As we’ve discussed in the past, Montreal’s Les Enfants Terribles was something of a disappointment to us. It had, from the outside, all the markings of a potentially great neighborhood bistro (and in this case, the neighborhood in question is mine…), but seemed to have focused way too much energy on that shiny, trendy exterior, leaving a lot to be desired in the food (though the service has always been great). Penny’s review of the place had always put me off, but what can I say? I’m a sucker for crowds (and there can be no denying the fact that Les Enfants Terribles is a crowded, popular place, most especially in the summer, when its outdoor terrace on Bernard street is jam packed).
I gave it a shot, and I was pleasantly surprised. Our chorizo corn dog appetizers were cute, tasty, fluffy and surprisingly light. We were off to a good start. For the main courses, my wife’s bavette was superbly cooked and very flavorful. She barely spoke while eating it, which is always a good sign. My rib dish, meanwhile, was truly delicious. I always hesitate ordering ribs in Montreal, as there seems to be some sort of by-law requiring estos to make sweet ribs. I like a bit of heat. Les Enfants Terribles’ ribs are also of the sweet variety, but this sweetness wasn’t overdone. It helps, of course, that the meat literally fell off the bone. Penny had called the fries “boring”, but I actually felt they were pretty tasty. True, there isn’t anything really exciting about french fries, but there’s still something to be said for a plateful of crispy, salty fries. I liked them.
The bar at Les Enfants Terribles (before the onslaught of wanna-be models and dbags)
Our original intrepid reviewer had made the point that neighborhood bistros say something about the people that live there, and if that’s true, I’m slightly worried about our area. Indeed, the main drawback for me was the crowd, as pretention and snobbery seemed to be the order of the day (a table next to us was filled with four dolled up women in their 40s. Their clothes were expensive, their faces displaying the very best in plastic surgery). No surprise then to find high prices.
All in all, Penny and I may have a difference of opinion om the food (or it can simply be a result of what we ordered), but I think we can both agree on one thing: you can find yourself a better, more down to earth meal for the same (or a much lower) price. I might get sucked back in by the terrace and the general sense that something is happening at this Bernard street bistro, but I probably won’t like myself for it.
I like food too much.