La Palette serves what Top Chef folks aspire to make. Yet, they are able to keep local food on the menu and not rely on French/American imports.
For dinner on a Friday night, La Palette was cozy, so full the room was hot despite the freezing weather outside. The Staff were super friendly. They obviously know a lot of the regulars. The wine list is extensive, but the beers on tap are more extensive and offer a more unique selection than any bar I know.
On the menu tonight was a new vegetarian entree, but too similar to what I eat at home. So, I got the house-smoked Lake Huron Trout with panko-encrusted egg and this lucious leek and potato thing all together this was 10 star-worthy. On the other side of the table was the meat-lover's dream, with no cow in sight. Bison-cheeks with bacon as an appetizer, and Wild Boar (Manitoba) and Caribou (Nunavit). The boar won rave reviews, but the caribou was still 5 stars.
The only down side was the dessert. As most good chefs don't love to do desserts, La Palette was no different. The Tarte au citron was too tart, but I was full anyway.
With plenty to drink, bill was about $60 per person plus tax and tip.
Prix Fixe is just $32, but no boar on that menu.