we partook in a most splendid dining experience on the Main
concluding that Christmas equals family we elected a familiar
place. Facing the giant floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out
onto St-Laurent Blvd, as I watch the white, fresh snowflakes
sprinkling the cars and passers-by, think how rapidly time
can pass you by.
Serendipity a word I truly enjoy saying, hearing and what
it signifies. On Friday night it signified culinary discoveries
and a return to what made Globe unique, the inventiveness
of the cuisine.
'The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new
landscapes but in having new eyes.' ~ Marcel Proust
We share a special connection, a bond, if you will, between
Globe and myself, along with my extended family. We have history.
My nieces have been celebrating their birthdays there since
turning eighteen, with each inviting their respective entourages.
Then there's my Godchild who was five years old when the
chef would prepare a special plate of pasta (which was not
on the menu). I remember she always adored him for it and showed
him with genuine hugs. He would take her their famous 'Tourte
au Chocolat', to enjoy at the bar, while I savored my cigar.
You see children, once upon a time . . . smoking, even a cigar,
was tolerated at bars and restaurants. The good old days!
There was no missing the long series of restaurants between
Sherbrooke and Pine Ave but all the action was at Globe. It
is the Hot Spot, especially on a Friday Night. It is the
destination 'de rigeur' that boasts eye candy and enticing
food. With their dazzling waitresses and up-to-the-minute
menus, Globe has always been considered 'hot' on all these
fronts. While some of its competitors have cuter waitresses
and better chairs, Globe always succeeded by offering the
full package. This past Friday evening I rediscovered an
old friend.
For a while the food wasn't up-to-par but it as returned
to its former glory, and rightful place above the fray of
restaurants and bistros all along the strip. The present
chef, Jean-François Baril has picked up that mantle and
brought back gusto to the kitchen. The plates produced from
that gallery were all topnotch.
Globe's cuisine exploits organic and local produce to its
fullest. This kitchen lets the quality of ingredients do the
talking. In that sense, let's begin with Les Snacks, a grouping
of marinated olives, Lupini beans and tiny slices of Sopressata
with chili audaciously packed a punch. The Hummus with chorizo
wafers was awesome. The appetizers, each separated in a bowl
with amazing flatbreads set on a butcher's wood slab, were cool
which best epitomizes what this restaurant is all about,
sophisticated simplicity.
The wine, selected by the proprietor, was a purple-red Sterling
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, featured an exuberant nose, dry,
full-bodied elixir of the Gods with a delicious woody bouquet.
The white selection, a Vintner's Collection Chardonnay, was
rather delightful.
It was followed by a Mesclun salad with raspberries, candied
pecans, and small, stubby, finger-shaped Fingerling potatoes
made it a real treat. Delish! The second or third course depending
on your perspective, were these 'Gnudis'. Picture ravioli without
the meat, with tomato, garlic flower and pistachios. Heavenly!
The main courses consisted of a Glazed pork chop with potato
rosti on the side, apple and cauliflower, all of which, was
illegally buttery and tasty. A delight! The other main dish was
a Salmon resting on a sheet of potato purée covered with slight
shavings of garlic and a leek emulsion. Every morsel is melting
and fresh.
Finally the dessert, was an Apple 'Croustade' with sour cream
ice-cream, raisins and whiskey with a Maple whip. Sinful!
Gorgeous waitresses, models and actresses-in-waiting are
practically a hallmark at Globe, and our waitress, Melissa,
easily fits that description. With charm and professionalism
to spare, not to mention legs to Heaven and back. After the
witching hour, Globe metamorphosis into a club scene, which
was our cue.
* Restaurant Globe
3455 St.Laurent Blvd.
Montréal (514) 284-3823
www.restaurantglobe.com
* Reviewed December 10, 2010
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