Duc de Lorraine — Restaurant in Montreal

Food: 160$ for 1 person (with food allergies to citrus), 3 course meal with a cocktail.

French onion soup always hits. It was fantastic but finding stems of rosemary in the soup was kind of a surprise. 9/10

Steak and mashed potatoes was good. Steak was a tad overcooked but still juicy and tender and came pre cut. Sided with a WAY too peppery sauce, lumpy (some lumps undercooked) mashed potatoes and “caramelized” onions (in quotes because some of them were burnt, some were undercooked to be called caramelized and a bit was plain raw). I expect lumpy mash potatoes at breakfast joints and dinners, not in a what looks to be high end French bistro. Kitchen has ample room for improvement. 7/10

Opera cake for desert had a weird flavour. Classic opera cakes are made with cognac. The server told me no alcohol was used, but… eating it made me sick. I was fine for the entirety of my meal but started feeling nauseous after a few bites of the cake. I’m thinking there was grand marinier (made with oranges) in the sponge and the kitchen staff did not know the recipe used by the bakers. My waitress came back rather quick with the answer so I don’t think back of house verified the recipe…

Espresso martini was VERY vodka forward. Almost exclusively tasted of vodka. Thought it would pair well with the opera cake… it didn’t. 6/10

Service:

Except a hic at the start where I was offered lemon (I’m allergic) to go with sparkling water by another waiter, front of house was impeccable. The Maître D (charming lady) was warm and welcoming. My waitress answered questions and checked with the kitchen for my allergies. She was fantastic. 11/10 service. Paper napkins and cutlery were replaced with every course. She did a fantastic job. I tipped the way I did for her service. She did not make me feel rushed or out of place once.

Ambiance:

Has very high end French bistro vibes, dining area for dinner was in the “back” along windows covered by white semi sheer curtains. Soft ambiance music without lyrics played through the speakers. The “front” had a few tables but was mostly occupied by pastry displays. I assume that seating area was for people who came to enjoy desert. Tables were covered with white linen and paper covers and had a single stem rose as a center piece. The waiters were in crisp white long sleeve button down shirts, black bow ties, shoes, and pants, while the bussers and bar tenders were in all black. Proper waiting protocol was used. Lighting was soft without being too dark. The paintings on the walls were reminiscent of Van Goth.

Over all, good experience with some bémols. I expected better for the price tag as it’s not my first time there....

We went to this amazing French bistro after realizing that most establishments are closed for St-Jean Baptiste. We had always heard about this unique French inspired restaurant so we said “why not!”.

First off, the vibe is very “parisien” waiters in bow ties, white linens, the old time music filling the terrasse and dining hall… perfection!

As you walk in, you are greeted by the most enticing dessert display in Montreal. Thanks to their meticulous ,perfectly French execution, these sugar creations will send you on a first class ticket to France at the best pâtisserie, even from your eyes alone. Prices are steeper than most pastry shops in and around Mtl, but people that visit this place anticipate the register shock.

Once we decided on taking in the full bistro experience and sit under the white auvents, we ordered our drinks. We did brunch in style, each starting with a festive Apérol Spritz, the booziest I’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking. Some would have really appreciated the misshap…however, after a night of celebrating St-Jean, I had to ask our “garçon” to adjust the ratios in both the bf’s and mine. Once the champagne was added, the party creeping in my head went down a notch! Delish!

We opted to share plates, the sizes of the dishes around us seemed to support our choice as we weren’t famished.

First up, Tartare de thon, fresh and delicious. Perfect for a hot mid-day brunch. Nothing really to describe here, it was well seasoned, the portion was good, fish was extremely fresh, we did have to ask for additional bread. Would really order again.

Then, Burrata presented in a Caprese style salad. This was perfect as a shared plate. I was pleasantly surprised about the fragrance and ripped flavor of the tomatoes, but that would have nothing to do with Duc and more about what’s been on the shelves lately. It’s just something that’s been unfortunate to tomatoes these last few years; no taste, no juices always a gamble in texture. So I was really happy when this plate turned out to be authentic in flavors.

We did not succumb to temptation and ordered dessert but we each had an iced coffee to end our visit. But don’t fret my pets! I brought a Togo box full of viennoiseries to extend the French experience at home.

Yes the bill was high, yes it was expected. This is not an “old lady breakfast chain”, if that’s the only reason you don’t come and try this place, then you get what you pay for.

I highly recommend everyone to come and experience Le Duc de Loraine, it’s a staple in the city and you’ll quickly...

A Culinary Excursion to Duc de Lorraine: Where Every Penny Feels Like a Privilege

Stepping into Duc de Lorraine, Montreal's venerable institution of haute pâtisserie, is less a visit to a bakery and more a pilgrimage for the discerning, and abundantly wealthy, palate. One immediately senses that this isn't merely about acquiring a croissant; it's about investing in an experience. An experience, mind you, that costs roughly the same as a down payment on a small, yet charming, shed in a less fashionable part of the city.

One simply must admire the audacious pricing strategy. While lesser establishments might peddle their buttery, flaky wares at a mere pittance, Duc de Lorraine understands that true artistry commands a king's ransom. Their croissants, for example, are not simply baked; they are engineered for maximum fiscal impact. Each delicate, golden layer whispers tales of artisanal butter so exclusive, it likely moonlights as a rare gem. And the taste? Oh, the taste! It's so exquisitely subtle, so whisper-light, that you might almost convince yourself it's three times better than anything you've ever had, especially when you factor in the sheer psychological thrill of paying triple the price.

The éclairs, too, are a marvel. Dainty and perfectly piped, they embody a certain je ne sais quoi that can only be achieved when flour, eggs, and sugar conspire to form a delicate shell around a cream so ethereal, it must surely have been churned by cherubs on a cloud. And for this divine encounter, you are generously permitted to part with an amount of money that would buy you a full meal (with appetizers!) at a surprisingly respectable bistro down the street. But why settle for mere sustenance when you can achieve gastronomic enlightenment through sheer expenditure?

Indeed, every bite at Duc de Lorraine is a poignant reminder of economic privilege. As you savour your meticulously crafted pastry, you can almost hear the soft, appreciative sigh of your bank account, lighter now, but surely purified by its noble sacrifice. For those who believe that true quality is measured not in flavour, but in the delightful shock of the bill, Duc de Lorraine stands as a shimmering beacon of unadulterated luxury.

Truly, a visit here isn't just a purchase; it's a profound statement. A statement that loudly proclaims, "I can afford this, and frankly, I insist on paying more for things." Bravo, Duc de Lorraine, bravo. You've perfected the art of making pastries...