THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES XO Restaurant

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES XO Restaurant Restaurant Review:

XO Restaurant offers elegant dining at Hôtel Le St-James, one of Montréal's most prestigious addresses. The décor is reminiscent of a bygone era when this area was the financial hub. The interior is nineteenth century inspired---adorned with an eclectic collection of world art. Executive chef Michele Mercuri offers six- and nine-course tasting menus with dishes such as braised oxtail risotto with cocoa nib, carrot air, truffle jelly, egg, cauliflower spuma and bacon emulsion and baby pork with leg confit, matsusake mushrooms and Hubbard squash. The Salon XO presents guests with a more casual option for à la carte dining and cocktails. Dishes range from a St-James burger with brioche and caramelized onions, bacon and Quebec cheddar to Imperial caviar paired with a half bottle of chilled vodka. We also recommend the fresh Florida shrimp and princess scallops. The beef tartare is a misstep, served with an overpowering veal tongue and strong marinade. The chef’s creative bent comes with risk. The cod arrived in unfolding layers that included black trumpet mushrooms. But the single, rich piece of ravioli that accompanied it just didn’t fit. The chef seems to be competing with the grandness of the space, attempting to create beautiful dishes to accompany the décor.