Located at Given Terrace in Paddington, Montrachet is considered to be one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane. In early 2015, Thierry and Carol Galichet sold Montrachet to Shannon Kellam and Clare Wallace, who now runs the place.
Although the change of management has been met with some apprehension when it turned hands due concerns that the appeal of what has become an icon in Brisbane will be lost, the new owners soon proved naysayers wrong. Not only have they kept the core values of the Brisbane icon intact, with just a little tweaks on the menu, the interior, and the food preparation, Montrachet has been reborn in a familiar, yet distinctively upscaled way.
Montrachet, aside from having impeccable French food, is also acclaimed for its outstanding service. And indeed, Chef Kellam has made sure that the excellent service continues.
Regulars at the restaurant will still see some familiar faces among the Paddington staff and several familiar dishes on the menu. The food, already excellent, has also been transformed. Plating and presentation is now more ornate, leaning towards fancy, and tres jolis.
The interior of the Montrachet has been styled to evoke a Parisian bistro atmosphere, complete with a red leather banquet running the entire length of the room, a black marbled bar overlooking the kitchen, and a restaurant oozing with glitz and glam.
Other interior details include French antiques, metal pastis signs and gilt framed mirrors that complete the French ambience. Large frosted windows envelop the place in luxurious intimacy.
The menu still contains old favourites such as the streak frites, cheese shuffle, and garlicky buttery snails. There are also new dishes on the menu such as the confit of duck and the pork cheek on potato galette.
On Friday nights, the restaurant holds a five-course degustation featuring creative dishes by the kitchen brigade, pumped with seasonal and regional flavours to satisfy one’s palate.
Don’t be intimidated by the totally French wine list. There are wines selections for every budget and their sommelier will only be too happy to help you make a selection.
Bon appetit!
Photo credit: Montrachet / Facebook