Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Restaurant Toque

Consistently rated as one of Montreal's best restaurants, Toque is no disappointment. The food is amazing. A true testament to french cuisine, Toque puts together an excellent combination of flavors and artistry. Each dish is perfectly seasoned and served on your dish as though it were art. They offer both an A la Carte menu as well as a Tasting Menu - which is what I chose, and although it's been over a year since I've eaten there and the various dishes I had are starting to run into each other, I do remember thinking each item was better than the last. What's more, I enjoyed the size of each plate as it was just enough, and with 7 courses, I certainly didn't walk out hungry! Of course, no good food comes without a price - and Toque is definitely pricey. It was probably one of the most expensive restaurants I've been to in Montreal, but worth it...even if you go just once. Despite it's rather large size for a Montreal restaurant, I would recommend reservations. And although its decor is clean, modern and well done, I wouldn't say it's the most romantic of places, mostly because of the size. So whether it's for a special occasion, or 'just because you're worth it,' put Toque on your list of "must eats."


900 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle, 517-499-2084, http://www.restaurant-toque.com/

Le Paris Beurre

Petit. Paris. Parfait. Situated in the more 'french' Montreal neighborhood of Outremont, Le Paris Beurre is a delightful restaurant. More typical of a bistro style french restaurant, it serves a distinctly french cuisine in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. With a full wine menu and a constantly changing list of specials, enjoy a delicious AND reasonable lunch or dinner. I recommend the escargot and the duck - both delicious, and unlike a lot of places, the duck is actually cooked exactly as it should be. And in the summer months, enjoy dinner on the outdoor terrace. What I like about this restaurant is not just that it's good food - because let's face it, it's Montreal, there's good food everywhere - but that Paris Beurre is family owned and operated.
1226 Rue Van Horne, 514-271-7502, http://leparisbeurre.com