St Cloud Brings Ferociously Fresh Vietnamese Fare to Hawthorn
The much-anticipated new Vietnamese eating-house, St Cloud has just opened in Hawthorn ready for summer. The World Loves Melbourne couldn't make it to the recent launch party but we are hearing excellent reports.
The project began when James Klapanis had a vision of creating a great local eatery in Hawthorn East that showcased honest, accessible and cheap food. The Saint Group was formed when Klapanis met Shaunn Anderson and Franky Pham (K.O.T.O, Pots n Pans in Vietnam) at the initial opening of Feast of Merit.
Over the year, the hospitality dream team worked closely together to create the concept for St Cloud. St Cloud focuses on locally sourced seasonal produce, all wrapped up in a ferociously fresh Vietnamese setting. Located on Burwood Road in Hawthorn, the former furniture store has been re-lifted with the assistance of interior designer Elle Critchley (Lady Carolina, Feast of Merit).
Expect a bustling hawker style street vibe on the ground level, or retreat from the daily grind up on level one where crisper, calmer hues and rooftop garden offer sanctuary. Due to popular demand as of 2016, St. Cloud will be trading 7 days a week, 11am-late. St. Cloud's authentic Vietnamese menu nods to tradition with a healthy and modern philosophy to suit Melbourne's discerning restaurant market. The majority of dishes are gluten free with many 'clean' and vegan-friendly options throughout the St. Cloud menu. St Cloud will proudly showcase the best in locally sourced produce, thereby supporting Victorian farmers and the families behind their labels.
For lunch, diners can choose from a range of delicious and wallet friendly favourites such as Pho (beef, chicken, vegetarian), Rice Paper Rolls (beef & betel leaf, prawn & pork belly, fried tofu) and Banh Mi baguettes rotated daily, all for under $13. Dinner presents something more sophisticated; entrees include Banh Knot, turmeric and coconut pancakes and BBQ Scallops with charred spring onion, black bean and crisp lap xuong dressing.
Larger share plates include Vung Tau, grilled organic chicken, watercress, herbs, chilli and mustard sriracha and Spicy Braised Eggplant with tofu and mushrooms in a clay pot. St Cloud’s sensational cocktail list features Vietnamese twists on classic favourites, such as the Viet Express with maple brandy, coffee, coconut walnut foam, candied black sesame, or the Son Tra Colada with hibiscus infused golden rum, pineapple syrup and coconut cream served in a fresh coconut.
Staying true to their ideals, wine and craft beer remain Australian except for a few selections. Exceptional drinks of the non-alcoholic variety are also available, cold pressed juices come from Greene St Juice Co., coffee from at St. Ali, as well as a variety of clean homemade coconut slushies on rotation. St Cloud is the new place this summer for a fresh, healthy and affordable dining experience.
St Cloud 644 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn East www.stcloudeatinghouse.com.au
Opening hours; 7 Days – 11am-late