The luxurious launch at Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie on June 26 was a fantastic way to celebrate the start of the workweek! The modern French-styled bistro nestled in the quaint Distillery District at 35 Tank House Lane looks subtle from the outside.
Though, once I stepped inside, I was captivated by Cluny’s extravagant, neo-Parisian décor. Guests were greeted at the entrance with a flute of Piper champagne, which of course is always a way to kick off a party in trés chic style!
The Cluny menu was created by Executive Chef Paul Benallick whose extensive 20-year run of leading the finest kitchens set the bar high - both in the presentation and on the pallet with his modern take on French cuisine.
Here are the top five reasons you should make Cluny a top-choice whether entertaining family, guests or clients for a stunningly and sophisticated meal.
1. CLUNY’S COCKTAILS
Cluny’s selection of cocktails replicates the simple, refine elegance of any Parisian lounge. For starters, I sampled their French Martini, which includes Skyy Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice – a tropical twist to an elegant drink. This paired magnificently with the Roasted Duck Poutine and Qualicome bay scallop crudo. Next is Cluny’s Guillotine made with Maker’s Mark, Liqueur de Noisette, gingembre, citrus, and frothy egg white. I sipped on this while sharing another small plate of Ginger-chili fried frog’s legs and Papillion noir Roquefort. Oh yum, indeed. Finally, I tasted the 2011 Jean Phillippe Janoueix “Le Sacre”. Its velvet smooth and berry-licious flavour lingered on my tongue for a little while, while later a well-bodied Bordeaux was paired with a Veal Meatball “Tomahawk”.
2. CLUNY’S SMALL PLATES
The modern and chic set up of the bistro creates a warm and welcoming vibe for guests to be in a sharing mood. Small plates are served on exquisitely fine, monogrammed plates atop crisp, striped linen. Ginger-Chili Fried Frog Legs was tantalizingly tasty (and yes, it did taste a little bit like chicken). The pickled celery provided a nice crunch and the sweet taste of the lean limbs were lightly breaded. The accompanied Vietnamese dipping sauce gave a satisfying zing and texture to complete the dish.
Now here is a Canadian favourite with an exotic twist! Cluny’s Roasted Duck Poutine was by far my favourite small plate of the evening. Patriotism aside, the plump duck-fat-fried chips were drooling with duck gravy and crowned with melted Etorki cheese and a sunny side up duck egg. The golden goodness of the yoke that hugged the plate stole the show for me.
Instead of going to the local pub for Tuesday wing night, elevate your palate with Cluny’s “Buffalo fried” sweetbreads. Juicy, plump and moist, this distant cousin to chicken wings paired well with the smoked blue cheese dip and included a finishing touch of crispy yellow and orange heirloom carrot sticks.
3. CLUNY’S LARGE PLATES
But if you have a large party with you (or actually don’t feel liking sharing) Cluny’s “large plate” menu entices those with more substantial appetite. The Veal Meatball “Tomahawk” reminded me of what an upscale meatloaf would taste like, which I would want to have leftovers of the next day and the day after! The veal’s flavour and texture married with the succulent juices of the tomato, and was complimented by the pillowy cheese-filled Parisian gnocchi that melted in my mouth. Delicious!
4. CLUNY’S RAW BAR AND SEAFOOD BAR
Cluny’s raw bar counter offers tartars, ceviches and fresh oysters and seafood delivered daily. The proof is in the bay scallop, Cluny’s Qualicom bay scallop crudo to be exact! Accompanied with watermelon, chili, peanuts, cilantro, the bay scallops were translucently pink, moist and tender. The contrast of nuts provided a hint of sweetness but was nicely offset by the fresh cilantro.
Tuna is by far my favourite staple go-to seafood but Cluny took it up a notch with its Tuna Tartar Niçoise. Served with side crisp bread chips, the tartar was enhanced by a luscious egg, crunchy French beans, and the salty white anchovy and Niçoise olives.
5. CLUNY’S DESSERTS
Cluny’s delectable desserts are made on site in the Cluny Boulangerie and Patisserie. I knew there would be something special in store to cap off this fanciful French cuisine journey.
The artistically appealing Bittersweet chocolate truffle bar felt like I was strolling in the amusement park on a summer’s day. The homemade cotton candy floated atop a small brick-shaped chocolate truffle bar with a neighbouring marshmallow and raspberry sorbet. The truffle bar had a soft supple texture, and was dipped generously into the vanilla crème anglaise.
Finally, the Passion Fruit Soufflé was a warmly baked welcome to end the evening. The sweet, citrusy and creamy texture of vanilla crème anglaise topped with Pistachio financier, was a perfect treat to end the evening on a high note.
Cluny guests didn’t leave empty-handed. In true sophisticated styles, and as an edible parting gift, I received a sleek dark brown gift bar holding a mini Chinese takeaway box inside. Cluny’s “Macarons-go-Go” were beautiful to the eye, and were just as tantalizing on the palate.
Cluny’s playful and avant-garde culinary creations made the whole dining experience fanciful and flavourful. The extravagant elegance and eating experience is certainly the raison d'être to choose Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie as your next French cuisine escape in the heart of the Distillery District.
Disclaimer: The preceding event was complimentary, however, as always, all opinions are genuine.
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