There’s something seductive about Moroccan food… maybe
because my first experience was at a popular tourist destination in Toronto
where the so-so food is accompanied by belly dancers. Even without the
entertainment, walking into the cozy Menthe et Couscous and settling onto their
jewel toned bench, I knew I was in for a treat.
Moroccan cuisine is known for incorporating a variety of
spices aiming to meld with the food rather than overpower. Of course there’s a
ton of flavours, but nothing’s so spicy you need milk, sour that your eyes
water, etc. Rather it’s the spices combined with freshness of herbs that makes
it so tantalizing. Just walk into the dining room and the scents will coyly
play with your nose.
Normally, anything with ‘salad’ in the title is a quick dismiss,
but the description of the Tunisia mechouia
salad ($9.25) was so intriguing that I had to try it. First off, the dish
is hearty and nothing like the leafy green variety. A medley of grilled
vegetable is crushed into a thick paste - when spread onto a pita the topping
resembles a less tangy bruschetta. I was a bit taken aback with the flaked tuna
and olives topping the dish, yet the meaty tuna, peppery grilled vegetables,
and briny olives actually were delicious together. The pita was rather hard,
but also holds up against the saucy mixture so you can consume the starter
rather cleanly. 
For the less adventurous, the chicken brochettes ($19.50) are a safe choice. Essentially grilled chicken
skewers, at Menthe et Couscous they’re not overly charred and rather juicy for
white meat. The nutty tahini and
house salad combining mushrooms, cranberries, walnuts, and a pomegranate
dressing makes it different, but hardly wildly seductive.
What will get your mouth moaning is the tajine. Unfortunately, the dome covering it was taken away before I
could snap a picture, but it’s essentially a cone shaped lid that helps braise
and steam the contents – as the steam rises it’s captures in the vessel and
drips back down into the base so the flavours aren’t lost.
The resulting lamb tajine
($23.95) is similar to stew but a whole lot more flavourful and since it uses
less (if any) broth, the meat and vegetables’ natural flavours shine through. Additionally,
the vegetables still have a bite to them so aren’t mushy like stew. Served with
a large bowl of moist couscous topped with softened chick peas and cranberries,
the grains are great for spooning the tajine’s
juices onto … the gravy like sauce so good I would happily just have a bowl of
couscous and plain sauce.
Menthe et Couscous’ warm dimly lit dining room makes you
want to sit and relax after dinner. Wanting the experience to last longer, we
caved in for the baklava ($3.95 each).
I wasn’t particularly looking forward to the ultra-sweet dessert, but Menthe’s
is dry enough to hold and uses just enough honey for sweetness. The baklava was a great ending without the
heavy oiliness that normally follows the dessert.
Their green tea with mint ($2.95) is also perfect for easing
the stomach after a filling meal – after all the indulgences the aromatic
slightly bitter tea is refreshing and soothing. The restaurant certainly doesn’t
skimp on the herb (there’s an entire sprig in the teapot) and serves the tea
traditionally by pouring it highly so bubbles temporarily form and burst to
release an intoxicating aroma.
Even without the discount being offered, a meal at Menthe et
Couscous is affordable. The mains are pretty sizeable, so the two mains with a
salad were more than enough to satisfy. Additionally, they have a bring your
own wine program with no corkage fees, so you don’t mind opening another one… so
you stay just a bit longer … oh seduction.
Disclaimer: The above meal was offered at a discounted price. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will always provide an honest opinion.
How To Find Them
Location: Montreal, Canada
Address: 361 Rue Émery
Address: 361 Rue Émery
Website: http://mentheetcouscous.ca/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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