All new cafe and florist, Flovie opens in Carlton
Flovie, a new cafe and florist has opened in Carlton, bringing an Asian-fusion menu and freshly cut flowers to the tree-lined Queensberry Street and is set to be a neighbourhood favourite and foodie destination for breakfast, lunch, coffee and unique floral arrangements.
Co-owner, Jia Wang is not new to the Melbourne hospitality scene, with Flovie serving as his second venture following his highly successful cafe, White Mojo. Coincidentally, Flovie was born from a partnership he formed with White Mojo’s florist, Valerie Wang (not related). After working together, the two joined forces to create Flovie, a dual-space serving both as a cafe and florist.
“We work well together because we specialise in different sides of the business. Valerie is very creative and manages the florist and interior details of the cafe, while I pride myself in operations and being the head barista. Opening a multipurpose space where we could combine our passions for food, coffee, and flowers was the perfect match”, says Jia.
A blend of the words ‘flower’, ‘love’ and ‘life’, Flovie is a destination cafe unlike any other in Melbourne. The double fronted, two-storey Victorian terrace exterior is painted lilac purple, with the entrance bordered by floral bouquets featuring rare varieties such as cotton flowers and imported orchids. Hanging floral garlands and dried foliage adorn the exposed brick wall. “The space really comes alive with the flowers. We’ve made an effort to consider every inch of the space as an opportunity to showcase our flowers”, says Valerie.
Embodying old and new, Flovie incorporates both contemporary design with antique pieces. A large haberdashery pigeon hole cabinet is used for displaying flowers and a German-made piano takes centre stage among hanging candle chandeliers that hold dried roses. These whimsical touches are juxtaposed with the large custom-made granite coffee station serving drinks on one end and Valerie’s floral workshop on the other. Pendant lighting made from recycled plumbing pipes and industrial timber display shelves accentuate the building’s lofty ceiling.
At the helm of the kitchen is Japanese-Filipino head chef, Hiroshi Okuda. On the menu, Flovie’s signature items include the Cold Soba and Crab Meat served with crispy tofu in a ginger soy dressing, pickled carrots, cucumber, coriander, sesame, lime and fried shallots. Another crowd pleaser is the tender Chinese BBQ Cha Sui Pulled Pork with Eggs Benedict served with a vibrant orange Mandarin hollandaise, panfried mandou (Chinese steamed bun), fresh cucumber and fried shallots.
For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, look no further than the decadent Black Forest Souffle Hotcakes served with a tart cherry compote, chocolate creme anglaise, cherry chocolate ganache, mascarpone chantilly and chocolate soil. If there’s still room for more the golden French Toast Casserole with coconut puree, coconut crumb, fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, vanilla syrup and butterfly pea essence caviar is a sure to be favourite.
Remaining loyal to his roots, Jia serves White Mojo coffee. The drinks menu carries Flovie’s floral theme such as the Rose Tea Latte with roasted pistachio and coconut milk and Butterfly Pea Latte with vanilla, sea salt and soy milk. Other must-try drinks include Flovie’s unique ‘perfume’ mocktails named after Disney films – Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid and Frozen, topped with edible flowers and served with mineral water filled perfume bottles and potion bottles containing 100% natural floral extracts which customers can pour into their drinks.
With inviting and warm interiors, Flovie is the perfect destination for a coffee, breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the outdoor seating or cosy up inside. Celebrate special occasions with family and friends at Flovie’s private event space upstairs which comfortably fits 80 pax standing and 50 pax seated. Don't forget to grab a nice bunch of flowers when you go.
Flovie is located at 261-263 Queensberry Street, Carlton and is open for breakfast and lunch from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday–Friday and 8:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Website: www.flovie.com.au
Phone number: (03) 9348 1279
13th March 2019
