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Canada’s Best New Restaurants 20061 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | CBNR Mission Statement & Index | Home  Photo by Louise Savoie 06. PINTXO 256, rue Roy E., Montréal, 514-844-0222, pintxo.ca You thought tapas were tiny? The single-bite creations from Spain’s Basque region at this unassuming Plateau restaurant are so small, they almost preclude sharing. (Or is that just an excuse because they’re so good?) Incredibly, three of us tried every pintxo on the menu, with wine, for around $200. The clever, mainly Spanish list offers some unfamiliar choices at excellent prices. The Lilliputian portions are in inverse proportion to the big flavours. Tender calamari and sweet caramelized onions perch on a wee tile; piquillo peppers burst with shredded crab; grilled sardine meets roasted pepper relish topped with black volcanic salt; smoky chorizo pairs with crispy boudin noir. Full plates are also offered, but bring a big appetite for these tiny, decadent inventions.  Photo by Edward Pond 07. HARVEST 106 Bridge St., Picton, Ont., 613-476-6763, harvestrestaurant.ca Michael Potters was one pioneer plowing into the rich soil and artisanal products of Prince Edward County with Milford Bistro in 2004. (Toronto chef Jamie Kennedy is a gentleman farmer neighbour.) Potters’ new space, with burgundy and chocolate accents and tables glistening with stemware, is comfortable and tasteful – much like its “county cuisine” concept. A duck rillette appetizer floats a pellucid layer of dark, gelatinous consommé, sensibly accompanied by grainy mustard, reconstituted cherries and a delicious celery and walnut salad. A local pinot noir from Carmela Estates complements it, just as a strawberry shortcake dripping with cream is enhanced by a glass of County Cider Ice Cider. At Harvest, Potters is defining the culinary style and standards of what could be this country’s next great food and wine region. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | CBNR Mission Statement & Index | Home |
