January 24, 2011
For the traditionally romantic
Nestled along Old Montréal’s historic Place Jacques-Cartier, Chez Queux sets the mood with a lush interior of woodwork, chandeliers, stone chimneys and sparkling silverware.
A classic French menu echoes its elegant setting, and treats taste buds to time-honoured classics, such as gâteau de foie blond, Châteaubriand and company.
Tucked away in the presbytery of downtown’s beautiful Christ Church Cathedral, the Apollo Restaurant’s soaring architecture sets the stage for an exemplary culinary experience. The adage that “all good things come in threes” certainly applies in this elegantly relaxed bistro where diners may revel in culinary delights as foie gras, sea bream or even the catch of the day, prepared in three different ways!
For romantic roads less traveled
Hot on the heels of Montréal’s top contemporary restaurants, the up-and-coming Van Horne (on Van Horne Avenue in Outremont, of course) was ranked sixth among the top ten Canadian restaurants according to enRoute Magazine in 2011. A totem pole, bold modern art on the walls along with Roy Lichtenstein’s paper plates and the original doors from the Iran Pavilion at Expo ’67 provide an art gallery-esque setting in which to enjoy the culinary finesse of Chef Eloi Dion, who proposes a concise, dynamic menu of market-fresh cuisine that features but four starters, four main dishes - one meat, two fish and one vegetarian – and three desserts. Add in a stellar wine list featuring many private imports and you’ve got a restaurant that’s soon to become a hallmark among Montréal foodies.
Hailed as one of Old Montréal’s best restaurants, Valentine darling DNA Restaurant – named for its owners, Executive Chef Derek Dammann and Maître d’hôte Alex Cruz, (hence D ‘n’ A) - serves up unpretentious and delicious Mediterranean cuisine prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients for a fresh, local flavour. Its décor can be described as multi-level, both for the floor plan as for the style. Its chic neon lights and black leather banquettes on one side reside in harmony with a softer, orange-accented bar and lounge; all dominated by towering windows and Old City views. And for that perfect vino to accompany your fabulous meal – they can do that, too. DNA boasts the most diverse Canadian wine list in the country.
(*kiss*, *kiss*)
