- it was one of my first experiences with locally sourced and incredibly creative Canadian cuisine
- it has set my 'creme brule' bar (to this day un-met)
- it's in an old stone building and has exposed stone and a few turquoise walls
- a friend is heading to montreal next weekend and needed a spot for a special night - and this is it
I first discovered Chez L'Epicier when I was at school in Montreal - with a friend who's father came into the city and took us out on occasion to places we couldn't afford on our 'student' budgets. It blew me away, so any chance I could, I went back (although there weren't many chances, but I did take my parents, a family friend, and my grandparents whenever they came downtown).
- Relish: Creative, inventive, mixtures of awesome tastes and textures. One of the entrees is called "thermal experience of salmon and apple"...I can't wait to try it! My favourites, although it is a little silly that I can remember this, were the Creme Brule medley (three perfect little pots of creme brule, each flavoured slightly differently), the cheese plate (amazing quebec cheeses) and the poached salmon main. But honestly, I don't think you can go wrong. They also sell a bunch of seasonings, oils and jams at the counter for your home-cooking enjoyment.
- Quaff: From what I remember, they have a great wine list. I had a delicious, crisp white wine here a few times, but can't remember what it is! I might just have to go back.
- Feel: Perfectly Montreal. Old stones. High ceilings. Turquoise walls. Menu's printed on paper bags. White table cloths. Elegant stemware. House-made bread served in tins. A combination that creates an elegant, relaxed atmosphere.
please note: a few other Montreal recommendations are listed under the 'out of town' link at this time as well!
w: Chez L'Epicier
This restaurant set your creme brulee bar? Dieter is very excited to check out this place now!
ReplyDeleteSean, Diets and I checked out this place over the weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo the findings:
- the creme brulee is indeed superior. 4 little pots of different flavours: rhubarb, liquorish, coconut and chocolate - scrumptuous!
- The osso bucco was one of the best we've tried, and the duck was cooked perfectly (although the sweet side was not to my taste)
- The menu had some eccentricities, such as an inexplicable squared sign on one of the appetizers (perhaps they removed all the other footnotes?)
- wine menu is diverse and possibly on the pricey side. They didn't have any port at the time, which was disappointing for my cheese, but the spanish fortified alternative was decent
- Music was excellent, a great combination of oldschool jazz to newschool blues which perfectly complimented the atmosphere
- LOVE the turquoise walls and open brick panelling!