Every time I visit Montreal, I feel like I’ve stepped into Europe. Maybe it’s the French. Maybe it’s the cobblestones, or maybe it’s just being offered still or sparkling water at every meal. Whatever it is, I’m in love with Montreal.
Last month, I visited Montreal to discover the romantic side of the city. Our first stop was lunch at the charming Accords Bistro in old Montreal. It was a sunny fall day so we sat outside, on their beautiful patio. Accords is the largest wine bar in the city and serves 50 wines served by the glass and selected by house sommelier Philip Morriset.
Although this is a wine bistro, I’m going to focus on the food! Chef Marc-André Lavergne, lovingly plates his dishes in a creative way and uses local products for his gastronomic creations. It was lunch time, so we took advantage of the three course prix fixe menu for $25.
Smoked cod fish cakes with a mayo and paprika dip and greens.
Chilled butternut squash soup
The first courses were delicious. I had the smoked cod fish cakes, which were crispy and went really well with the spiced aoli.
For the main course, I was really temped by the grilled shrimps, peach, tomato, fennel and goat cheese with basil. However, I saw this on the menu….
….and it was all over. Risotto according to mood? How could I say no? Before this experience, I had thought that I didn’t like risotto. I was wrong, I just needed to have it at Accords.
This risotto was my favourite dish of all the delicious things that I ate in Montreal. The chef must have been feeling a little blue, because this risotto featured creamy Gorgonzola cheese, ham, spinach, mushrooms and turnips. It was amazing. The blue cheese gave the risotto a sharp kick, and made it nice and creamy.
The other dishes looked amazing as well!
Grilled shrimps, peach, tomato, fennel and goat cheese with basil.
Romaine Salad, Lobster and Northern Shrimps.
For dessert, I had a dense, chocolate brownie.
The sorbet with shortbread cookies looked pretty tempting as well!
The presentation of the dishes, the quality of food and excellent service has made this a restaurant that I would recommend and would return to in a heartbeat!
Accords Bistro is at 212, rue Notre-Dame Ouest Vieux-Montréal (Québec)
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