| rev:text
| - Raw foodists can rejoice! Crudessence is the first living food restaurant in Quebec. It sacrifices nothing to make delicious, innovative, gluten-free meals using completely local and organic (or 'biologique' as it's called in Montréal) ingredients.
The lasagne, (which uses slices of zucchini, and Brazil nut 'parmesan cheese'), is so good it rivals some of the best traditional pasta-based lasagna I've ever eaten. The tacos are perfect inventions using a combo of corn, sundried tomato and flax for the shell and are heartily filled with sprouts, avocado and red onion. The "Shepard's Pie" made with lentils, and the thin, nut-based "Crepes Sauvages" are uber-flavorful; each bite is meant to be savored! The mostly-mushroom "Om Burger" is decent, but if you're going to a joint like this, why not test the chefs' culinary skills and order a more challenging dish?
The dessert list is sufficiently long for such a small establishment. From the lime pie to the "Blueberry Un-Cheesecake", and chocolate mousse and brownies, each morsel is packed with punch, far more than you'd expect. Think quality over quantity here.
The specialty juices, smoothies and elixirs are well worth their price; ranging from $5.75 - $8.75. I like the "Hippocrate" cucumber and celery juice, and the killer almond-milk "Chia Chai".
Although the proportions are on the scant side, I was surprisingly full after my meal because each dish is packed with so much protein and filling fiber.
The laidback ambiance in this small, bright establishment is great for a casual date or eating solo, but going in a group is not recommended (reservations not accepted). Staff are friendly, and informative in case you have any questions about raw food or lifestyle.
Tip: This location is footsteps away from neighboring Jeanne Mance Park - if it's sunny outside, order your food to take-away and enjoy it as picnic fare in the park.
|