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| - Me and my wife have been to DNA a good 5-6 times now, with most of the times being full tasting menus. We've also brought about 16 different people with us over the course of the last year, so we've heard a lot of feedback from other people as well.
In short: A place bursting with potential and creativity that sometimes misses the really high marks it can achieve.
There have been times where Derek and his kitchen have blown us away with their dishes and others where we were left wondering where the genius had went. The first 3 tasting menus we had at DNA left us amazed each time with each dish being as great as the next one. We thought it even rivaled or bested some highly regarded 5-star restaurants we've been to (like Joel Robuchon or Alex). We also thought it would be our "go to" place in Montreal for the next years as well. Our experiences there were just that great.
In the following months we returned to DNA a handful more times and it wasn't as great. Some highs and some misses here and there, not typical of what we had experienced before. One night we brought 10 montreal food bloggers with us to review the food, and I don't think anyone was really impressed. Chef Derek wasn't there that night, so perhaps that was the issue.
Speaking of Chef Derek, a really friendly guy and definitely passionate about his ingredients and where they come from. Really flexible and loves to accommodate diners, even vegetarians ones like myself. If you tell him in advance he'll prepare you a full-on tasting menu that will not feel like he just pasted mushrooms or cheese on to replace the meat.
Service has always been a high point at DNA, and has never really felt below their high standards. Prices have seemed to get higher for the tasting menus (our first few times we got about 8-10 dishes for $85 and now they offer 5 for the same price? I am not 100% sure on this)
So while DNA remains our favorite restaurant in Montreal, we dearly hope they can remain consistent in the quality and creativity of their dishes. We say dearly because DNA is close to our hearts (and stomachs) and we hope to be able to enjoy Derek's amazing talent for a long time more.
We're going back on Tuesday for a tasting menu, along with 3 other people.. I guess we'll see :)
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edit: So tonight we had 5 tasting menus and it was a real success and the best meal we've had at DNA. In fact, Derek was so on fire tonight that he managed to make me eat beef for the first time in 13 years, because everyone was so ecstatic at how good his ribeye steak was. My fiancee said it was "the best piece of meat I've ever had", which says a lot. And yes, it was worth breaking a self-imposed ban on red meat that I have kept intact since I was 17...
Pretty much every dish was exceptional from the ingredients, presentation and technique... and the service was outstanding (Thanks Gwyneth :). A real tour de force and all 5 of us were extremely happy.
Well done, DNA, well done. It's good to have you back.
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