Overview
If you like pretty things and tasty things in equal measure, chances are you're already well acquainted with the beautiful bloom-filled space that is Carlton's florist-meets-cafe Flovie. Well, your brain's happiness receptors are in for another treat, with the launch of Flovie's new sibling venue, La Fantaisie.
Owners Jia Wang and Valerie Wang are up to their old tricks, this time creating a café, patisserie, florist and event venue, all rolled into one aesthetic delight in the heart of Abbotsford.
Lillie Thompson
A certified mood-booster of a space, La Fantaisie — 'fantasy' in French, if you're wondering — boasts enviable interiors by the renowned Bergman & Co (Poodle, Chancery Lane) and two levels filled with Provencal touches. Expect dreamy marble accents, soft archways and lots of artful bouquets on display, ready for sale.
Want some coveted local knowledge? The warehouse site is actually owned by AFL legend Dustin Martin, though whether he'll be a regular here for pastries and flowers is yet to be seen.
If you're here for the gustatory pleasures, you'll find a specialty patisserie offering with coffee by Berwick roaster Zest to match. Daintily decorated cakes include the likes of a blueberry-filled choux number topped with a butterfly, and the Strawberry Love Bite featuring chiffon sponge and vanilla mascarpone whip.
More aesthetic goodness fills the brunch menu, in dishes like the vibrant curry scrambled eggs with chilli tiger prawns, a triple cheeseburger on black brioche, and a chocolate sable dessert creation with filo pastry and cherry gel. A smashed avo number comes paired with burnt corn and edamame, and an eggs benny teams pulled pork with a yuzu hollandaise.
Lillie Thompson
There's a slew of photogenic signature drinks, too; from a rose tea latte to a strawberry mimosa and a classic French 75. During regular programming, you'll find a high tea offering serving goodies sweet, savoury and liquid.
And, since it'd be a shame to only show this stunning space off by day, it's only fitting La Fantaisie doubles as an event venue, available for private occasions grand and small. And if your event needs flowers? Well, you won't need to worry about a thing.
Find La Fantaisie at 297 Victoria Street, Abbotsford. It's open 8am–4pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am–5pm on weekends.
Images: Lillie Thompson