I love when new restaurants pop up in my neighbourhood and I was particularly excited when I read about Nora Gray, a sleek new Italian restaurant on St-Jacques run by the former chef of Liverpool House. And judging by the full house on the Tuesday night when I visited, I’m not the only one. It’s clearly creating quite a buzz!
Although the food was good, the ambiance was the highlight for me that night. The space is cozy – relatively small and dimly lit with large banquettes and wood panelling - but also sexy in that brass and leather kind of way. In addition, there is a long bar where you can savour your meal while scoping out the hipsters. Oups! I meant clientele :-) If I’m not mistaken, I may have even caught a glimpse of one of the Satay Brothers – the guys who took the Atwater Market by storm this summer.
In terms of food, don’t expect a pasta joint. Nora Gray’s menu is more meat oriented and features suckling pig, rabbit as well as a few fish dishes and one vegetarian option. They only had three pasta dishes on the menu that night and I still regret not taking the mushroom cavatelli… I read it was amazing. Instead, I ordered two starters: the goat cheese and seasonal vegetables and the calamari and meatballs. Both were ok, but not dishes I would crave. The vegetarian dish that night – which is what my friend ordered – was a sort of chickpea stew in tomato sauce with kale. Again, good but didn’t knock our socks off. Nonetheless, I would definitely consider going back to try other dishes and enjoy the buzz in my hood.
You may also want check out the post (in French) about Nora Gray on the blog Clarah… Tout simplement!.
After 10 years of writing corporate speak as a communications specialist for large companies in Montreal, I’ve finally given into my self-indulgent desire to write my way and share my love for food. Writing and cooking are my creative outlets. When I do them right, they help me relax and comfort me...
Great review – thanks for it! I live in the area and even grew up here….it’s aways fun like you say checking out a new local hot spot. I can’t wait to try this one. And be hipper than hip
You’re very welcome. I saw Marie-Claude Lortie also did a review of it in La Press recently. I couldn’t have agreed more with her review. It was spot on. Don’t forget to wear your black frame glasses to ensure maximum hipness