900, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle,, Montreal, Quebec, H2Z2B2
Rated this place:
Title: Often regarded as Montreal’s best restaurant, renowned chef Normand Laprise has built Toqué!’s reputation over the past 14 years on his skilled alchemy of Quebec’s regional organic market selections and world class service. Toqué! boasts an impressive wine list, and an even more imposing reputation that precedes it. However, despite a great word-of-mouth recommendations and rave reviews, there is no shortage of online criticism by disgruntled foodies, critics who found it overrated, or jaded tourists.
The amuse bouche starter, a shot of pressed Clementine juice with fir foam, was refreshing and inventive. The marinated Îles de la Madeleine Princess scallops were a lovely appetizer, paired with cranberry water and apple foam, served on a little decorative half shell to be consumed like an oyster. Foie gras terrine with squash and cranberry chips, was thoroughly enjoyed by my dining companion, as was the smoked suckling pig cheek, accompanied by pineapple, maple water sponge toffee and beer sauce.
The venison loin was outstanding - rich and delicious, melt-in-your mouth served medium rare au jus with almonds, roasted potato and topinambour (or Jerusalem artichoke ) and the warm molten Araguani chocolate cake was a decadent finish. The roasted squab and grilled Provencal halibut received rave reviews from my dining companions, as did the after-dinner selection of Quebecois cheese.
Dinner at Toqué! is no bargain but if you are going to drop big bucks on a dinner in Montreal, this is the place to do it. Then you decide if Toqué! deserves its ‘street cred’ or another online rash.