The Moose Is Back

The Pitch

Tonight we were invited to celebrate L'Orignal's reboot following a hiatus of a few months during which it welcomed a new chef and an update to its interior.  Our earlier visits to this (husband-wife-brother-in-law)-run restaurant mostly involved late-night drinking, so this would be our first full-on dining experience.

tagged:  MEDIA EVENT

The Food

The principals behind L'Orignal (former Garde-Manger partners) did very well for themselves in hiring chef Omar Zabuair, a Joe Beef "alumnus", to helm their kitchen.  So what was on the menu?  La belle province, quite literally.  The seven-course feast we were treated to showcased the owners' and chef's support for Quebec farmers.

The evening started off with Prosecco and Île de la Madeleine (QC) oysters sampled at the bar before guests were seated for the feature presentation.  Chef Omar's team dished out a slew of decadent, "gourmet lumberjack" creations that impressed everyone at our table.

Starter

Starter

Soufflé cuit deux fois

"creamed corn, chanterelles, Lirode mimolette"

Starter

Starter

Fruits de mer, Pommes de terre au four

"warm potted lobster, smoked trout, mussels escabèche, hot oysters"

Starter

Starter

Ricotta Gnudi

"Société Orignal, homemade ricotta, spinach butter"

Main

Main

Rouleau de chou au porc

"Gaspor pork"

Main

Main

Osso bucco de bison

"Terre de Bison, bone marrow pilaf, kohlrabi curry"

Dessert

Dessert

"Buckle aux bleuets"

"Sirop St. Leon"

tagged:  NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED

The Verdict

With a combined CV listing both Garde-Manger and Joe Beef, L'Orignal's front and back house have basically created an under-the-radar cross between both hotspots, with a hip "after hours" bar scene reminiscent of the former and food that evokes the latter.  Diners are bound to enjoy the rich, comforting food and cozy "nouveau chalet" feel, especially with the premature cold front settling in.