Bouillon Bilk

Foodie

3 Reviews

4.5

Bouillon Bilk is an unexpected modern take on a neighbourhood fusion bistro, located in a nondescript retail space on The Main just north of the Quartier des Spectacles. Although located between Place des Arts & the trendy part of Saint-Laurent where the beautiful people hang out, this stretch is, well, let's be honest - seedy. You'll quickly forget any notion of a romantic after dinner walk & quickly head to your car, lock the doors & drive off. However, if you can put up with the location, you will be rewarded with a wonderful dining experience.

The decor is clean & modern, with solid wood tables & real cloth napkins. (It's unfortunate there are no tablecloths as the menu prices certainly would justify them. Hmmmmm...must be part of that green movement where you pay the same but get less because it's better for the environment). Service is reasonably prompt, although we would have appreciated having some bread to munch on a little sooner. As well, our waiter was a little too interested in the goings on of neighbouring tables while mechanically listing the day's specials. A little more focus on his clients (us) would have been warranted. We'll nonetheless excuse the staff, as the place was absolutely packed on the Friday evening we visited.

The menu features a limited choice of appetizers, mains & desserts - about six in each category - plus a few daily specials. Most dishes are what I would call Continental Fusion, a combination of the best ingredients from European & Asian cuisines. We tasted about half the menu & no one was disappointed. The tagliatelle with rabbit were exquisite, the scallops were tender & succulent & the guinea fowl with vegetables was heavenly. The wine list is ridiculously long (over 100 selections - all private importations we were told) & has something for everyone & every budget.

We measured the noise level at an average of 78-80 db with an audiometer during our meal on a very busy evening - which is on the high side of comfortable. One notch lower would have been perfect. This is not the place for a romantic dinner date, but rather for foursomes or sixsomes. Parking is available on the street. The bathrooms are clean & modern. Bouillon Bilk is a little pricey, but you will taste original dishes that are attentively prepared.

Foodie

5 Reviews

5.0

I remember noticing the restaurant while walking by soon after it opened. I was charmed by the high tables they had by the windows warm wood & cool metal. The décor in general was very much to my taste - simple but sophisticated, unpretentious.

We were a small party (seated at the window table that caught my attention in the first place) & were immediately seated & brought menus. We were greeted with a smile & service continues to be excellent throughout the evening.

The menu is small but rather complex, the print version doesn't do the selection justice at all. Our server explained in detail the preparation, cooking methods, ingredients (& their origins when relevant) & seemed very knowledgeable.

Most of us decided on the scallops as our main, save for one who had the beef short ribs.

I was hesitant about the maple when he mentioned it...I love maple but when it comes to seafood, I find most chefs don't get the flavour balance right & the delicate seafood itself is overwhelmed. I'd heard consistently good things about this place though & I really wanted those scallops so I went with it.

The scallops were excellent. Perfectly cooked, flavourful, tender, seared to a crisp finish on one side, served with zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, hazelnut butter...there was maple involved somewhere...& I think there was watercress on the plate too. I can't remember what else.

Though I didn't try it, the beef ribs (sous vide with a bbq glaze ) received a rave review. The lobster that accompanied it was apparently rubbery though.

A special of the day entrée, seared foie gras (with apple compote I think?) was beyond delicious.

The cheese plate was quite good also though I felt there could have been more of a variety of textures. All Quebec cheese. I shared the 5-choice plate with a friend which was a good idea...I think it is best suited to 2 people (at least). The other desserts looked delicious too.

Portion sizes are not large. Just the right size to be satisfied after 3 courses.

I don't have a very sophisticated palate when it comes to wine so I selected a muscadet which I typically enjoy. The server helped with the selection of a couple of other wines though & seemed to be knowledgeable. They seem to have a good selection.

All in all it was a lovely meal (as is evidenced by my overly long review) & we're looking forward to returning. I will also at some point try their lunch (new menu every 2 weeks).