Restaurant Jane, Part Montreal

Red Russian with Red, Green and Yellow Apples, Beets, Lemon and Vodka

Restaurant Jane, along with Liverpool House, Joe Beef, McKiernan and others have collectively helped revitalize Griffintown from a slowly decaying neighborhood to a trendy little borough just south of downtown. With metro stations Lionel-Groulx and Georges-Vanier close by, the area is accessible and is surprisingly full of sweet little cafes with terrasses out back and shops selling knick knacks, antiquities and the sort. With a seasonal cocktail list (the lavender martini served in the winter time is divine) and a menu that changes almost imperceptibly (different pizza toppings), Jane sticks with several core items that truly embody what the restaurant stands for and explores around them. Going for understated sophistication with its glossy dark wood tables and floors, high ceilings and small but spacious space, Jane exudes a relaxed atmosphere, playing the likes of Radiohead, the Black Keys and Sublime.

I had the bourbonade to start – and it is exactly what you think it is. Bourbon and lemonade served with a generous portion of ice and lemon slices. It was perfect – great for the hot windy day yesterday was. The pulpy and sweet but not-too-sweet Red Russian was something I’ve never tasted before. Made with a puree of three different kinds of apples, beets were added to “cut the sweetness” according to our waitress. It worked remarkably well, giving the drink a unique flavor and a beautiful hue.

Part II with food pictures to come!