In Montreal there are many bars and restaurants, but few places can boast the atmosphere found at Bar Loïc. Located amid the trendy establishments on Notre Dame street in St Henri, Loïc is a wine bar extraordinaire. The business is situated in the original bank building owned by the Molson family, the beautiful location maintains the vintage vision with the large windows and high ceilings.
The location, is spacious and roomy with tables situated along the walls, and stools around the bar. Wine barrels stand as tables for patrons who like to move about and soak up the ambiance. The kitchen offers light fare with several dishes to try or share with your near and dear. The wine list includes many unique choices and the staff is always ready with a recommendation. The second floor is host to concert venue Turbo Haüs, a great space to watch a show as the location offers the best acoustics. The space is also available for private functions.
We stared our evening with St Simon New Brunswick oysters escorted by a divine Muscadet. This accompaniment was suggested by our hostess Rebecca and it was perfect. The wine was fresh and delightful and brought out the taste in the oysters.
While waiting for our next course we dared to try one of the bar’s famous seasonal cocktails, the Rye Not. A unique combination of Xérès Fino, Suze, Rye, and and citron, the drink was sweet and delicious.
On to the next course, we were presented with the charcuterie, a sampling of salami, pickled veggies and of course bread. Additionally, we tried the beef carpaccio, perfectly prepared and covered with the most flavorful cheese it was amazing.
With our glasses now empty it was time for a new wine. The suggestion this time was an organic Beaujolais. A unique wine that could quickly become our new favorite. But what is wine without food. The deep fried brussel sprouts and the Bouchée de Muffuletta, a very tall sandwich literally stuffed with meats and cheeses and topped with a pickle and yes it tasted as good as it sounds.
No meal is ever complete without afters. Bar Loïc gives patrons only one choice, the Tarta de Santiago. Trust us when we say you do not need any other options, the Tarta de Santiago was the perfect ending to the menu. But this is a bar and we cannot leave with out one more drink. An apple cider aperitif was the ideal side to the dessert.
We had a delightful evening with the staff at Bar Loïc, and look forward to returning to sample the rest of the wine list.
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