Les Halles

[JeffWilson]

We just came back from a 3 night stay in Montreal at the Hotel Place D'Armes (which I will write about separately, but was fantastic). We had 3 wonderful dinners at "S" Restaurant (in the Hotel St. Sulpice), Nuances (in the Casino), and Les Halles. Although the other 2 were very good, Les Halles stood out. Unfortunately, I do not have time to give a full review now, but I will get back here later in the week to write one. I am curious as to why I have never seen Les Halles on this board as we always have eaten wonderfully there. Is it because it is not a "hot" restaurant, like Toque? Until I can get the full review out, I will merely highly recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for superb food and a great wine list.

Jeff Wilson

[Lesley C]

Hi Jeff,

Interesting.

I like Les Halles, but it isn't for everyone. It's very classic old French. I was there in the spring for dinner. It was a tasting menu and all the portions were way too large and the food was lackluster. But when I reviewed the restaurant two and a half years ago (same chef) the food was quite perfect. I love the classic desserts at Les Halles and the service is excellent. I'm a sucker for the old world French decor as well. It can be a great restaurant -- a true restaurant -- but it's not for the branché crowd.

I look forward to hearing more about your visit, especially restaurant S.

[porkpa]

The first time I went to Les Halles was in 1967. I believe that was the year that it opened along with Expo 67. The thing I remember most was the exemplary service. I had not been to many French restaurants at that point in my life. I'm sure the experience furthered my interest in food and dining. For some strange reason, I have only occasionally been back. Although on the few times that I have, I have always been very satisfied. We are due to be in Montreal in December. I will make it a point to have dinner there at least once.

Porkpa

[docsconz]

Les Halles might be quite good, but the best food in Montreal? That would be quite an assertion, especially with such notables as Toque (yes the food is interesting and tastes wonderful - that is why it has the reputation it does), Les Chevres, Rosalie, Chez l'Epicier, et al. While I have eaten at many of the finest restaurants in Montreal, I certainly haven't eaten at all of them. To me, right now from where I have eaten, perhaps the best because it has wonderful food and is the most daring is Les Chevres. I guess it depends on what you want from a restaurant. Traditional is great and a source of comfort, but I place restaurants serving great tasting food with creativity and humor (sometimes) at the top of my personal pantheon. Oh yeah, the service and decor need to match the food to be at the very top, too.

[Lesley C]

Yes, I agree. Right now, after very recent meals at Les Chèvres and Toqué!, I'd rank Les Chèvres as #1 in the city. The menu is innovative, the choice of ingredients is superb, service is seamless, and the meal is strong from the amuse to the fabulous desserts. Toque!'s desserts are pitiful these days. My one gripe with Les Chèvres is the wine list, which seems to be getting shorter and shorter with every visit.

Les Halles has seen its heyday. I remember it being a real haute temple de gastronomie back in the early eighties. It was far more formal -- and expensive -- back then. I still find plenty to enjoy there, though I hear quality drops significantly when the restaurant is crowded.

[jpr54_]

My son and I just came back from Montreal and a short tent camping stay in Schroon Lake-we only spent one evening in the city-

We did eat at Rosalies's and had a wonderful meal-

Sunday evening, I had their tomato soup, crab meat salad and oysters-

My son had the seared salmon-

Without wine the bill came to over $130-

We sat outside and people watched, etc. It was noisey but fun anyway.

The service was good-attentive

We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn on Peel-It was one of the few places available without reservations for under $125 usd

Our main purpose for our trip was shopping but unfortunately, all the stores were closed on Labor Day-a good reason to return again.

[ABG]

I look forward to hearing more about your visit, especially restaurant S.

I took in Restaurant S last week and would say the restaurant is doing well under the new ownership. It is now managed directly by the hotel and no longer by the Faros / Mezzé people.

Meal started with an amuse of 2 snails in a red wine reduction.

Starters were fresh oysters presented on a large mirror with a red vinaigrette. Grilled octopus, a usual favourite of mine, was a let down. Octopus came drowned in a dark thick liquid instead of olive oil and lemon that I was dreaming of. Others enjoyed house Caesar salad.

The stand out main was the parmesan encrusted lobster. Lobster arrived tableside (already split) and was served up by the waiter. Wonderful presentation and an obviously popular dish as we saw many trays of lobster leaving the qusai-open kitchen. Came with a selection of veggies. Red snapper filet was cooked perfectly as was the filet of salmon. Both also garnished with veggies and via special request duck fat roasted potatoes.

Dessert was a chocolate pave(??), if I remember the name correctly (it had been 2 bottles of wine already). Warm cake served in a small bowl with house ice cream. Marvellous.

Service was friendly, helpful and swift, but not polished. Bottle of Pellegrino stayed on a shelf out of reach while our glasses remained empty. Had to ask a few times for ice bucket to chill our white wine. etc etc

Prices are high. Dinner for 4 with tax, tip, wine etc, $460.00. The Quebec Lamb was tempting, but I passed at $55.00. Big plus, free valet parking and the car was waiting for us the moment we stepped onto St. Paul Street.