by Heidi Craig
Le Quartier General might just be my new favorite high-end BYOW restaurant (a title previously held by O’Thym, in the Village, also worth a visit). An airy new restaurant in the eastern Plateau, I was charmed by their convivial wait staff, minimalist decor and open kitchen, which allowed me to watch the chefs work their magic. Le QC’s menu constantly changes, to spotlight the best and freshest ingredients from local producers.

We opted for the very-worthwhile table d’hote, which tacks on an extra $12 to the price of your main ($23-28), and includes an entree and dessert. (Entrees are $9 and desserts are in the $6-9 range if you order them separately.) As an entree, I had the crab cakes, two delicate pucks in a bed of red pepper, while the others at my table enjoyed their curried scallops and deer tartar.

For mains, all of which come with soup or salad, while tempted by the Standstead rabbit, I went instead for the waiter-recommended halibut, and was glad I did. In fact, I thought my main was the best of the night, although the sirloin steak was unbelievably tender and tasty.  

Desserts didn’t disappoint either; spoons were hurriedly crisscrossing the table to get a taste of the creme brulee, cheese cake and chocolate mousse before someone else gobbled them up. A return visit is definitely in the cards.  

My only complaint: only two seatings are offered, one at 6pm (which I find a little early) and one at 9pm (which I find a little late). Because one our dining companions was a bit (ahem, an hour) late, we had to rush to finish our food before the 9 o’clock shift moved in. Not really le GQ’s fault, of course, but go for the later seating if you want to linger.  

Le Quartier General – 1251 Gilford
Call 514.658.1839 or email resto@leqg.ca for reservations. BYOW.
http://lequartiergeneral.ca/