L'Express Montreal is one for those Parisian French restaurants. I was on the hunt for the most traditional french cuisine I can find. I came across this French bistro called L'Express Montreal, and what stood out for me is I can have all my sinful french favorites in this traditional bistro.
I walked down a trendy street of Rue-Saint Denis after getting off the Sherbrooke Station. After a brief walk I realized I have passed the entrance of the restaurant. I walked back and when I opened the door, I realized that I should've booked a reservation. I find it hard to request for a table. Table for one please.
My first impression is how old times mannerisms are kept here. A lady patron that walked in before me gave the front of house manager a kiss on the cheek; one on each side, and then he proceeded to take her jacket to hang. I was lucky enough to get the very last corner seat at the bar (as hopeful patrons without reservations are told to wait at least 45 minutes.) Phew!
I sat down and before ordering they serve bread and butter. Since I already made up my mind I selected the following.
Boiled Egg with Mayonnaise (oeuf dur mayonnaise) 4.70: No thrills, a classic french snack starting with a boiled egg, covered in a coat of rich mayonnaise with strong hint of dill.
Bone Marrow with Coarse Salt (os à moelle gros sel) 14.85: My goodness, for 15 bucks you get three generous servings of bone marrow. You are not going to break the spoon here trying to scrape for marrow. Guaranteed that you will get a rich portion every single time. The marrow is rich and heavy. It is more of a texture indulgence than taste.
To accompany this, they serve unlimited gherkins straight from the jar as a side snack to cut the richness. Sea salt and mustard to enhance the flavor.
Warm Goat Cheese Salad (chèvre chaud) 13.35: How can you be in Montreal and not try their cheese. Warm goat cheese on brioche with a light green salad.
Chicken Liver Pate with Pistachios (Mousse de Foues de Volaille aux Pistaches) 14.75: To finally put you to sleep. We are writing this riding the subway back to the hotel, is this rich pate! Don't let the small size fool you. They are not holding back. Imagine spreading this over the top rich chicken liver pate on your bread over and over... and over again. The Pistachios is a classic accompaniment as it adds a different texture to the spread. I think I gained 10 lbs from this alone! But it was so worth it!
Overall, this is for someone that wants to experience traditional french bistro dishes. I would bet that they haven't changed a thing in this restaurant since the opening. And that is not a bad thing. Not at all!