Where do I start? The dictionary defines ‘Foxy’ as being ‘sexually attractive’. While this relatively new addition to trendy restaurant row in Griffintown may not be strictly defined in this way it definitely does a very good job of seducimg us with its food and ambiance.
Foxy, a new venture from the owners of the critically acclaimed Olive et Gourmando in Old Montreal. actually gets its name from one of the owner’s dogs and bears no relation to the ‘hunted’ variety.
Foxy definitely stands alone in Griffintown……In a good way!
It’s not a large space, but it reeks of a sleek and seductive ambiance heavy on dark stained woods and subdued lighting. Its main features are a restaurant long sit up bar and its open kitchen centered around a dramatic and blazing open fire pit on which all its dishes in various ways are prepared.
The menu at Foxy is also small, but don’t let that deter you. The food, at least all the dishes we sampled, were, all in one word, ‘awesome’ and bore the obvious mark of very high quality ingredients and a talented and superior preparation. Each dish bore a seductive smoky flavor, a comforting smell that also delicately perfumed the entire restaurant.
The menu consists of six or eight appetizers including a couple of signature artisinal adorned flat breads, six main dishes featuring beef, lamb, ribs, chicken and fresh fish and a selection of four tantalizing side dishes.
Service at Foxy is top notch: friendly, knowledgeable and very professional, with a member of their staff always nearby to call on.
We started the evening with a Half Dozen Oysters ($23) and their Winter Slaw with Pulled Duck ($16).
The oysters: three Kumamoto and three Wellfleet oysters arrived beautifully arranged on crushed ice topped bucket. Accompanying the oysters were two vinaigrette based sauces and some freshly grated horseradish and lemon…Freshness at its best!
Our other starter of winter slaw was a creamy and delicious mix of shredded cabbages, parmesan cheese, roasted cauliflower florets, assorted baby greens and crispy pieces of fire roasted duck attractively arranged atop a creamy cauliflower puree. A rich dish, but a great way to start the meal…Absolutely sublime!
From the interesting choice of main dishes we chose the Hangar Steak with Grilled Endive Salad ($35) and the Roasted BBQ Chicken ($28) and a side order of Grilled Greens with Lemon ($8).
The hangar steak, cooked perfectly to the required medium rare, (any further cooking of this cut of meat can sometimes lead to an unsavory toughness). The Foxy version was probably one of the best I have ever tasted, perfectly cooked and ‘meltingly’ tender. The richness of the steak was perfectly offset by the smoky bitterness of the grilled endive salad.
My roast chicken, a whole chicken served cut in half, was I believe more akin to a poussin given its size. It too was cooked to perfection over their fire: wonderfully moist inside and sporting a superbly crisped skin elevating roast chicken to giddy heights. I’m not exactly what was in the sauce served on the side, but its umami effect was seductive, I lapped up every drop! Our side order of grilled greens drizzled with fresh lemon juice was also deliciously redolent of the smoke and grilled flavors.
We accompanied our meal with a bottle of light and fruity Cote du Rhone, Le Clos de Caillou ($55)
To end this memorable meal we chose their Chocolate Tart with Grilled Bananas and Peanut Garnished Ice Cream ($12). A wonderful sweet ending to a fabulous and dare I say very ‘Foxy’ meal.
Foxy’s food, service and ambiance has definitely seduced me and laid the ground work for a quick return to sample more of their young chef’s specialties.
Our meal came to $225 (including two cocktails, wine and taxes.)
1638 Notre Dame West (Corner Guy St)
Tel: 514 925-7007
Mon – Sun: 5pm – 11pm
info@foxy.restaurant
www.foxy.restaurant
Some images courtesy of The Gazette
