[Review] Brama Trattoria Moderna with TMG

on 9 August, 2013 at 16:57

We had the pleasure of wrapping up July 2013 with the “BRAMA” edition of the Tournée Mixo-Gastronomique. The hotspot in Little Italy was bustling Wednesday July 31st as it hosted Montreal’s most unique monthly culinary experience brought to you by Productions Keven Dextradeur. Tournée Mixo-Gastronomique convenes monthly and proposes a menu which brings together Lawrence Picard’s mixology creations and specially formulated food pairings. For the event Courvoisier VSOP was the libation of choice and was the base for our Aperitivo.

The evening took off to the taste of Polpette di Bologna (described and confirmed as among the best in town) veal, pork and mortadella meatballs served in Brama’s homemade tomato sauce. Alfie, Brama’s owner tempted us twice with the recipe but must have been teasing because usually secrets so good are seldom told. The meatballs were juicy through and through and the fresh Brama tomato sauce was a thing of beauty with its balanced acidity. Our drink pairing for the first course the Aperitivo di Courvoisier, a concoction of Courvoisier VSOP, Courvoisier Rosé reduction and Oregano topped with bitters.

Next up a delicate white and black Cavatelli served with calamari, cherry tomatoes, fresh basilico with a little chilli zing. The Punch Italiano caught us off guard, served in a large wine glass, Courvoisier VSOP, roasted tomato juice, seltzer, fresh lemon and believe it or not balsamic vinegar gave this drink a nice kick that emphasized the taste of the fresh pasta.

Finally Brama confirmed its culinary strength rolling out the Ling Cod main served with local asparagus, radish and capers on a bed of potatoes and brown butter. Cooked to perfection the Cod was flaky and light and lent itself harmoniously to the NERA 75 Courvoisier VSOP, fresh lemon, soda and dry ink extract; Lawrence Picard’s final pairing creation of the evening.

Special mention for the refreshing orange and grapefruit granite accompanied by “chocolate salami” a nice sweet touch to cap off the evening.
The tournée mixo-gastronomique is a circuit that must be discovered as a unique opportunity to sample the finest food pairing concept Montreal has to offer. This feature would be incomplete without some more about the Venue. Brama has rapidly risen to the top of the slew of new restaurants opening their doors in Montreal in the last couple of years. Brama Trattoria Moderna is all about love as the heart in its logo suggests. We heart Brama’s expertise, attention to detail and overall quality of product and service. As co-owners Alfie and Guy let us in their world, we were impressed with their no nonsense attitude, care for their customer’s needs and creative approach to tradition. Whether you are in the mood for a tasty Italian meal with someone special or looking to book a group of up to 45 in one of Brama’s private rooms, the boys have what you need and want nothing more than to make you feel taken care of. Note to all readers; make sure to hit up Alfie for the secret meatball recipe.