upsetting news for montreal foodies...

[GQgeek]

http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20.../1015/CPACTUEL

Anise is closing. Yes, for those keeping tabs on my soap opera-like love life, that's the restaurant i dropped 400 bucks at a couple weeks ago for dinner. I'm feeling pretty justified in having spent that money now.

Anyway, they're closing on the third of March, so if you're in montreal or even near it, I suggest giving it a try before it's gone forever. I guarantee you a very unique meal. The chef uses classical technique with mediterranean ingredients. It's a truely outstanding restaurant. The lamb seasoned with ras-el-hanout and tomato preserve with rose water was one of those dishes that stays with you forever. I can honestly say that I'll never forget the flavors and it's something I'll probably be attempting to replicate in my own kitchen for the next 20 years. It was that good.

It's a big shame because it really is one of the finest restaurants in the city. Everything about my experience there was perfect. Anyway, I encourage anyone that can to go. And no, you don't have to spend 400, that was for a 9 course meal with wine pairings and cocktails. If anyone wants the highlights for à -la-carte I'll be happy to make recommendations. There will be a new menu from the 22nd on though.


http://www.anise.ca/en/menu.php

 

[Histrion]

What a shame!

I really wanted to try it out but there is no way I will have the money to do so before its closed. I should start a thre... okay, okay.

With Les Chèvres closing last week and then this, I wonder for how long MontrÃ

al will remain a great place for foodies. I hope Bassoul gets another project running soon, she's one of the most talented chef in the city...

 

[GQgeek]

Les Chèvres wasn't as much of a surprise to me. I don't think it ever really caught-on b/c it opened as a vegetarian place. I had also heard mixed reviews of it. Some of the things they did there were a bit too pretentious and over-the-top, to the point of being a bit embarassed for the waiters. I don't think I've ever heard anything negative about Anise on the other hand. It got glowing reviews from every critic that ate there. It was positively reviewed not only in the montreal papers, but the NYT and Boston Globe as well. It also received a pretty steady stream of recommendations on the two major foodie forums, and again, I don't think I ever saw a negative comment about it, which is quite a remarkable feat. Lastly, it's been open for five years, as opposed to Les Chèvres, which never really took-off. I was there on a wednesday, and while it wasn't packed, it wasn't dead, which isn't bad for one of the worst months of the year. It's really unfortunate though because it's definitely on my top 5 list for montreal, and is completely different from the other places I'd put in the top 5.

You should borrow money from your parents (ask for your bday present early), or at least go for the a la carte. It's worth it even if you don't do the tasting menu. Anyway, you've got the better part of a month to try and raise some funds ;p

 

[Kent Wang]

Do you read eGullet? This thread has been going for over a week.

 

[GQgeek]

I do read EG, but I hadn't checked it recently.

I have to wonder what the menu is for the 6 course with wine. I had the 9 course with wine and it was only 150 per person, yet the 6 is 175. I'm guessing the wine is the difference. Regardless, I'm definitely considering going back one final time.

 

[GQgeek]

Was at the opera & dinner last night with the girl I brought to Anise and she suggested that we go back one more time as her treat! Can't wait.