First off... this is my 100th review!!!! I finally get to review my favorite restaurant!!
L'express... where do I begin. Two years ago my family and I took a road trip to Canada. we went to Toronto, Quebec, and Montreal. My dad as our guide (even though he's never been there before) we flew all the way to buffalo, NY and rented a car and drove all the way to the border of Canada (4 hrs). Then drove another 4hrs to Quebec. I must say, i have never sat in a car for that long. The trip was definitely worth it.
I love everything about Montreal, the beautiful people, the language, the streets adorned with fallen leaves. This is where i meet the dainty yet cozy L'express. My brother had heard about this place and just to make sure, we asked several people about the restaurant and they agreed...it was the best french restaurant in Montreal that wasn't overly overly priced! There is nothing fancy about this place, just checkered black and white tiles running the floor, dark wooden tables and chairs, and huge vases of miniature pickles. Not to mention, you will only find this place by looking down. The name of the restaurant is discreetly spelled out in black and white at the foot of the restaurant. This is french food, in my opinion, at its finest...comfortable yet flossy..... inexpensive yet lavish all at the same time.
The menu is a rustic looking piece of paper, but with each dish spelled out in cursive as if someone used calligraphy to hand write each one. For those of you who do not speak or read french, they have English menus. Just ask!
The waiter explained the specials for the night in his french accent which i found very attractive =P He suggested we start with the Magret Canard (thinly sliced smoked duck served with halved figs and drizzled in a red wine balsamic reduction). It was heavenly. The duck reminded me of fine proscuitto yet so opposite. The color was dark burgundy and the each peice was so dainty. When paired with the fig and the reduction i was blown away! I tried to savor each piece, but between the 4 of us, we each had only 2 small slices.
My dad ordered the Parisian style steak frites w/ herbed butter. For something so simple, it was one of the best steaks i have ever had. When he cut into it, juices flowed out and we all knew it was going to be delicious. The flavor of the buttered herbs and the meatiness of the beef drizzled in its own juices was so satisfying, not to mention the perfectly sliced and fried frites!
I ordered the bone marrow of cow which was topped with grey salt, served with toasted baguettes. It was so simple, and the bone marrow was fatty and had a jelly like texture to it. The presentation of each dish is so simple, four bone marrows, a pinch of Grey salt and individually topped with a green leaf of some sort. Definitely not saving the best for last because each dish was magnificent beyond words... is the veal kidney with cremini mushrooms and baby dutch potatoes. I have never eaten kidney other than cooked in soy sauce and topped with green onions. This dish was so humble yet it blew me away. the veal kidney was cooked perfectly. When you bit into it, it 'popped' so to speak, and it was tender on the inside.. not rubbery and overcooked at all. It was nicely paired with the mushrooms and potatoes. I'm not sure what was in the sauce, but it was divine... ahh..
to wrap up my long review... order some wine & do make reservations or prepare to wait 1..2..hours..even though its worth it!!