| rev:text
| - I don't normally review a restaurant after just one meal. But I don't normally have a near-perfect experience at a restaurant, either. Suffice to say that dinner at Nora Gray was the highlight of a weekend in Montreal.
On a dreary night, we entered a cozy room and were whisked to seats at the bar. But not before we were aware that everyone was happy. The dining room was packed with folks who were having a good time, eating really delicious food, and enjoying their cocktails and wine.
As we were about to learn, the menu at Nora Gray isn't large, but there wasn't a single choice on it that I wouldn't have eaten and been happy. I ordered seared rabbit liver as my appetizer: it was perfectly cooked, seared and crispy on the outside and medium rare inside, served over a mushroom ragu packed with chanterelles. I followed that with a pork chop over stewed borlotti beans and roasted cherry tomatoes. Not what I'd usually order, but i couldn't resist. The pork chop was tender and, again, perfectly cooked. My wife ordered cavatelli -- scrumptious.
The wine list isn't large, but it's packed with great wines, many at very reasonable prices. We were really pleased to order a bottle of a frappato and nero d'avola blend from Andrea Occhipinti, a sensational Sicilian winemaker. And there's a terrific selection of amaros for after dinner.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the friendly and attentive service at Nora Gray -- even on a Saturday night. And even though the restaurant was full, it wasn't too loud: we could still talk to each other comfortably during our meal.
|