There is really nothing better than having a restaurant live up to all of the hype - including meeting all expectations you had set in your head.
like everyone else, I am a huge fan of Chef Hughes and Chef "Smiles". I had been wanting to try Garde Manger for years and was lucky enough to have work send me to Montreal on the same weekend as my birthday! Unfortunately couldn't get reservations. Luckily I got reservations at Le Bremner (tip: they only take reservations one month in advance and it can be done online).
The place can be tricky to find if you aren't reading the numbers. It is in the "basement" in between two stores (I believe the store on the right is a clothing store). But if you look out for numbers its not hard to find.
The food and service was impeccable! We arrived slightly early but no worries - warmly greeted and promptly seated. Our server was very knowledgeable (I think her name was Amie.. or Mie.. just she was lovely!). We started off with the fried quails, then got the chowder and lamb cavatelli, and for dessert the pancakes and eclairs. And of course a bottle of wine.
It was all delicious. The chowder was especially fantastic - complex but subtle flavours.
the bill ended up being a little over $200 for two people. But it really is worth it.
As a plus Chef Danny came to greet the couple beside us so I got a glimpse and fan girled out a little in my booth.