On a weekend get-away to Montreal, my beau surprised me with dinner at Chuck's house - le Bremner. We had reservations at the bar and let me tell you the bar is front row, centre stage for the best show on earth. My apologies to Barnum and Bailey, but Dean and the boys behind the counter have you beat. The cocktails are fresh, inspired concoctions that defy description - we enjoyed a lovely peach, ginger mint thingie that was over-the-top refreshing - not too sweet, not too bitter - sort of Goldie Locks in a glass because it was just right. We allowed Dean to steer the course of our meal and the journey was delicious - zucchini salad, tuna and tahini (so yum), classic tomato basil bocci chino, and the char. We enjoyed our meal so much that we took the chance on a drop in two days later. The staff were able to accommodate us in the back alley patio which is beautiful and fresh on a hot summer's eve. We totally changed things up on this occasion and went full-on meat - veal tartar and the 14 oz steak for two. Since I still haven't had an opportunity to try the pancakes, I guess we'll be back on our next trip.