Last week we went to Ossiano, a grand new Iberian restaurant in the southwest part of the Island of Montreal, but it felt as if we were in southwestern Europe (also known as the Iberian Peninsula). The trip is well worth it for the stellar cuisine by Chef Niko Karagiannakis and equally delish private wine imports selected by in-house expert and co-owner, Tino Teixeira.
After enjoying a cocktail at the vast bar near the entrance, we were taken to our table past the open kitchen, sweeping staircase and dazzling dinosaur-size chandelier. With a creative menu of grilled seafood and choice meats, we had difficulty narrowing down our selection, but the winners were a fennel-crusted seared tuna on a bed of black lentil caponata and the slow-cooked filet mignon served with parsnips, blue potatoes and chanterelles in a Cab-Sav reduction. Divine! Kudos go to pastry chef Hazel Paginato, the maker of the decadent chocolate dessert trio that we devoured. Aside from the fantastic meal, wine pairings and fab décor, the service is top-notch thanks to Maurice Chbat, the co-owner and former general manager of famed West Island steak house, 40 Westt.
In ancient times, Spain and Portugal may have been referred to as Iberia, but in these modern times, we call Ossiano’s Iberian cuisine oh-so delicioso! —Carrie MacPherson
Ossiano, 16977, Rte Trans-Canada, Kirkland, 514-739-4000. www.ossiano.com
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