We had tried unsuccessfully for two years to get a reservation at Joe Beef, one of Montreal’s top-rated dining establishments and #2 on the Canada’s Top 100 list. Now, this said, it wasn’t like I was sitting by my tablet each month when the new reservation periods opened up. Rather, I would check fairly regularly just to see if something was available – even one or two months out. We had even decided that if something did come up, we would make a special trip just to have dinner. And this is exactly what we did – booking a hotel and making a two-hour trek to Montreal – just to experience this legendary restaurant.
You see, for me Joe Beef is to restaurants as Anthony Bourdain is to chefs – legendary, unique, and completely irreplaceable. For years it has existed only as myth – only as something to be read about in Top 100 lists or zombie apocalypse-themed cookbooks (of sorts). We did have a chance to visit sister restaurant Liverpool House in 2018 (which is excellent in it’s own right), but the mothership always remained just out of reach. So on a sunny Saturday in late February, we packed the car and our appetites and headed East.
Awesome Vibes
It has a very evident cottage feel – from the quirky decor (complete with buffalo head in the bathroom), to the garage sale utensils and antique dishes, to the eclectic song mix. It’s loud, chaotic, and sometimes mind-boggling – which is pure Joe Beef. At the heart of all this is the unique and reasonably-priced assortment of dishes based on organic, locally sourced, nose-to-tail ingredients. Where else would you expect to find tripe, veal sweetbreads, pork hocks, and cod cheeks – all co-mingling happily on the same menu?
After a browse of the regularly changing chalkboard menu and selection of a perfect glass of wine (with help from our knowledgeable server) – we went with a beautiful Italian Gavi de Gavi – we got down to business. Our first courses included a perfect assortment of fresh oysters from both coasts of Canada, croquettes de fondue Savoygarde, clams Rockfeller (my favourite dish of the night), and a very creative endive salad with apple and sunflower seeds. Each was delicious and a very nice way to start.
For our main courses we went with the roasted organic salmon with a sorrel cream and the crispy-skin duck breast with mushrooms. Both were great in their own right – if not a bit on the generous size. More than once during our meal we heard the term “it’s very rich” and we agree. If we have one important tip to extend to future diners it would be to share everything! Better yet, bring a bunch of friends and try one of everything on the menu.
To finish things off we selected the chocolate mousse which was simple, yet satisfying even after a very large meal. Paired with a bold cappuccino, the dessert delivered a great truffle flavour that was perfect for sharing.
I would safely say that Joe Beef isn’t for everyone. Heck, at times even we felt a bit lost in the organized confusion and rumbling chaos of the place. It definitely has it’s own brand and if you’re a picky eater or prefer a quiet, intimate dinner for two, you might be disappointed. So for all you foodies out there, this is definitely a place worth checking out. Just be sure to bring your appetite, drop any pretense, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
