Au Petit Extra

1690 rue Ontario Est | Metro Papineau, then a short 8 minute walk.

Once again it's a hot night. I took the un-air conditioned Metro a few stops to the Papineau station then walk about 6 long blocks to Au Petit Extra. I choose this restaurant tonight because it was one of my favorites from my last trip and always highly recommended.

The atmosphere here is very cozy and typical of a good bistro in Paris, light wood floors, a dark carved wood bart, school house lighting and chalkboard menus.

Prices range around CDN$7.50 for starters and CDN$15-23 for main courses. Each meal comes with a small appitizer soup or salad.

The starter salad is actually quite good, mixed greens, watercress and some marinated celery and tomato. This is dressed with a delicious sweet vinegrette. The sald also has a distinct basil flavor but I didn't know if it was in the greens or the dressing.

I skipped the "entree" or starter course because the meal comes with the above mentioned salad and I didn't think I needed to eat heavy. No need to make a hog of oneself.

For my main course I selcted the "Pave de Mahi-Mahi et Viniagrete au The' Vert" (CDN$23.50). Daring. I usually don't order fish. Last time I was here I had the duck, but it's so hot that it doesn't seem appetizing. I usually like mahi-mahi so I hope it will be OK!

The mahi-mahi dish was beautufully served and had jasmine rice, matchstick carrots and snow peas on the side. The dish had sort of an asian influence. The sauce it was served in was tasty but I failed to see the "the' vert" (green tea) flavor. Although I enjoyed the dish I found the fish to be slightly undercooked. I am not sure if this is how it is served or if the chef goofed. Regardless I was able to separate the pink portion.

For dessert I had a choice between Tiramisu with strawberries, creme brulee or a tarte nicoise which was like a citron tart. I picked the creme brulee (CDN$4.75).

The creme brulee is served in a small bowls (hey I have those bowls at home). The texture is thick and soft with a good vanilla taste. Probably as good as any creme brulee you'll ever get. I could eat 2.

I would give Au Petit Extra 4 hearts for good food beautifully served. For service I don't give them a very high grade because I don't think it was very personal.

If you want a table either reserve or arrive before the rush. I noticed that around 8pm people started filling the place.

One warning, there is no English menu. Beware the mystery names that may show up (Monkfish, Lamb liver, gizzards). The staff is pretty good at assisting with the French words.

Total bill CDN$39.50 (US$36), not including a starter but I did get a glass of Rose wine, coffee and dessert.

I hated their coffee. It tasted like it had been on the burner all day. maybe it was "French Roast".

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Comments

[Scarlett]

Richard, I love Au Petit Extra! We always sit at those small tables in the window, so I picture you there, enjoying the creme brulee~
Our waitress looked like Fanny Ardant and was great, I am sorry you did not get her on this visit :)
I am loving your blog, you are making me miss Montreal very much.
Looking forward to more...S

[Constance]

I love Au Petit Extra too; I eat there everytime I go to Montreal. So glad to know it's still great.

[eric]

Do you take notes and/or type while you eat?

I take notes! I don't go out to eat with a computer (yet?).

I am planning a trip to Paris in December and have enjoyed reading your reviews.

[Celeste]

Hello!
You mentioned somewhere that you once had a macaron in Montreal that was as light as a cloud. Where did you have that macaron?
I just got back from Paris and am going through Laduree withdrawal, big time. I live in Montral and the only macaron I had was roundish and crunchy and hollow. Not quite what I've been craving!
Any tips would be appreciated!
Celeste
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