Joe Beef

We just finished an epic meal at JOE BEEF. 

Apologies for the fuzzy photos, but we're in a state of blissful delirium. This is the reservation we planned our entire trip around, and the feast more than exceeded our expectations.

So, in brief, here is dinner:

-- Foie Gras Liverwurst with Gin & Riesling Aspic Jelly

--Deli fish special:  Smoked salmon belly, Smoked mackerel, Caviar, crème fraîche, Quail eggs, Pickled beets & Shallots

--Blood sausage

--Rabbit cassoulet

--Chèvre-Pear-Honey panna cotta

--Apple & Melon sorbet with meringue

Libations:

--2009 Domaine Roy Marc, Gevrey

 Chambertin Vielles Vignes 

--With panna cotta: 2010 Domaine de la Rectorie, Banyuls, Parcé Freres

--With Sorbets: 2009 Chateau Jolys Jurançon, d. Lattrile

What was the most surprising part of the meal? I'd have to say that while the dishes were all bold and blatant, they had a sophisticated subtlety at the same time that was damningly contradictory, and contrarian. Soul-satisfying comfort food on the surface that makes you think about what you're imbibing. Like the creamy, fatty Foie wurst piled on top of the herbal notes of the accompanying rye bread, cleansed with the floral acidity of the gin & Riesling aspic--perfection. The crunchy baked top layer of the cassoulet hiding the earthy layers of rabbit and white beans-- fall in a mouthful. The pillowy-soft panna cotta infused with the spirit of goat cheese without any of it's weight or density--sublime

Need I go on...?!

This was a meal for the ages. Bonne nuit.

Sent from my iPhone

Montreal sojourn

Hubby is whisking me away for a birthday weekend in Montreal this Friday. Other than two long-standing reservations at the legendary Joe Beef and Brasserie T, we're keeping the rest of the time open to meander and explore and taste our way through the city. So look out for Fat Sister and Tastey Boy's Québécois adventures.