How great is it that Canada can boast two wonderful cities so closely situated! Whether you find yourself in Montreal or Toronto, you know that you’ll be able to dine in restaurants that will be equally delightful. Case in point, these two restaurants are both oh so worth exploring — pronto:
Downtown Montreal: Le XVI XVI 1616 Sherbrooke Street West
Cédric Moindrot, Artistic Director of Le XVI XVI and the inspiration behind R1-B1, the chatty robot bartender, greeted us, explained the tempting table d’hote, served our meal and answered all our questions with obvious pleasure. Chef and culinary artist, Joris Larigaldie, visited our table and invited us to visit the kitchen. Joris trained in Europe and Canada in renowned Michelin star, Relais et Châteaux and Four Diamonds establishments, including Hovey Manor and Ripplecove.
Artistic, evolutionary, terroir cooking describes his style. We loved his
Outstanding bread, made on the spot, with divine butter, spiked with dried daisy powder
Foie Gras with Cherry Reduction
Lobster Ravioli, Bisque Emulsion and Espelette Pepper
Homemade Gnocchi, Wild Mushrooms and Duck Confit
Halibut, Sea Parsley and Root Vegetables
Toronto’s Ossington Village: Bar Sybanne, 229 Ossington Avenue
Former Montrealer Howard Dubrovsky, restaurateur-chef at Bar Sybanne, has done a fine job of creating a Mid-Eastern, Mediterranean, Moroccan inspired bar and restaurant. We enjoyed the:
Dip Sampler with Gozieme, freshly baked Turkish bread:
Eggplant Dip, Maple and Cipollini; Hummus, Tahini, Labneh, Pomegranate Molasses
Israeli Salad, Kibbutz Recipe, Lemon, Sumac, EVOO
Whole Grilled Fish, Romesco Sauce and Grilled Lemon
Haloumi with House Marmalade and Fresh Oregano
Spicy Harissa Meatballs Dry Aged Beef, Tomato, House-made Ricotta Cheese
Fried Brussel Leaves with Date and Almonds (Unbelievable and irresistible!)
Fried Chicken Bites with Orange Blossom Honey
Apple Cake, Moroccan Spiced Ice Cream
Chocolate Budino, salted Caramel Fig Jam and Almonds
Final notes:
- Oy! Montreal’s culinary king crowns Toronto best food city in Canada!
- But then here are the top 21 reasons that Montreal’s better than Toronto.
- Or, conversely, the top 21 reasons that Toronto’s better than Montreal.
- In case you’re not in the mood to think about dining out in one of these fine Canadian restaurants, contemplate hanging out under this super-cool beach canopy from Neso Tents.
Our first time setup on a super windy day didn’t go too well.
Our second attempt was super successful.
Such fun all round! The Apple Cake, Moroccan Spiced Ice Cream and really all the photos delighted me. I am now longing for something more creative then my leftovers. je me souviens Montreal!
Dining out can be such a treat when the food is so wonderfully prepared. Thanks for liking Mindy!
Wow! Will keep this in mind! Hugs, D
Thanks Diane! Hugs back!
Holly excited to go try this place sounds very good thanks
Thanks for letting me know Chantal. I’m looking forward to going back.