Jea KimGoogle review • 5 months ago
Google
An experience. Everyone I spoke to said Tanière was about more than just the food. And they were right. It was the most complete dining experience I’ve had in North America. Exceptional cooking, thoughtful presentation, creative/local ingredients, warm hospitality, and a coherent story that ties everything together.
The evening began enigmatically. I entered a door code, descended into what felt like an underground vault, and arrived at a speakeasy-style lounge. After a few small bites there, I was escorted into the main dining room (the chef’s counter). With the low light, heavy wood, and intimate setup, sitting at the counter felt like gathering for a secret meeting in a medieval chamber. One of the perks of the chef’s counter was the clear view into the kitchen, and more importantly, being served directly by chef-owner Nicol for several of the main courses.
Food-wise, there wasn’t a single miss. Despite nearly 20 small bites and dishes, nothing felt repetitive in concept or flavor. I visited at a perfect time for Canadian seafood, with prime ingredients from the coasts and the St. Lawrence River like bluefin tuna and scallops.
The dry-aged bluefin tuna may have been the best seafood dish I’ve ever had. Each bite was packed with deeply concentrated umami, enhanced by bright, fruity notes of plum and blackberry. What elevated it further was the non-alcoholic pairing, which echoed one of the dish’s core flavor notes and reinforced the overall composition rather than competing with it. This approach applied through the rest of the menu. The pairings consistently mirrored a central element of each dish, which added depth without sacrificing creativity or flavor.
Dessert was also impeccable. The corn madeleine, corn cannoli, and popcorn reimagined one of Quebec’s most pedestrian crops into something playful yet refined.
Among the dozens of Michelin-starred meals I had last year, this was undoubtedly in my top three. Would definitely be back to try their other seasonal tasting menu.
