Iliana & Sergey's Palette: french

http://www.midibistro.ca/

We were talking with Ma Cherie about the benefits of Groupon (and clones alike). Maybe it boils down to simply being an instrument of inconspicuous spending induction? Our conclusion was that these sites can be used as a catalyst for exploring new and interesting places in the city. As an example, a small French bistro Midi advertised a 3 course dinner with wine for 2 people for only around $40... Too good to pass :). No pun intended, but we did pass by the place quite a few times before. Ma Cherie's alma mater is OCAD so this area has some sentimental meaning to us.

APPEARANCE

dark amber, rare
Baldwin is busy (and hot) like hell on this hazy July evening. Midi is a bit off the crowded stretch - right on McCaul instead. Schools are out, so patios of local eateries are filled with chilling youth. Midi is a more upscale bistro with some class to it. When we walked in, it was actually empty except two older ladies chatting catching up on their social lives in the corner.

NOSE
sweet floral, dried fruit, hint of a nut
We were warmly greeted by a young lady. It looked like she was a hostess and a waiter at the same time - very down-to-earth and not pretending to be french. A window seat was chosen and we made ourselves comfortable in simple, but functional chairs. The menu is very busy with well described options and a separate wine map. Few things were missing (e.g. lamb) as announced by our waitress, but the choices were fairly comprehensive and fitting with what any self-respecting French bistro should offer. Although our host was fighting what appeared to be an allergy cough attack, she was able to walk us through the menu and make recommendations.

SWIRL
a lonely warm oak sent
We ended up ordering a Midi Salad, Pate de Champagne, a Faux-Filet Grille and a chef’s special - Duck Confit. This was to be paired with a Californian Chardonnay and a Languedoc Syrah. Now we had time to look around... The place was tastefully but minimalistic decoration with some vintage posters and bottles along the walls. Odd star lights, suspended by the windows, were perhaps left over from Christmas. So we sat and chatted away occasionally glancing at still empty dining room around us. (everyone was probably out on patios)

PALATE
smooth texture and elegance on the palate, well balanced
The Midi Salad and Pate arrived very fast - I would say within 10 minutes or so. The presentation and arrangement on the plate was impeccable and we jumped right in. I would definitely recommend the salad as something interesting to try. It was loaded with prosciutto and greens along with some Asiago cheese on top. Walnuts and cherry tomatoes accented the green mass and the hints of pesto added interesting notes to it. One of the tastier salads I tried recently. Pate was less exciting, but also definitely worthwhile to try. Ma Cherie was able to pick up the hints of champagne in it. I definitely failed to do so. The grain-rich toast was covered in parsley and the dish came with a side of greens in accompaniment with that promised Gherkin pickle to add acidity accent to that smooth, creamy dish.
The main course didn't take too long to arrive. However, by that time we ran out of wine and asked for refills - salad and pate got us carried away a bit with wine. Ma Cherie was very delighted by her steak, I do not think I ever saw her being so happy about grilled beef before. Hits of smoky aroma and perfectly captured juices made the dish highly enjoyable. The strip-loin had some fatty parts to it, but they added that special smell she loved. I would recommend Midi over some places specializing in steak (in the same price range anyway) - tried some inferior meat in those, Midi definitely sets the bar high for us again. The steak had a light paprika-tomatoe base sauce and fresh garlic on top to bring this dish to its full potential (plus greens on the side). Finally I had a Duck Confit with salad. Yes, a salad again. Ma Cherie was happy to see a place which really pushes refreshing veggies as a side to any dish, even if perhaps compromising for the dish presentation. I though it was too many salads - should have had something else on the side by that point. The dark and juicy meat was cooked to perfection and was falling off the bone. I normally do not like duck as it tends to be too greasy for me, but this iteration was very well made. An excellent match for the Syrah!
We concluded our dinner by reading off the small chalk-board our choice of desserts: Warm Walnut Chocolate Cake and Tarte Tatin served with ice cream. While the cake appeared to be very fresh and appropriately moist, we did not find the tart of any interest. But then again...maybe it was because we had so many well-made dishes just prior to and it was difficult to compare.

FINISH
a strong presence, signature drink
I would have called this a hidden gem, but it is really not that concealed being right next to super-busy Baldwin stretch. It is small, but intimate. Not a particularly spectacular view and a bit on a darker side inside, but I would still call it romantic. Definitely a very down-to-earth French Bistro which I think more people should give a chance to.

Overall.. a smooth French cognac.
(wanting to breathe - some fresh warm air will help it stand out more)

22.11.12

Elle M'a Dit

http://ellemadit.com/
Baldwin in the summer.. charming, warm and full of life. (I used to live in the area) Ever since my chouchou sis mentioned of this new place opening, its been on our radar.

APPEARANCE

unique label, deep red wine
A black board with the menus clipped on the street, in front of this small brick house; adorable script wordmark on a bordeaux-red siding, and a food doodle-like illustration on the side wall. Before the entrance - a stone patio with long wooden benches, which I'd love to see it in the summertime!

NOSE
sweet oak, blackberry, plum
Once in, there are tall, narrow, wooden stairs leading upstairs. I sneaked a view of the charming bay window table and bar before we were greeted and walked upstairs. The place was roomy due to the lovely tall ceilings. It was also mysterious and elegant with its upstairs level all wood. The interior was completed with white walls, red window frames and four wooden beams in the middle which had hangers on them (a good design solution).

SWIRL
hints of licorice, earth meld
We sat at a cute side table and a sweet, timid asian lady gave us our Modern Alsatian Cuisine Lunch menu. We got water very quickly and she informed us of their daily specials. The menu consists of Tarte flambées and Sandwiches mainly. It is very well organized with plenty of breathing space. Soon after we noticed the wine menu on the back and handwritten on the wall's blackboard. After some time of being excited to spend some time together and forgetting we need to make some decisions, the waitress was back. We asked about their wines. Sylvaner 2010 from Alsace, we saw and had to check what it is. She was relatively knowledgable. By the sounds of it, Sylvaner would be definitely one my sister would enjoy. I asked for their Pinot Noir after agreeing on their Tarte Portobello and daily Sandwich.

PALATE
sumptuous textures, round tannins, one-of-a-kind character

We had so much to catch up on, that I would be a poor judge on our time before all arrived. The Sylvaner was lovely - light, fruity, hints of minerals and semi-dry. The Pinot was worthwhile as well, very typical.My sandwich arrived with mixed greens, cranberry, sunflower seeds salad on the side. The sourdough bread was grill-pressed and inside was the intense combination of caramelized onions and sauerkraut on top of the marinated hanger steak with a hint of their unique horseradish mayo. Perhaps a dish more suited for dinner and to be enjoyed with a heavier red wine. The Tarte Portobello had chunks of portobello, tad of sundried tomatoes and grated gruyere on top. The tart itself was like a very thin pita bread, oven-baked with all the lovely ingredients on top. It was an artisan dish - more for snacking then a substantial meal. However sharing both with my sis, it all worked out.
We lingered on our flavourful food, light wine and lovely company. We felt very private as it was getting later on in the afternoon.We next decided to share their famous tart flambée for dessert with some of their Kusmi-Tea. I picked their St-Petersburg (citrus, red fruit and caramel) while my sis got the classic Darjeeling black tea. They came very quick together with the flambee. I was not that fond of this tart flambée - apple, cinnamon and some cinnamon formage blanc. I would definitely recommend some honey to it, as opposed to the described cinnamon sugar (and something more..perhaps some nuts). The flambé would be a dream-come-true for any cinnamon lovers out there, though. With the lovely tea, it really made us feel like its snowing outside, on this light, sunny day.

FINISH
long, ripe, smoky finish
And so with the light french music in the background, time just seemed to slow down..it turned out we spent hours in there, we realized, as we were the last ones in the restaurant; an hour after it was supposed to close for lunch.. oooops!
I must add, we got our bill with a lovely business card.. thick, symmetrical, well spaced out - a pleasure to my eyes and fingers. thanks!

overall.. a complex Bordeaux with a strong character.

27.9.12

Le Trou Normand

http://www.letrounormand.ca/

Cheri wanted to go out for lunch in the area, but he was thinking more of Hazelton Hotel's One - an impressive patio and facade, but a mundane, overpriced menu.
A an everyday Caesar for $20? I don't know..

APPEARANCE

light, lemon yellow

I randomly saw the welcoming, decorated gate entrance to this cute patio and suggested it instead. The restaurant name being part of the fence, looks very authentic. I am just not a fan of the flat red family crest placed on top.

NOSE

citrusy and herbaceous

Welcomed by an older man, the long patio had greens, cobblestone-like floor, square tables and round ornamented chairs. He was rushing to clean up and get everything ready, as we were the first to start our 11:40 lunch.

There were a few posters on the sides. We didn't actually end up going inside, but it seemed fancy - window-like wall facing the patio. I decided to see what was recommended in the Urbanspoon reviews.. It runs out people don't even wants their enemies to come here.. * gulp *

SWIRL

easy-going, hint of apple (a bit cold - 5 degrees)

Already sitting, we were in too deep to walk up and leave. We though that people are probably exaggerating for the sake of being entertaining. That same older man seemed very polite and caring. He let us know their specials and let us take our time. Their warm brown soft menus were nicely de-bossed while the inside was crammed with a lot of outlined type. Cheri instantly chose their Foie de Veau, while I went for one of their daily special - Cod Salmon filet with saffron and cream sauce. I was tempted and decided to give in to a glass of Blanc de France, while Cheri had to keep it sober.

It was quiet and a bit chilly. We had a lady hand us two slices of warm baguette each and a plate butter while we waited. The saltshaker was not working so asked our waiter who quickly apologized, switched them and let us know its probably the moisture of them being outside. If I was a germaphobe I might be freaking out, but I didn't mind much.

Soon enough, it warmed up enough for us to break a sweat. French songs were playing in the background and a few tables around us started filling up around us.

PALLETE

a bit dry, light bodied (served too chilled), mellow

Our dishes arrived in big white places, elegantly presented. We both agreed to fresh peper. Cheri's liver was roasted in garlic and toped with a few chive springs. Surrounded by some of its sauce and steamed vegetables, it was an easy and simple dish. I didn't feel like trying it, but cheri finished it in no time. (I had to add, he is knows to enjoy bland food) My Cod-Salmon filet was also decorated with chive springs, covered in a light creamy sauce it also came with a side of steamed veggies and rice. The saffron scent was subtle, more predominant was the coarsely crushed pepper it was already baked in. It was also light on flavours and very simple. Everything felt very healthy.

FINISH

clean, refreshing, crisp

Both dishes were not tuned to the same European flavours we got too used to during our vacation,
so it was hard to judge. On top of all, this French mood got us in a bit of an argument so were a bit out of it. Regardless, the ambiance and manners of the serving staff made us both feel very welcome.

overall.. a light, mellow white blend

10.5.12

Le Papillon

http://www.lepapillonfront.com/

I had no idea we were even going anywhere.. spur of the moment decision from cheri.

APPEARANCE
dark, chalk red
It is a cute area right where front and wellington meet - a tall, brick building on the south side. If it wasn't for the bright yellow awning, it wouldn't be the same. Lots of black elements - siding, frames, chairs. It was a light evening, relatively warm and their patio was on, so the decision was easy.

NOSE

heavy, hint of deep black berry and american oak
A filipino man greeted us after we opened the glass, heavy, long front doors. Inside was dark, kind of romantic, dim candle-like lights, red and black on the furniture and walls. The host followed us with the menus, as we sat ourselves down. Charming wood plank tables with metal black chairs were all around. Warm, yellow-orange napkins, cutlery, plates and glasses were all waiting.

SWIRL
bell pepper, tar, bacon fat

These menus had nothing to do with papillons (butterflies). The white pages looked plain, missed the excitement of the name. As we said we are coming in for a snack, we got the lunch menu. Cheri said this place is known for its crepes, and so we picked out two Galette Ratatouille and Crepe du St Laurent Marche. Our polite french waitress gave us some more time to explore the Les Boissons menu as she poured us water. We went with a Pinot Grigio and a Sangiovese, as this month is dedicated to our Italian wine exploration. Fresh, warm buns quickly arrived at our tables as well as a lovely shot of the chef's gazpacho. It turned out to be very windy, half-way though - the yellow napkins and cutlery flew - almost like butterflies.

PALATE
medium tannins, lean, good balance

Our crepes arrived - wrapped from all sides like squares with all ingredients seen from a window in the middle, topped with sprouts. The Crepe du St Laurent Marche was very special - bacon on top, melting the cheddar underneath and all on top of spliced apples. It came with a side of maple syrup - beautiful flavours both savourily and sweet. If the cheddar was ages, it would have been ideal. Cheri's Galette Ratatouille looked colourful all veggies and egg, but missing gruyere or another worthwhile cheese. For a french place, emphasizing on cheese would have been ideal, but unfortunately not the case - based on our dishes.

FINISH

long, a bit bitter

Lots of interesting dishes to try out. I would challenge them and take Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée or perhaps a dish with béchamel sauce. Also their brunch menu sounds interesting as well as their location in Leslieville.

Overall.. a complex Cabernet Franc

31.3.12

Le Petit Dejeuner

http://petitdejeuner.ca/

Our celebratory breakfast at 10am after picking up mon cheri's adorable Mini Knighsbridge, turned out to be on a gloomy March morning.

APPEARANCE
light, unimpressive, confused
This tiny place is not one you'd find unless you are looking. It has black front facade (like every other place)and a random wooden plank at the top - replacing the old red painted front. There is a not-too-memorable logo just on the window and a Stiegl sign hanging above the entrance.. really challenging the hierarchy. This tiny place is squeezed between a Gabby's and a brick building with some construction at the front.

NOSE
lacking voice, true to the terroir

As we entered a lady quickly waved that we don't come in the second door. She poked her head out and said it'll be a 10min wait. It was more like 15-20 but we were the first in line so, we were hopeful.
We were sat at a relatively wet table with wet menus.. just smudged with water.
So this place is a narrow space between those two buildings. The brick facade from one building is just left as a wall inside with photo frames hang off of it, while the other one is a mix of wall and plastic wood.

SWIRL
crisp, apple aroma, a bit of chemical
We quickly ordered teas and coffee followed by our main course. I tried their signature Toast Champignon with a Poached Egg. I was telling Cheri to try their Apple and Brie Panino, which he was a bit sceptical about but the dijon mustard sold him. We ordered his dad their Eggs Benny with peameal bacon.
Cheri's dad went to the washroom and return saying that if it was Russia, this place would be long gone - sued by the health inspection. I went for a tour down to wash my hands and it was rather smelly and wet in this basement.

PALATE
unexpected, medium-bodied,
with a light spicy twist
The food arrived. My Toast Champignon with Poached Egg consisted of a bagel in half topped with chopped mushrooms, pieces of bacon sauteed in a mix of herbs (probably herbs de province). Underneath was a potato rosti (like a grated hash brown) and there was a side of apple slices, pickle slices and mustard - odd but very nice. Of course my pouched egg was there too..a bit out of place - right on top. It was tasty, apart from the fact that the chef dropped the salt shaker while sautéing the mushrooms. Next, cheri's Panino was great. The toasts were burned (I had no problem with that) and inside were apple slices, melted brie and a beautiful spicy dijon mustard. He said a tad of honey would have been perfect - a valid point. I did not try his dad's Eggs Benny but I have to say it was tiny and did not look like anything special. I kind of felt bad for ordering it for him..

FINISH

a pleasant, inspiring aftertaste
Overall, I would say someone in the back really knows how to create surprising but pleasant combinations. The restaurant part of the place needs some work though.

overall.. a surprising Riesling, unfortunately bottle sick.

29.1.12

Coquine

http://www.coquinerestaurant.com/

Thinking about where to eat on a Sunday evening, it hit me I read about Coquine's live jazz Sundays. On top of that this place has been on my list for too long.

APPEARANCE

dark ruby, aged
A charming corner entrance with long black (rubber) curtains and a sign which reminds me of the Victorian ornaments on the Eiffel tower. You can feel a sense of prominence and finesse. The sign is shorter and more spaced out than the actual Coquine logo type. Overall, the wordmark has it's own style going on - tall, elegant with a high x-height, noticeable contrast between the strokes' thick and thins as well as a chic emphasis on the red Q.

NOSE

blackberry and cherry aroma, with a strange twist of citrus
We walked in, a jazz band was playing. We were taken care of a sat down in their dining area. It was not too busy. The music was a bit loud if we were to sit at the bar though.
I can't help but say that the entrance, the windows, the menus.. overall the place feels art noveau style (like privat-livemont posters) The highchairs at the front with the long shared tables are great, but then the dining section turns into - clean, simple, shiny tables and chairs with white walls, framed mirrors and odd Christmas lights.. a bit of a mismatch.

SWIRL

light plum taste, a bit earthy and tart

We sat at a small table by the window. The menus came, well organized but lacking white space - making them a bit of an overload to read. At the same time, style is kept consistent with black and red scheme, long typeface, art noveau frames, etc. As for the format, it was just a hard page menu front and back.
Throughout, we realized the jazz band was doing covers - one was a Bob Marley song. I kind of wish they just jammed their own thing or even just do some more lounge-jazz experimental stuff. And the way the stage was set up, there was a sense of distance from the band. Anyways, it was still pretty sweet to have live music.

PALATE

well-rounded, complex, slightly spicy
Before ordering, I did ask about their cheese plate. The waiter was not too enthusiastic explaining it is three cheeses ( I swear he wanted to say: nothing too special). And so as we read on, cheri decided to go with the Grilled Sausage with Dijon Mustard and a Caesar Salad with his glass of Ripasso, while I took the very recommended Beet Gnocci with a glass of White Pinot Noir. Through his intonation and small words, really, the waiter managed to make us feel that our choices are great.
The gnocchi were cooked to perfection with a light gorgonzola cream sauce, wall nuts and beet pastry shells. I really should experiment with the right wine for this dish. As for the Ceasar Salad, it was topped with thin sliced Parmesan which made it so much better. The Sausage appetizers were also worth it, with a hot dijon dip.

FINISH

medium-long, does offer potential to develop further
Everything felt better with time, we ate relatively slow and lingered on our wines. I need to work on expanding my tummy space to fit a three course meal.. I need to go back and try that french onion soup people talk about and perhaps their desserts.

overall.. an impressive, aged Pinot Noir with some space for improvement

14.1.12

Le Chien Noir

http://www.lechiennoir.com/

As much as my evening was all figured out for d'anniversaire de mon cheri I decided to try this place - rated as one of the best in Kingston - by myself for a late lunch. I figured I can't possibly pass by a french restaurant without checking its possibly of being decent..

APPEARANCE
dark, undecided
From the street, the light-brown wordmark, with shaking white outline seems dull, clumsy and careless - in contrast with the interior behind.

NOSE
strong and unwelcoming; hint of tobacco
Upon entering, the owner/manager (I believe) gave a look of what are you doing here. I felt out of place. He was sitting at the bar writing or calculating something and then decided to get a bit friendlier and asked if I wanted to be sat down. I said yes, and realized rather than sitting at a table by myself, I would much rather sit at the bar, if I can eat there. And so he gestured that I sit myself down.

SWIRL
heady, a bit spicy
Inside, the place seemed warm and a bit luxurious. As I sat down, I realized that feeling of warmth was not only due to the change of temperature next to the -15 outside but also because to the windows, incandescent lights, brick walls, a few plants and the smiling bartender. The luxurious part was from the few glass chandelier, the metal trendy bar area with high chairs and glasses with roses in them.

PALATE
high in tannin, nutty, complex
I looked through the menu. I ordered a glass of Paul Zinck pinot blanc. Quite a few interesting dishes to try. I asked about today's specials. They were on a chalkboard, and then that same manager decided to help me out, giving me the specials to look at on a page. And so I took an aperitif that sounded great - organic salmon, handcut duckfat fried chips, bacon, caramelized brussels sprouts with maple balsamic glaze. Before my glass of wine arrived, the bartender lay down a white cloth in a diamond shape with the cutlery on the side and a glass of water. Then asked if I would mind some bread. As I waited, it hit me that I didn't make the best meal-wine combo, but it was too late. My aperitif arrived and it tasted as good at it sounded. The salmon was coked with its skin, which actually was nice not to remove. The bartender checked on me a few times. We talked about the food. I realized my wine choice wasn't as bad as I thought, as the salmon was fresh and light.

FINISH
slightly sweet
Near the end I was curious to check if, like any decent French place, they have cheeses for dessert. And the answer was yes, the only problem was that I was running out of time and the combinations went from 3 to 7. They had a Tomme, which I was assured is actually from Alsace. The other 5 cheese were all from Quebec. They also had a few charcuterie choices. I figured I can perhaps come in and try them later on that evening. I was wished to have a good day a few times. My first impression of this place was
slowly fixed.

overall.. an an interesting Malbec

31.12.11

Benny's Bistro

http://www.bennysbistro.ca

Mon chéri and moi passed by Le Boulanger Francais at one point in our Ottawa strolls and though it was worth checking out in a morning, but we didn't quite remember the location or name..
Next day, without even realizing it, urbanspoon brought us back to it. (or more like to the bistro inside the bakery)

APPEARANCE
light gold colour
The hanging sign is the hint to where the bistro is. We entered and walked around the bakery, then realized we should walk further in.
I was sold this will be worthy from the moment we walked in. Its just that a good bakery which coexists with a bistro is a killer combo. The fact that that either the baker needed there to be more place to sit or the bistro owner saw the beauty in the pastries by the bakery, makes this place an alluring intermingle.

NOSE
lively, hints of yellow fruit
(pear-pineapple)
It was early afternoon, about 2/3 of the place was full. It was warm, clean, bright - 1 red, 1 blue, 1 yellow wall with checkered floors. Small tables, with wooden chairs created an endearing feel, almost as if we are sitting on a patio in France.

SWIRL
a tad tangy, hint of vanilla cream
The menu arrived - just a white sheet of paper.. and if it wasn't for me to go to France and know that this is perfectly fine, I'd be critical. 8 dishes were available, with a paragraph explanation each, and of course some wines and beers.

PALATE
some bright acidity, elegant

Cheri ordered the "Savory buckwheat pancake, double smoked pork shoulder, shaved Gruyer, sunnyside egg, apple & Savoy cabbage remoulade" while I had the "Yukon Gold potato & gratin, maple cured pork loin, soft poached eggs with hollandaise sauce".. and so, the little gems arrived looking very gourmet. Unwilling to destroy their presentation, the smell got to us so we dug in. I though they were surprisingly filling but that might have been from how flavourful they were (a perfect example of quality over quantity). My dish had pouched eggs done to perfection on top of the loin, over a very unique potato gratin texture - sheets of potato perfectly pilled on top of each other. We still wanted to try out their croissant and pain au chocolate that people had recommend. To be honest, the croissant was not particularly amazing, partially due to the lack of airy volume and partially due to the fact that they were cold (but we had some blame in that.. after all, who goes to the bakery in the afternoon?)
FINISH
refreshing, pleasant
The waiter was very polite, followed by the waitress who come to check on us (not particularly a happy fella but kept on filling our cups). More and more people came in, an overall classy crowd
of all ages.

overall.. a lightly-oaked chardonnay