Mini-Review: Lumiere

Since it first opened, Lumiere has had a lot of press and praise about its wonderful food. It deserves every accolade! The evening we went we managed to secure a 9 p.m. seating, late for some, but we thought it was tres European.

We were promptly seated and by the time our water arrived we had decided on what we were going to eat. It was a simple decision...one of four tasting menus offered: vegetarian, seafood, chef's menu or the "special" menu. And our whole meal was set! All the appetizer, main, cheese and dessert courses are coordinated and matched.

I had the seafood menu ($70). It consisted of 7 delightful courses all working perfectly together in the meal, yet distinctly unique. I started with a frothy celery cappucino with a lightly poached oyster which was fresh, vibrant and tasted like fresh sea air. It was followed by an Asian inspired tuna tartare--refreshing twist on a classic. Third course was pan seared scallops (one of my favourite foods!), sweet and tender, served with a light cream reduction. The "main" course was halibut topped with clams and chorizo..fabulous, flavourful combination.

I was pleased that they included a cheese course, one of my favourite courses. I was served a lovely wedge of a creamy goat cheese, counterbalanced by a fragrant citrus oil and tart chutney. Wonderful spread on thin toasts of raisin pecan bread.

As a palate cleanser, I was served a lovely scoop of carrot sorbet. I was skeptical at first, but when I ate it with the apple reduction in which it was served, the lively carrot sorbet was tamed and mellowed.

For dessert I got a voluptuous vanilla panacotta. It was rich, smooth and almost too good to share. I also got a decadent hot chocolate cake. Needless to say, it was fabulous. Now, you have to love a restaurant that serves you TWO desserts!

Roland ordered the chef's menu ($80) that combines the best of seafood and other meats and also 7 courses. Unfortunately I was so enthralled with my meal that I didn't note everything he had. I do remember tasting the ambrosial seared foie gras...rich, flavourful and coated my entire palate...bliss! I also enjoyed the lightly smoked sablefish salad.

Alternatively, if you don't want to have a full tasting menu, you can order some items a la carte. The servers will let you know which items are available. Also, for an additional $40 you can have wine to accompany each course of the tasting menus.

This is definitely my favourite restaurant...I love the casually cool setting, the professional service and of course, the beautiful food. Hmm...I'll have to think of another special occasion to go there!

Lumiere, 2551 West Broadway, 739 8185

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