Jeffrey S.
Yelp
Be who you are, that's what I say.
Are you a French restaurant? Yes you are. Are you a little bit touristy? Maybe. But that's a little bit of your charm, I think. You don't have a bright red exterior and lots of advertising on the outside of your restaurant if you're not, you know, trying to advertise to the passersby, so I think they're owning it.
And there's nothing inherently wrong. I myself am, begrudgingly admitting that I fit that description, and after a long flight across the country I was ravenous and just looking for a nice place to eat outside, breathe the Montreal air and listen to the Montreal sounds. I wanted to eat, and just be still after moving so fast all day long.
That's what I did.
I walked up and was seated immediately out front, as the street this is located on is closed to all vehicle traffic. It's a lovely walkway and there's a fountain nearby, with lots of foot traffic and peoplewatching to be had. The diners around me all spoke French but laughed in the universal language of good times, and I ordered.
I started with the chevre salad, which was not what I was expecting but somehow even better. A small pot of hot chevre and a couple of toast points accompanied a salad of greens, split cherry tomatoes, and onions lightly dressed. I scooped, I stabbed, and I inhaled it all. Lovely.
The lamb shank came next and it was rich and hearty and filling. The veggies that accompanied it were cooked but cold in the middle, which was the only down point, but I left so very stuffed and relieved from my journey that I wasn't bothered.
The service was so quick and efficient, and I think my favorite little bit of all was the restroom in its black-and-white tile glory. So cute! The whole building--three stories--seems lovely. Not a soul was upstairs and only one party dined inside, but in winter I bet this is a wonderful place to sit and look down on the snowy streets below. Another reason to mark this and come back in another time.