Despite sitting in simple tables that resembled cafeteria
seating, there’s something buzzy about Cadet. It could be that every table was
filled with smartly dressed patrons laughing over cocktails and shared plates. Sipping
on the overly sweet West coast spritz ($8), thanks to the liberal pour of
orangey Aperol, the trendy restaurant made me feel hip … cool even (what do the
kids say nowadays?)
With their small plates format menu there’s bound to be hit
and misses - the worst offenders the meat-based offerings. The beef tartare
($14) was flavourless and mushy; the dish certainly could use something crunchy
and zippy like chopped pickles to give it bite. The presentation could also be
improved: if it weren’t for the radish slices and snippets of chives, the bowl
of loosely cubed meat would feel like eating Alpo.
The pork shoulder ($14) was better, the meat tender and
juicy, pairing well with the mustard. Even the edamame beans were fine – adding
a bright splash of green and crunch. It was the sweet grapes and dry mealy
falafels mixed into everything that threw me off, it simply didn’t work
together.
Of all the meat dishes, the chicken wings ($12) were best,
smothered in a sweet and sour glaze with crunchy peanuts and scallions for
interest. They’re good, but hardly inventive, and rather salty so you’ll want
these served last or it’ll take away from the other dishes.
So, all the carnivore based selections were passable. It’s
all right - Montreal already has so many restaurants dedicated to beef and pork
that Cadet can focus on everything else. The broccoli ($10) was fantastic:
small roasted florets mixed with crispy pan fried speatzle and smooth tangy lebenah.
Everything from the textures and flavours worked together so nicely; even
the bits of pistachio threw in for crunch.
Incorporating a light jalapeno yogurt and sweet melons, the scallop
ceviche’s ($18) flavours were well balanced and refreshing. I liked that the
ceviche didn’t rely on the typical lime juice, which can overpower delicate
seafood and changes the scallop’s texture. In fact, the dish was closer to
sashimi than ceviche, the scallops remaining soft like silken tofu.
Soft and meaty, the cubes of octopus ($17) paired perfectly
with the earthy king oysters mushroom. Between the octopus, mushrooms and the soft
plump romano beans, this is a hearty dish that could substitute for a meat one
any day.
The crispy coating on the fried halibut ($12) was a nice
change from all the other saucy dishes. Cadet’s batter was oh so airy, filled
with tons of pockets for crunch. What a great vessel for dipping into the
creamy gherkin laced tartare sauce.
Don’t leave without trying the clams ($14) – for a table of
four you’ll need two orders as they’re that good! The light curry was fantastic,
full of Thai flavours and not too thick as to overpower the clams. I wish there
were more pieces of dried bread thrown into the dish, which soaks up the sauce.
Even better, a bowl of steamed rice … *sigh dreamily* ... that would have made
the night complete.
Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10
How To Find Them
Location: Montreal, Canada
Address: 1431 Blvd Saint-Laurent
Address: 1431 Blvd Saint-Laurent
Website: http://www.restaurantcadet.com/en/
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____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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