In a quaint little city outside of Toronto I experienced one of the most amazing meals I’ve ever had.
Blacktree’s chef Matteo Paonessa creates a new and masterful menu every month. His foods are as eclectic as the surroundings – but unexpected flavor combinations create some of the most delicious fare imagineable.
Chef Paonessa pooh poohed one of the most commonly touted cardinal rules for business success – location, location, location. Situated in a dated strip plaza in a pocket of shops that can’t be seen from the parking lot sits this small and delightfully quirky hideaway.
I began with the goat cheese pastry with tamarillo and dark olive jello appetizer (F). The goat cheese melted in my mouth and the flavors were complimented so beautifully by the zestiness of the tamarillo and the sweet & nutty flavors of the jelly. Michael had the special for the day, a composed salad with a theme of mushrooms (D+E), which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Our appetizers were followed by a wonderful surprise – freshly baked bread with an assortment of butter-based spreads all selected to match our entree selections. We enjoyed green tea and carmelized onion butter. And just when we thought we had enjoyed one piece of bread too many, we were presented with a palette cleansing ice cream (so sorry, but I can’t recall the flavor…it was, however, delicious…and succeeded in preparing our stomachs for more delights).
Our next course was unbelievably better than the last. I ordered the coconut meringue encrusted lamb with potato wall, beets and bubbles (B) – so poignantly identified by our waiter with a laser pointer. I have to admit that I had no idea what this would taste like – coconut meringue with lamb? It was one of the most incredible culinary masterpieces I’ve experienced. This was not to be outdone by our friend’s hazelnut crusted veal with a large apricot ravioli, rosemary and bubbles (A) and Michael’s fish special (C).
Totally satiated, we were unable to order a dessert – but I wish we could have made room for their chocolate ginger pancake or their butternut squash tartin.
After our meal, the chef came out to greet us and ended up sitting with us and sharing stories of sipping Grappa in Italy – we actually ended up tasting a few different versions so he could school us on the nuances of this nasal-clearing drink.
I can’t stress enough – if you’re in the area, make time to visit this hidden gem. It will not disappoint. And, if looking for creative culinary inspiration, check out their website and take a look at their monthly menu!