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| - I was happy to venture into a slightly sketchy area of Montreal for the opportunity to dine at the highly recommended Tuck Shop. (After living in Baltimore and Brooklyn, I fear no neighborhood.) I am in love with the decor/design of the restaurant. It's polished, slightly industrial, but still warm and classic. The tomatoes that have been jarred by hand (in house) are scattered around the restaurant reminding you that this kitchen obviously cares about the food it prepares and they will not be taking any short cuts. The wonderful dishes we were served only corroborated this notion.
We started our meal with the pork belly and the Thai BBQ rib with green papaya salad. The pork belly was unparalleled. It doesn't get any better than this. I'm actually at a loss for words on how to describe it. You HAVE to try it. I would have liked the Thai ribs to be more spicy, but I understand that not everyone enjoys very spicy food like I do. They were cooked impeccably.
For mains: My husband ordered the seared arctic char with smoked bacon, a mustard/maple sauce, roasted potatoes, pickled beets, pureed carrots and a soft boiled egg. I don't know how this combination came to fruition, but I was floored by the flavors. I don't like fish and my husband had to fight me off from stealing his dinner. One would think the ingredients would have to compete in this dish, but they got along flawlessly. For less adventurous eaters, the caesar salad, double stuffed potato, and the AAA strip loin in a red wine sauce is a solid choice. This is a classic meal that everyone and their grandfather has enjoyed, but you will not be bored with Tuck Shop's offering of this perennial crowd pleaser. (I ended up trying to steal part of this meal as well.) I ordered the braised veal cheeks with pine nuts, grilled fennel, crispy polenta and broccoli rabe. Tender, succulent, perfect. The crispy polenta was a prime platform for the veal cheeks. This may be my new favorite cut when dining out, but will it be as good at other restaurants? I'm afraid of being disappointed. I'm going to have to ask Tuck Shop to open a location in Brooklyn solely for my benefit.
Thank you, Tuck Shop, for an amazing meal. I will be back as soon as possible.
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