The confit and clafoutis at La Palette (Image: Andrew Brudz)
Last year, Shamez Amlani transplanted his beloved bistro from Augusta to Queen West. The new location retains the original’s ramshackle charm and brings executive chef Brook Kavanagh’s classic French fare a little closer to the downtown lunch crowd. The confit and clafoutis ($18) brings together two French favourites on one plate. The duck confit—with sweet, crispy skin and rich, tender meat that falls right off the bone—rests in a pool of pleasantly bitter almond duck jus. Alongside, there’s a slice of warm, moist clafoutis loaded with tart, chewy cherries and topped with a dollop of cool sour-cherry-and-brandy chantilly cream. The traditional dessert goes surprisingly well with the savoury duck leg. A hearty glass of Les Jamelles mourvèdre ($9) makes for a great pairing if you’re in the mood for a boozy lunch.
The cost: $46 with tax and tip
The time: 55 minutes
La Palette, 492 Queen St. W., 416-929-4900, lapalette.ca
I’m sure this dish tastes very pleasant and awesome, but there’s still room for improvement on the plating aspect… just saying…
May 9, 2011 at 10:48 am | by ndkthat picture is the worst advertisement for this restaurant. It certainly does not look at all appetizing.
May 9, 2011 at 1:08 pm | by Deb…This picture looks horrible. Why would Toronto Life allow this? Who is editing this?
May 10, 2011 at 10:17 am | by KSPresentation is a small price to pay if this lunch tastes as good as it sounds.
May 13, 2011 at 1:39 pm | by CCGI want it, right now.
I had always been a fan of La Palette but my last visit to the Queen Street location was terrible. The rudest service I have had in the longest time – both on the phone and inperson several times over the course of the meal. The food was good but not worth the abuse. Will not be back again.
May 15, 2011 at 5:24 pm | by dardar