and is incredibly tender, the meat falling off the bone with a prod. Its texture is amazing; it just needs a tad more salt. To go with the short rib is a poached egg hidden underneath some smokey eggplant that’s studded with potato crisps.

Blackberry Buttermilk Hotcakes are baked to order and they’re delicious. The hotcakes have a slightly coconutty flavour and are dressed up with decadent Oreo crumb, a scoop of chocolate marquise, popping candy, and fresh and freeze-dried fruit. There’s a slight crust on the outside and the crumb is moist and fluffy – a little more cake-like in texture. Maple syrup comes on the side, allowing us to modify the level of sweetness to taste.

Le Clec provides a friendly and relaxed setting to enjoy its interesting menu. The servings are generous, and if you have the opportunity, don’t pass up on the hotcakes.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Le Clec as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time

Le Clec
727 Glenferrie Rd
Hawthorn VIC 3122
(03) 9818 8969
http://leclec.com.au