An exciting
menu and with music to match
by Nancy Snipper
 |
| Chef Natalia Machado |
Chef Natalia Machado
is Argentina New York for over twelve years, which resulted in a big
beyond-the border buzz – so much so that Montreal
“Give me great
ingredients and great food comes out of it,” says this talented chef whose ease
and confidence is as refreshing as her philosophy: “I use simple ingredients,
fresh produce and seasoning, slow cook them in a certain way to bring them back
to life.”
I had the great
pleasure to enjoy several of her dishes while soaking up the incredible
atmosphere that is totally exciting and warm. The interior is like a prism of
space-age elegance with atrium glass wall curves, marble counters, leather
chairs a stone fireplace, super cool ceiling lighting with sensuous-shaped
bulbs hanging from cork and steel round bases, and floor to ceiling glass which brought before
you the beauty of Old Montreal.
I have to admit the fun evening was enhanced
by the live music of Drum Addiction -
a unique ensemble of talents who will be playing on weekends so, do check them
out. The group features singer, Leticia Manfil and DJ - Pablo Guadalupe.
Both
are drummers, but at L’Atelier they are going for the smooth international
style. Leticia’s voice is a mix of Sade (whom she sung), Roberta Flack (whom
she also sung), and Alicia Keys. She’s stunning to watch and hugs anyone in
sight. Pablo spinned out eclectic easy-on-the nerves- music that included tango
electric vibes, the Bossa nova beats of Gilberto Gil, and the crooning voice of
American jazz vocalist, Kevin Mahogany. On keyboard was Ignacio Villaverde who
just happens to be married to ‘la Preciosa Natalia’. If music be the food of
love, play on!
My companion and I
ordered a six-course meal that started with three different appetizers. I fell
head over heels in love with the buñelo de espinaca – spinach and fontina
cheese fritters with roasted garlic mustard. The soft texture and taste were
heavenly.
Then sitting on a long white plate I spied a series of mini empanadas;
each offered a different filling: first,
there was cheese, then came a corn goodie; another tasty delight consisted of
hand carved beef with spring onion and smoked paprika; and finally, smoked ham
with bacon and provolone ended my affair with empanadas.
The tatin de tomates
which featured fresh beef tomato, mozzarella, black olive, and basil oil was
not my favourite, but my companion adored it. Maybe it was that big juicy
tomato sitting sensually over a perfectly shaped roundel of cheese that excited
his taste buds.
For the main course,
he ordered the brotola – roasted garlic hake with purple potatoes and bell
pepper escabeche. It was so tender and juicy (I had a piece). Did I mention
that colour seems to really dazzle the senses too, as each plate served to us
featured a great dish with colour being in the presentation from green to white
to red and now purple. It was a sensuous feed indeed. While my companion was
feasting on eh fish, I was yumming it up over my incredibly perfect grilled rib
eye steak. I dipped it in the two sauces on the side: chimichurri and salsa
corolla. Wow! That chimichurri is to Argentina
We ended our feast
with the dessert: pamquques - dulce de leche with a delicate small oozing
caramel and cooked banana.
It must be mentioned
that the sommelier, Alexandre Rioux paired every one of our dishes with wines
that from the first sip thrilled us: I adored the 2011 Chardonnay, Vida
Organica from Mendoza
(west of Buenos Aires bordering Chili). It was so light and perfect, as was the
2012 Fabre Montmayou made from Torrontes, the most popular white grape grown in
Argentina San Juan Greece
If you think that
Argentine food is about roasting meat in the campo, you seriously need to go to
L’Atelier d’Argentine. The whole evening was a sensual dream that transported
me to the country itself. Make your reservation by calling (514) 2873362. The
location is 355 Marguerite-d’Youville, Vieux-Montreal. The website is www.atelierargentine.com
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