Blink and you’ll miss it. Montrachet is a modest little restaurant just up the hill from the Paddo Tavern. It’s tucked behind some dark roller blinds on the sidewalk and not particularly well signed. Who cares? This exquisitely French establishment was not put on this earth to attract the passing traffic – it’s a destination venue for French cuisine aficionados. Ooh la la.
The setting and ambience at Montrachet is stereotypically French (in a good way), from the red cushion lounge seats and high back chairs at the Comptoir (counter) to the warm yellow lighting and dusty wine bottles lining the walls.
Thierry Galicet is the owner and head chef. At the beginning of our meal, he made a visit to our table to show off his extensive range of self-imported French reds and whites. We selected a Sancerre (one of MM’s favourites) plus a couple of Grand Cru…quite fancy. It will hurt your back pocket but tantalise your palate.
Our table of seven all chose entrees, mains and desserts as the menu made it impossible to pass up the experience. As Les Entrees arrived at our table the rich aroma was mouth watering. Among the choices were duck foie gras served with fresh fruit compote and toasted baguette, homemade potato gnocchi with tiger prawns and fresh porcini, double baked soufflé with onions and Gouda cheese finished with a light chive sauce.
Plats Principaux at our table comprised of poisson du jour, steak with frites and my personal favourite, the bouillabaisse – reef fish, scallops, fresh green prawns and scored cuttlefish served in a rich seafood broth with aioli and garlic French toast. There wasn’t a dry mouth at our table, as once again the aroma of the cuisine that was brought to the table tickled our senses silly. Needless to say, we all adored the flavours Thierry put together and the wine he recommended complimented our food to perfection.
The wait staff were impeccably dressed with just enough attitude to create some light banter and cheekiness, whilst delivering a totally professional service. The service was prompt but not too in-your-face. There was a suitable period between service of entrees and mains, adequate for more swilling of wine glasses as we critiqued our collection of precious French white.
If you appreciate fine dining and don’t mind paying that little bit extra for the pleasure, Montrachet is a must. The menu is actually reasonably priced; it’s the wine that will sting you more than anything. The service is impeccable and to me, that speaks volumes about how the business is run. As I mentioned before, it’s a destination venue and I suspect many would travel from the outskirts of Brisbane to sample this fine French fair.
- Montrachet, 244 Given Tce, Paddington, 4064 +61 7 3367 0030
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