Friday night out at BOIRE, before Avatar

Friday night we did something interesting and actually went out on the town on a date, pre-planned with tickets and everything. Richard has been dying to see Avatar in 3D and the show has been sold out every week at the Imax, so I booked a week in advance and planned to catch a scrumptious dinner beforehand someplace new in the neighboring area. With our "Good Food Guide 2010" in hand we ventured out to Fitzroy (after spending two hours in front of the mirror wondering what to wear). After much deliberating we ended up at BOIRE, a little bohemian french-type bistro/wine-bar on the edge of Collingwood and Fitzroy that promised a new eating experience. No reservations are taken, apparently there is no phone, and no extensive menu to choose from. All options are listed daily on the wall - only French wines are served, 2 mains are offered in addition to a small selection of entrees and desserts. Prices were very reasonable (except for the $3 boiled egg entree) so Richard and I could easily afford a 3-course meal of rustic french fare for around $100 (including my 2 $12 glasses of red wine - we just bought a bottle of organic shiraz for the price of 1 glass of the french import). But I guess its all about the experience which was decidedly very tasty. Richard ordered mini cheese fingers followed by the free-range chicken main. I got the pate entree and a hearty Provencale Vegetable stew in Pistou sauce, very yum, to go along with my flowery/rosy pinot noir. We ended with delightfully authentic Profiteroles and a light rhubarb jelly. I loved how all the ingredients were carefully selected as free-range, organic, or from a specific region. The atmosphere was basic with few tables and the napkins dispensed from wall mounts, but also classy with vintage glass lamps hanging from the ceiling and simple/clean line furniture. I liked how the centre of the round tables could be removed to make space for a recessed wine bottle storage and cooler. Little touches make all the difference, we will definitely eat there again.


Avatar was awesome. Very visually stimulating. The 3D experience was intense. Story line very relevant to today's climate change issues and I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Total thumbs up from us. And a successful date night in our new city.