. . "0"^^ . . "1"^^ . "4"^^ . "2010-06-23T00:00:00"^^ . "The dishes are in a small plate format and are excellent. Fresh bread selections (pistachio, cranberry, rosemary, mini wheat baguette...) are baked daily. There is a pot of perfectly delicious, soft butter at the table. \n\nThe decor in the narrow dining room is modern with mostly tables with a voyeuristic view via a large, lightly tinted circular window to the kitchen where you can see your food being prepared. There is a small number of banquettes facing the street view to one side. In back there is a curtain for parties wishing more privacy. I noticed harsh lights overhead at a number of tables and was happy to not have to sit there. Many of the diners are hotel guests.\n\nChef Owner is Daniel Vezina, a well-known local chef\n\nThe tasting menu is $100 and with wine it is $175. It is a separate menu from what is offered a la carte. The menu on the website is largely what was being offered when I visited, with some items changed.\n\nWe ordered about 6 or 7 dishes and shared -- including:\n\n-Hu\u00EEtres fra\u00EEches au granit\u00E9 de \u00AB Granny Smith \u00BB 18\n-Thon fa\u00E7on \u00AB G\u00E9n\u00E9ral Tao \u00BB, brochette de betterave jaune et tatsoy, soba \u00E0 l'huile de homard et soya bio 24\n-Carpaccio de veau de lait piedmontais de Valcourt, vinaigrette aux anchois, ni\u00E7oise et espuma d'hollandaise 15\n-Ris de veau laqu\u00E9 \u00E0 la betterave et canneberges, pur\u00E9e de c\u00E9leri rave et popcorn de boudin\n-Veau de lait piedmontais de Valcourt en millefeuilles de pleurotes, sauce \u00E0 la truffe et os \u00E0 mo\u00EBlle\n- a 'foie gras lollipop' dish that I don't recall clearly\n-and a cheese croquette with melted cheese in the center\n\nI was surprised to find what reminds me of a pecan sandie creatively used in place of a biscuit in a layered dish. The popcorn boudin was enveloped in a thin layer of seaweed as a part of the coating. And finally, in the dish with the bone marrow, the bone is filled with a bone marrow based stuffing.\n\nI can highly recommend the by the glass bubbly which was I think, from Ontario. \n\nOverall my views on the service are mixed. It was lacking in consistent attentiveness for the price point - we had to ask on several occasions to see the drink list or to have more bread. On the other hand, the food was well explained and the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful with tasting and selecting wines to try. I got the impression that the very best service is reserved for those who spend the most. \n\nOur chatty waiter referred to regular water as 'municipal' water, when listing our choices. \n\nYou will be informed that all of the china is the made by local artisans and available for you to purchase.\n\nI think that you will enjoy this place, just remember that it is small plates that can be fun to share however, you will need to order several dishes due the the format and while you will not leave hungry, this is not for you if you have a big appetite. So go here to enjoy the food. The party over from us was commenting that they enjoyed their dinner here more than their last visit to Toque... :)\n\nLaurie Raphael is open on Mondays!"^^ . "0"^^ .