[MTL] Lunch in Wonderland – Ristorante Beatrice

Ristorante Beatrice, formerly known as Bice, is located in the Golden Square Miles where the museums are, as well as one of the areas populated with restaurants.  It offers a variety of savoury Italian dishes that are prepared with seasonal fresh ingredients. During the summer and fall, they open up the garden-style dining space, which resembles a terrace, but better.

I was invited to join the 20th anniversary media lunch, not only to celebrate this special occasion, but also to taste the restaurant’s classic dishes from the last 20 years.

Honestly, Restaurant Beatrice is probably one of the low keys fine dining restaurants in Montreal. I’ve passed by this place a lot of times, never knew the name because there isn’t any obvious signs, but could never take my eyes off from that mysterious indoor terrace when I walked by. When I stepped in, I was amazed by how charming the space is!

Started by a glass of cocktail, which I believe it’s a summer inspiration? Didn’t know the name, but there were watermelon, blueberries, and lime. I asked for one without alcohol, and it was refreshing!

While everyone was still mingling, the waiters brought out some amuse bouches, such as this arancini. It was so cheesy inside and crisp outside!

And this vegetarian gyoza… I found it a bit too oily though.

Also, the salmon tartare cone. This was my favorite! The cone was deep-fried, but not greasy, still crisp. The salmon was fresh and perfectly seasoned. The only con was that the sauce was at the very bottom of the cone, so unless you eat it in one bite, which is too much for ladies, it was hard to get all the flavors.

As soon as most of the people are seated, the waiter started to come over to take our orders. There are two choices for each appetizer and main course.

For appetizer, I chose the grilled asparagus, which was served on spoonful of porcini crèma, and topped with caramelized pears and macadamia nuts. It was a good start. The asparagus were perfectly cooked that still had the crunch. Loved the pairing with caramelized pears, which was a bit of sweet and sour.

This beef carpaccio with truffle, parmesan, and arugula was the other appetizer choice.

For main, I opted for the roasted chilean bass, served on a bed of multigrain rice and confit tomato and mushroom salsa. The fish was fork tender, while the exterior was very crisp. The fish was fresh as the flesh was firm, not mushy. However, the bottom ended up to be a bit oily.

There was also veal chop Milanese, served with arugula salad and shaved parmesan for everyone to share. I didn’t try it because i don’t eat beef, hence veal too. Apparently, it is one of their signature dishes.

For dessert, it was the soffice, which was totally different than what we were expecting. We didn’t really know what it was, so we googled it, and found something similar like sponge cake. However, it was like a chocolate fondant! Very gooey in the center, paired with house made geltao. Perfetto!

Overall, I had a great time meeting new people and talking about food in this wonderland. I really like the semi-terrace vibe. It’s a perfect restaurant for events or even weddings! Glad to be part of Beatrice’s 20th anniversary celebration with this delicious lunch! Starting June 12th,  they’ll be launching a new summer menu which brings back the most popular Beatrice dishes from the last 20 years!

eatwitheva

Ristorante Beatrice
1504 Sherbrooke O., Montreal
Tel: +1 (514) 937-6009 (Reservation recommended)
Ristorante Beatrice Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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*Disclaimer: Thanks to Alessandra of Agence PR  for the invitation to the media lunch. This meal was complimentary, however, all opinions are mine.

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