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| - Every January, the Antonopoulos group offers especially well-priced table d'hôte menus at its Old Port restaurants in hope of giving Montreal's winter go-out scene a facelift. The event - Happening Gourmand - also encourages people to try these restaurants in hopes of creating new patrons. This year, the event was particularly successful. Tables were booked early and the participating restaurants were buzzing during a month that usually leaves even the best spots high-and-dry. Wanting in on the deal, I decided to try Tavenre Gaspar, the groups' newest addition.
I was excited to try this place. There had been an incredible buzz since its recent opening. We walked in, were greeted in a very friendly and welcoming way and brought to our table. The place is nice - stone walls, vintage art, wooden tables, chandeliers... A great alternative spot for watching the game, especially since it seems conducive to groups. And the music was fun - it included Interpol and Jace Everett (True Blood theme song). All great things.
We all started with the onion soup. Great choice! It was one of the best I've had outside of Paris. The broth had a great consistency - not too thin and not too cluttered with onion pieces - with also the perfect amount of bread and cheese gratiné. Although it was described as a "bone marrow onion soup" on the menu, there wasn't very much bone marrow. However, considering how delicious it was, I really didn't mind. (Like, du tout.)
The main dishes were hit and miss. I had the duck confit with fries and salad. The salad was good, nice and fresh. The fries were just "there" - they weren't particularly delicious or interesting. And the duck... It was... Ok. Tender on the inside, but somehow strangely fried on the outside? It almost had a breaded consistency?? I've had many duck confits throughout my foodie existence, and this was definitely the least exciting of them all. Strange, since the deliciousness of the dish essentially stems from the meat being cooked in its own fat... I didn't think such a simple and classic dish could be brought down to the level of "meh".
My friends both had the Taverne burger with manchego and pork belly, accompanied by onion rings. The burgers were good - not too dry or overcooked - and the pork belly was a pleasant addition. The onion rings were nice and crispy and weren't too battered up. Cool.
Time for dessert. I had the chocolate flan and unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan. Made with dark chocolate, it was made in the style of a flourless chocolate cake. Yet it was so crazy sweet that the whole point of making something with bitter dark chocolate was lost on me. It just tasted like under-baked regular cake.
My friends both had the bread pudding - a comfort food classic. Again, just ok. And again, way too sweet. I know, we're taking about dessert here, right? But the "bread" was a sort of seriously saccharine version of a vanilla pound cake, and paired with caramel ice cream and thick caramel "syrup", it was too much. ADD in a bowl.
There's one last thing I have to add: Gaspar has strange white lighting. It lines the walls and emanates from the chandeliers, and it takes away from both the tavern and dinner ambiance. Restaurants are supposed to create a sense of intimacy and make people look especially hot with their slightly dimmed "yellow" lighting. With relatively bright white lights all over the place, Gaspar doesn't allow for either of those and establishes a slightly awkward ambiance.
So, is this a place for a nice dinner? All in all, Taverne Gaspar lacks a certain finesse. Yes, it's a tavern and it's not supposed to have the most innovative menu fine cuisine, but considering its owners, its location, its decor and its image, the food should be better. Currently, it's mediocre - not terrible but not delicious. Maybe the quality decreased due to the cheaper menu and rush of the Happening Gourmand event? Maybe Taverne Gaspar should be known for its house beer and specialty drinks rather than for its food? I don't know. But my experience won't have my 5-inch heels running back for more very soon... Unless it's for onion soup.
Food 7/10, Atmosphere (mediumloud) 7.5/10, Pretty people 7.5/10, Music 9/10, Service 8/10.
Pictures: http://belledenuitmontreal.com/posts/taverne-gaspar/
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