Fabulous Service from Laura and Great Music from DJ Christina at Bar George
I wanted to extend my sincerest thanks to the entire staff at Bar George located on 1440 Drummond Street at Le Mount Stephen in Montreal. Difficult as it may be to single out any one individual in particular, Laura, a young lady at and around the bar was essential to my very positive experience. Additionally, I am obligated to give a strong shoutout to “DJ Christina” who provided the music for the evening.
While I went over to Le Mount Stephen with the intent of taking a look at the intricate interior design and architecture no longer found in today’s cookie-cutter residences, I found myself drawn into the main seating area at Bar George by DJ Christina’s music selection.
While inside, Laura provided attentive service in a manner that was professional and courteous while also friendly and cordial. Laura explained menu options, made suggestions, engaged in polite conversation with myself and others and was quick to respond to my inquiries. She provided exceptional service over and above what normally might be expected—and more than what I have received at other locations of similar quality—particularly in view of the number of guests in the main room she appeared to be handling that evening and the number of orders she must have taken.
Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not mention DJ Christina who provided the perfect musical backdrop to the evening appropriate to both the location and the crowd. Far from randomly selecting anything that is currently “in”, DJ Christina demonstrated an intimate understanding of the clientele—playing tracks that were familiar to those in attendance amplified just enough so that people could enjoy the music and continue to engage in conversation with without having to speak directly into the ears of others or yell. The music “pyramided” up in both speed and beat to an apex appropriate for guests and musical tastes and then gradually “pyramided” down again. The foregoing kept guests entertained and created a pleasurable listening atmosphere which also allowed clients to converse.
In short, Laura and DJ Christina were essential to an enjoyable evening. When friends, colleagues and others request a recommendation regarding Montreal nightlife, I will let them know that they must...
Read moreExcellent spot to indulge in contemporary British dishes within the charming setting of a historic building.
Came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. The restaurant wasn’t too busy, so we were able to get seated at the cozy couches near the fireplace. The interior beautifully preserved the classic ambiance of a century-old mansion, while the menu offered a modern take on British cuisine with a Québécois twist. Although there was a set course menu available, we chose to order from the regular à la carte selection, as it looked more appealing.
Naturally, we began our meal with a half dozen of fresh Canadian oysters. Although similar to the briny oysters I'm used to in New England, these had a slightly creamier texture. The Hamachi Crudo followed, and these fatty hamachi slices were perfectly complemented by sweet and tangy toppings. However, our favorite from the starters was the Burrata & Sunchoke. The roasted sunchokes provided a delightful crispiness, complemented by the mild sweetness of butternut purée and the earthy tones of the greens, and each bite was rich and satisfying.
For our entrées, we chose the Linguine Vongole, Beef Brochette, and the Mushroom Confit. The Vongole didn’t have a prominent seafood aroma, but the parsley and chili-infused crusts added depth to the pasta. The Beef Brochette was somewhat plain in comparison, but the malt mayo and chips combo was quite addicting. The standout was undoubtedly the Mushroom Confit. This "cake" layered with three types of mushrooms delivered a masterful blend of umami, tanginess, and earthy flavors. The pickled Shimeji mushrooms, in particular, brought an exciting burst of flavor that enhanced the overall dish.
Although the dishes we selected lacked "British" elements, we were pleased with our overall dining experience. I highly recommend visiting for lunch or brunch—you won't be...
Read moreDuring our Montréal trip, we went to Bar George for a date night. It’s such a beautiful spot with stunning decor. When we walked through the front doors, even though we had a reservation, we still had to line up with everyone else. A lot of people were lining up for the bar section near the entrance, and there was also a wedding happening upstairs, which made things a bit busier than usual.
We were booked in the dining area, which is located in a second room past the bar. We had to wait a while before someone helped us, and the arrangement at the entrance felt a little chaotic. I can’t say the initial experience standing in line was great. However, once we got seated, the dining room itself was absolutely beautiful.
The vibe at the entrance felt more like a lively bar or party scene, while the dining area was much more refined and relaxed — an interesting contrast.
Once at our table, the service was fantastic. Our host was very attentive and gave us great food recommendations. We started with the mussels, which were fresh and delicious. My husband ordered the risotto, but when our food arrived, he was mistakenly served the gnocchi. The staff quickly caught the error and brought him the risotto, which he fully enjoyed.
I had the beef Wellington dish, and it was perfect — not a huge portion, but just the right amount, rich and full of flavor. We ended the night with a yummy dessert, though I can’t quite remember which one it was, but I remember thoroughly enjoying it.
One thing I have to add: our bill ended up being just under $500, which, to be honest, felt way too high for a casual evening out. Even though the food was good, I can’t really justify spending that much, and it definitely took away a bit from the overall experience for me. I left feeling like it just wasn’t quite...
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