Boo

Should have clarified, sorry! I'm looking for places with entrees that are around $20 pp, I expect that appetizers, dessert, drinks, etc, to be over and above that. And while I'm here, if anyone could suggest a brunch place that accepts reservations (if such a place exists), I'd really appreciate it!

Please help with suggestions for a relaxed NYE dinner, early (around 7pm) in Portland. Ethnic is fine, but one of us doesn't eat pasta, so no Italian. Would like to keep it around $20 pp (not incl. wine), and somewhere not too formal/uptight. Thank you!

We dined here on a recent Saturday evening. So sublime, one of the best meals I've ever had. The menu contains two choices of prix fixe, and there was also a special. Started with an amuse bouche of smoked duck, foie gras, wild asparagus and honey butter. I have never had wild asparagus before, but the taste was memorable. So light it almost wasn't there, but with a grassy essence. Followed by a wild mushroom soup with truffle oil and cappucino foam. The soup was hearty, but not overly filling, with a rich mushroom flavor. Mains were the rack of lamb special and the rabbit from the regular menu. At this point in the meal, I lost myself in the food and stopped scribbling notes about the food. But, my oh my, what a meal. Dessert choices were a cheese plate and a pear dessert, so we chose one of each. The pear was caramelized, crispy on the edges and sweet, warm and moist inside. Cheese plate contained four (or five) different cheeses (I recall some were local but misplaced the paper on which I wrote them). Followed Carswell's advice and brought two half bottles from the Magog SAQ. The service was impeccable; there was one server for the room but he was attentive to all tables and did not blink an eye when we walked in with the small one in a stroller (who thankfully slept throughout the entire meal). The only minor blot on the meal was that the table water has an unpleasant, clay-like taste (someone here mentioned this), so we ordered bottled. The dining room itself is very comfortable and rustic, and atmosphere was hushed, good for conversation. Perfect evening. Thanks to identifiler and carswell for their advice.

We dined here on a recent Saturday evening. So sublime, one of the best meals I've ever had. The menu contains two choices of prix fixe, and there was also a special. Started with an amuse bouche of smoked duck, foie gras, wild asparagus and honey butter. I have never had wild asparagus before, but the taste was memorable. So light it almost wasn't there, but with a grassy essence. Followed by a wild mushroom soup with truffle oil and cappucino foam. The soup was hearty, but not overly filling, with a rich mushroom flavor. Mains were the rack of lamb special and the rabbit from the regular menu. At this point in the meal, I lost myself in the food and stopped scribbling notes about the food. But, my oh my, what a meal. Dessert choices were a cheese plate and a pear dessert, so we chose one of each. The pear was caramelized, crispy on the edges and sweet, warm and moist inside. Cheese plate contained four (or five) different cheeses (I recall some were local but misplaced the paper on which I wrote them). Followed Carswell's advice and brought two half bottles from the Magog SAQ. The service was impeccable; there was one server for the room but he was attentive to all tables and did not blink an eye when we walked in with the small one in a stroller (who thankfully slept throughout the entire meal). The only minor blot on the meal was that the table water has an unpleasant, clay-like taste (someone here mentioned this), so we ordered bottled. The dining room itself is very comfortable and rustic, and atmosphere was hushed, good for conversation. Perfect evening. Thanks to identifiler and carswell for their advice!

Identifiler, grrr...I am sorry! Will you reschedule?

Thanks for the tip! Just hope the weather is nice.

Is it advised to make a reservation for 6pm weekday dinner on the terrasse at Lemeac, or is it early enough to appear and be seated without one? Thank you!

Salomon, great review! My mouth was watering in anticipation of a meal here before, now I am completely salivating!

Identifiler, glad you have mentioned Lemeac, it is on our list to try and we were hoping it is OK for children there. Not to hijack this thread, but re: my other thread on La Table Tourigny, would you say it is acceptable to bring a child (2 years) there? We will not have a babysitter. Last summer, we were quite disappointed in the general quality of restaurants in Magog. We fell upon Maison McGowan in Georgeville one night, very lovely setting, very average food, but the best dining we found at the time.

This is a very useful thread, we are visiting next month with our two year old. While we have been to Montreal with him twice, he was an infant and slept in his carrier throughout every meal. I must add that we brought him to Au Pied de Cochon twice, and the staff were very accomodating, so we are planning another meal there.

Yes, if you do go I would greatly look forward to your feedback!

Thank you, will do!

Appreciate your reply, particularly re: the need for good directions. I think two half bottles sounds like the way to go. My mouth is watering now at the thought of mushrooms freshly foraged from the local forest. Is casual dress accepted? It does not sound to me like a more formal place?

Tastet provided a very intriguing review in Voir last month which piqued my interest. As we will be in the Magog area in a few weeks, I am considering making a reservation. I would like to know others' opinions and recommendations on the food, and a suggestion for one good bottle of wine to bring, as I can never settle on a decision in such a matter! Much appreciated.