Comfort Food With a Twist

BBQ

372 St-Paul Ouest
Vieux-Montréal, Québec
H2Y 2A6
Tel : 514.284.0444
Fax : 514.866.5255
info@bbqmontreal.com

This week I tasted the new addition to the Bar et Boeuf family, BBQ. A tasteful restaurant with great food, great atmosphere and an even better price. Chef Alexandre Gosselin has done a great job opening a restaurant in the heart of the Old Port serving up comfort food with a twist.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the restaurant was the laid back atmosphere this restaurant provided. No need to wear a suit and tie, no need to keep the tone down, but a place were you can eat with your hands, speak out loud and drink the night away. The wine and drink list were written on blackboards all across the restaurant. With a great wine menu and with such great prices, I couldn't refuse. The majority of the wines by the bottle could be served by the glass, a treat for someone who wants to try different wines!

On to the first tasting, the famous "Onion Soup Reduction"(11) which consisted of two deep fried cheese and onion soup balls layed on the plate with cheese over top. A thick piece of bacon in the center gave it a nice taste but, for the price, I was a little disappointed that this fantastic dish was over in three bites. Next I had the "Cassolette D'escargot"(10) made with sweet garlic gnocchis, cipollini, shittake and a bordelaise sauce. This dish had a great creamy taste to it but was still on the light side. A great combination and definitely a favorite.

The main courses were a tad on the comfort side with "Fried Cornish Hen"(19) which was a type of chicken wing with a browned crispy outer shell. At first these appeared to be overcooked but the first bite proved perfectly juicy and tender. Delicious! It was accompanied by a great sauce and a coleslaw that did nothing to excite the pallet. The "BBQ Ribs"(26) were deliciously tender with another delicious homemade sauce to go with it, the only fault being that there was not enough. These were the tastiest ribs I have ever had, and who doesn't love a great rib! The french fries were definitely a plus, being upon the better ones out there. I loved the portions also, since when do bistros fill me up? I can't remember when was the last time!

MMM!!! Desserts! All i can say is WOW! Different but great. I first started out with the "Rice Pudding"(7). The first bite on the top layer was a whipped cream mixture of passion fruit, pineapple and basil from what I could taste. I was definitely not expecting that! The middle layer was a mixture of fruits and the bottom layer, the rice pudding. A bite of all three and WOW your taste buds are dancing. The last and final dish of the evening was also a hit, the "Milk Chocolate"(7). Cocao,hazelnut and Bailey's. A superb combination of flavor; nice, cool and refreshing.

Overall the night went well, except for the crying babies and the bachelorette party right in front of us. Expect a great time and even better food with friends but beware, this isn't date material. Way too loud and way too messy. Bring along some good friends and dine to some good music, have some good food and best of all at a great affordable price.

Food:8/10

Atmosphere:6/10

Service:8/10

Location:9/10

Price:9/10

Overall:7.5/10