Bonaparte

Food For Thought went to a different city this past weekend as we went and visited the beautiful city of Montreal.  Rich in history and plenty of restaurants that offer a good blend of French-Canadian foods, it was definitely a must-go and a must-try.  We went with our little one and used our stroller as we went through the streets of downtown Montreal.  This evening we went to Bonaparte which is located near the old ports of Montreal in the downtown area.  It is in a smaller alley very reminiscent of a Paris street. 

Lobster Bisque

We entered Bonaparte and since we had reservations we were led straight to our table.  The interior is of an older 19th century theme. The waiters and waitresses were very courteous.  One thing to note is that this restaurant is located very close to a local theatre and we were told that it is quite busy especially before 8:00 where the evening show tends to begin. 

We order from two set menus where one was $50.00 and the other was $35.00.  Each set order had 2-3 choices for each of the appetizer, entree and dessert portion.  My wife ordered the lobster bisque, home game terrine, onion confit and condiments, duck breast with maple syrup and wild berries and symphony of home made desserts.  I ordered the prosciutto and fresh melon, beef sirloin steak with flavored butter and fresh fruit salad. 

Home game terrine, onion confit and condiments

The appetizers arrived quickly.  The lobster bisque was rich in taste however there were no lobster chunks found in the soup.  The home game terrine arrived soon afterwards.  It was the first time ever for me to try something like this.  Personally it tasted like oiled up spam for lack of a better term.  It was probably a little too thick in my mind for an appetizer.  My prosciutto and melon also arrived at the same time.  The melon was very fresh and blended very well with the prosciutto.  The prosciutto was not too salty but not bland either and was very good. 

Prosciutto and fresh melon

The entrees arrived next.  My wife loved her duck breast.  Personally I have never fallen in love with duck meat.  I had a piece and I can tell you it was very strong in taste.  I guess the best way to put it is that it’s an acquired taste. Although it did not agree with my taste buds I am sure there are others out there would say it is one of the best.  My wife says that she has had better duck breast before at another restaurant.  As for the sirloin it was a perfectly made.  The butter on top of the beef melted on the very hot plate which made it a delicious beef. 

Duck breast with maple syrup and wild berries

Beef sirloin steak with flavored butter

Finally the dessert arrived.  The fruits in the fruit salad had a mixture of melons, strawberries and blueberries and they were very fresh.  The symphony of deserts consisted of four different types of small pieces of cakes including cheesecake, chocolate cake and crème brulee.     

Symphony of home made desserts

Fruit Salad

Overall it was a great night.  On top of it is two glasses of ice tea and the total was about $120 tax and tip included.  Very courteous staff and there was paid parking one small block away.  It was good start to the evening.  Although some of these places are leary of having children especially infants in their restaurant, my little one was kept quiet and the staff did not make any mention of her and were even quite helpful in accommodating us.  Definitely worth a try if you are in the downtown Montreal area.  Overall I give it a 4.5 out of 5.  

Bonaparte   
443 rue St-Francois-Xavier
Restaurant Bonaparte, Montreal, QC H2Y 2T1
(514) 844-4368