Montreal design at La Coupole
Not to be mistaken for the grand Montmarte brasserie of the same name; the dome of the French Academie and even a Nazi-era missile bunker: Montreal’s version of La Coupole is the sleek signature restaurant of the downtown Hotel Le Crystal. The hotel itself has an elegant-contemporary look with a touch of exuberance of design. Its Swarovski crystal chandelier and oversized seats contrast the tailored look of La Coupole, where detail is measured and elegance prized more than amusement.
La Coupole has its own chandelier. The restaurant is either reached through the hotel, or a non-obtrusive street-front entryway that leads to hardwood floors and a heavy-set aluminum rimmed staircase. A small alcove with a high sofa is upholstered in caramel brown tints, and decorated with contemporary paintings. A molded round ceiling sets the stage for the crystal chandelier. A bar off to the side welcomes sleepless hotel guests for cocktails, although the large flat-screen TV is annoying for those intent on seeping in the more romantic ambiance with its alabaster candle-holders on each table.
White drapes hang around the room, back-lit by aqua blue taints. The two-floor restaurant is supplemented by a vast wooden patio which serves as the venue for many cocktails or receptions – particularly for post-event parties at the popular Bell Center entertainment complex. Above the patio is a cigar-lounge, and a small VIP room seating twelve is also a unique detail.
The main cuisine is something of a high-brow French brasserie fare. We set the stage with Chrystal clear Sangria with lechie juice, peach snaps, strawberry and blackberry. The foie gras trilogy with its reduction of Porto was tasty, but doesn’t quite compete with that which is served at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth’s Beaver Club. The beef Carpaccio that followed was piquant and left a bitter after-taste. The saving grace was the catch of the day. The white tuna served on caramelized beats flavored with honey, white wine while and fennel orange was beautifully served and delicious. The oranges, white onions, green watercress and mauve beets made for a beautiful plate – and a great finale.
Telephone: [514] 373 2300
Address: 1325 boul. Rene Levesque Ouest
City, Province: , Quebec
Web:
Hours: Daily 6:30am – 1:00am
-
ARestaurant La Coupole
