True to his word, Chuck Hughes’ assistant called saying Chuck made sure we were reserved for dinner tonight at his restaurant, Le Bremner. Chuck is big time, headlining food events with Anthony Bourdain, Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine just to name a few. And I got on his radar.
Montreal is old European ambiance and the restaurant is down a street level old staircase and into a cellar. A little dark but comfy with distressed woods, subtle lighting and welcoming servers.
Starting with an appetizer of maple charred Shishito peppers nestled on top of hand cut salmon tartare, the bonito shavings added another layer to the flavors. The long thin breadsticks are house made with rosemary and sea salt. So addicting. A bite of the salmon then a bite of a pepper for a unique taste combination. Next course was hake, a meaty white fish, in fresh clam chowder layered with finely chopped vegetables and maple syrup. A refined dish from the typical clam chowder.
Colorful pickled radishes added to the eye appeal of Gaspor hamsteak setting beneath pied de moutons (mushrooms) and clam dijonnaise.
And to end a beautiful dining experience, dessert compliments of Chuck were brought to the table. Pots de crème with rich chocolate, abruzzo coffee and salted caramel topped with whipped cream completed a most memorable day.
