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| - We didn't think we could have a better dining experience in Montreal after eating at Garde Manger, until we went to Le Bremner at the recommendation of one of Garde's staffers. HOLY!
First off, I love that it's kind of an "underground" spot, both literally and figuratively. There isn't a sign, you kind of have to know about it, and it's well, a few steps down from the sidewalk. Again, we sat at the bar, our preferred spot to sit at a restaurant. As mentioned in other reviews, how else can you chat with those "in the know?" We were immediately greeted by one of the best bar keeps ever! He let us know that they make all of their own mixers with the exception of soda water. WHOA! Now that's talent. He mixed us up a couple of beauties while we perused the menu. I normally don't love mixed drinks (I am a purist with vodka martinis), but these drinks were out of this world. Fresh fruit muddled, added, shaken, wow! As we're looking over the menu, the staff from Garde who recommended Le Bremner walks in and immediately comes over to say hello. We felt like we were totally "in the know" and locals seeing some of their long time friends.
We were told to that it's more of a tapas style, that we should get a couple of things to share. We chose the burrata, but unfortunately they were out of it. HOWEVER, they offered a different cheese and let us try it before we actually ordered the whole dish. How many restaurants actually let you do that? Ah-mazing! We also had the tuna tartare, the fresh tomatoes, shrimp with cornbread (a little bit of heaven), and a fish dish. One was better than the next. The flavors were deep but balanced. There was so much going on in each dish in a good way, we were speechless (yeah - that doesn't happen often!). Just when we thought we couldn't eat more, we finished with warm chocolate chip cookies with sea salt. Perfection!
Bottom line: A MUST GO! No question about it. One of the best dining experiences we've had in a very long time. Right up there with some of the world's best! Thanks for the recommendation, Tim! See you next time we're in Montreal...for sure!
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