ArtistSeries

I think it was well done. I see nothing wrong with poking fun at food fads. Let's face it, many of us have been served meals that resembled architecture projects, used the technique of the day (wood planks anyone?) or have used exotic ingredients when all that was required to satisfy was good tasting food. That said, I find the taste of Diet Coke to be insipid and watery compared to the "full sugar" version... and wonder what demographic they are targeting with that commercial....

I'm not sure that you can change that perception.... Should we start to taking bets on who will win?

Collen Cleek, the cooking instructer just does not seem to clue-in and seems shameless about self-promotion... Her website is kind of amusing, in a pathetic way.... Owner Colleen Cleek is a Columnist for One Magazine writing Food For Thought and contributing recipes to several local news stations and publications, she is also the KETV-7 Local Food & Wine Expert and the Host of The Classy Gourmet Television show. Since its inception The Classy Gourmet has had a unique focus on business in the Omaha community, offering such services as; Team Building, Corporate Events, Private Events, Holiday Parties, and Boutique Catering. Our website is filled with delightful photographs, we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Source

Given his track record, I'd be surprised... All sizzle no steak seems to be his motto...

Should a restaurant’s menu not adapt with the availability of fresh local ingredients? “Simple, fresh” seems to be the mantra, so it should naturally follow that chefs adapt to that – and what is available. Our distinct seasons are perfect for menu changes. I’ve found that climate does affect what I’m graving.

I have checked - hence why I find them so-so. My review would echo wattacetti's. Can time improve this place? Yes. As much as I'd like to find great sushi in Montreal, that seems next to impossible. The same seems to go for great B-B-Q....

I know that Steph N. has been fairly successful in the past with his menus mainly because they are middle of the road with hints of “higher” cuisine. This seems more of a family-type restaurant. Honest food? Yes. Great food? No. There is a fair amount of hype around this place and frankly I am wondering about the amount of praise some seem to be giving it...

This was one of the weirdest posts I have ever read on eGullet. ← For some reason, I understood that post...

I have to agree with you. We have decent selection, good QC and prices. I've been able to build good cellar that would have been more difficult elsewhere.

If you go to the Queue and complain about prices, perhaps you should not have gone to the Queue. The price is not an issue. The value of what you get is. I’ve eaten there often enough (reluctantly I may add). One does not go there to enjoy the food, one goes there to be “in”. The experience of eating there is akin to an Outback steak house with better décor. It has never been memorable and has bordered on the awful. I expect some puffery in advertising from restaurants, but Queue seems to mistake it for quality – and worse actually believe their own tripe … So you say they have “outed” Mrs. C. Wow,how childish of them. Did it make them feel good playing the role of a bully? I can assure that I feel no “envy” towards Queue – it’s just a sub-par restaurant masquerading as a good steakhouse. “It is a successful steak house that caters to a client base who appreciates the experience.” Gee, the same can be said about “Baton Rouge” and “Scores” – it does not make them good. I don’t “hate” or “love” Queue de Cheval, it’s just not that enjoyable and leaves me indifferent.

Just goes to prove the old adage about suckers....

Might depend on how.... uhmmm private it is.... I much prefer critics to remain anon...

To me, there is only one Schwartz's. Bill Brownstein wrote a book and did try to explain the secret... http://www.canada.com/cityguides/montreal/...bf883ab6&k=2257

Quebec beer - microbrews are readily available for me. I've found the microbrews in Quebec to be some of the best in the world but am always pleased when I travel in to the U.S. and discover new beers that are great. I enjoy Blanche de Chambly in the summertime but favour St Ambroise offerings overall. I love Cheval at the Pub but not in bottles...

Or elevating someone who will be remembered for picking out of the garbage..

Not so much junk food, but a real bagel (feels like they make it with cement) from St.Viateur or Fairmount… Schwartz's smoke meat is always a treat for me (call it a guilty pleasure). From "Au pied de cochon", the "poutine with foie gras" and the "pouding chomeur"....

I'm not sure how it works for Americans bringing wine with them... sorry.

When on a budget, I like to go to bring your own wine restaurants. Unlike some other cities, there are no corking fees. This of course would mean that you shop before hand at a SAQ (state run liquor store), selection varies per store but you can find some good wine at a decent price. While not exactly in your area, I do like Yoyo and Le Pegase as BYOB places. Montreal has many BYOB restaurants, I’m sure some may have other suggestions. Mister Steer is an American style burger joint – while the burgers look homemade, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. For something a little different, in the same style, I’d try La Parise (302 Ontario Est). If you go to La Parise, there a nice Whisky Bar close by called “L’Ile Noir”. Le Soubise – Some nights are better than others. Not a real consistent place. I find it expensive for what you get. YMMV. Actuel – Last time I was there, I found it average – maybe I’m getting pickier in my old age. Ambience wise, L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean is appreciated by some, but the menu limited. It’s a French styled bistro that serves steak and fries (entrecote and fries). Meat is okay, but not fine dining by any stretch. (Note have not been in a few years) There is a place on Crescent that is a little different (not being a overt tourist trap) called Devi. They serve Indian food.

Thanks fedelst.

Could this be sour grapes? I’ve eaten many times at Queue de Cheval on business and was disappointed everytime. Sure the restaurant is popular with some, but it is hardly my first choice. While I don’t agree with much of what Ms. Chesterman writes, there is still a level of impartiality that does come through. If anything, she is not harsh enough. While I agree that she does seem to have her favorites, I find it perplexing that some would find Queue de Cheval above average. One wonders if the article is trying to criticize Ms. Chesterman or somehow try to elevate its perceived restaurant standing.

It's my mistake. The highest score is four stars. While enjoyable, I’m not certain that Toque is beyond reproach. In the article, Leslie does find a few faults with the restaurant (deserts in particular: The only slight off-note came with dessert…. I pucker just thinking about it…. I can’t say it’s a dessert I’d ever dream about). Yes the Gazette give out a 4 star as the top rating – I’d assumed that since not all was perfect she was rating out of five. Also, in my defense, I was still wondering why the Gazette now does not rate wines but “try to capture in my tasting notes my impressions of the wine…” and goes to quote Robert Parker as a justification for this… Apologies all around (and I’ll try to focus more next time)

I see that Lesley C. has reviewed Toque for the Montreal Gazette (July 14th, 2007) giving it a deserved 4 stars (out of five). While the praise is well deserved (especially for the lamb), I often wonder why I prefer a few other spots in Montreal. There is a natural tendency to maybe judge a little harshly the supposedly top restaurant in Montreal. In term of “world class”, Toque is there but often I seem to have a more enjoyment at a few other spots. Is it my expectations? I don’t think so. I would argue that because they are so consistent and reliable that I’ve taken them for granted. Now is that such a bad thing?

Rock was sent to fetch the garbage at the photo shoot....

Sorry about that.

Thanks to all that responded. Looks like I will be going to Norten's or Bertoldis (some else suggested them) AND getting serious about wetstones... Great another obsession in my life