Blacktree Restaurant

Went out for dinner on Friday evening to celebrate my mother's engagement.  Decided to try out local favourite Blacktree restaurant for the first time.  Promptly seated at the time of our reservation, a huge table for the five of us, interesting decor featuring an assortment of eclectic art and a projection screen that played Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton silent films.  Enjoyed a few glasses of Prosecco with a complimentary amuse bouche of crispy rice paper, cured tuna and swordfish.  Bread was brought to the table, and a small salad of arugula and mozzarella de bufula for my girlfriend Maegan who is a celiac. Appetizers paired well with a value priced Gruner Veltliner.  Foie gras with roasted duck breast and duck proscuitto was well prepared, garnished with raspberries, broccolini and potato chips.  Sweet potato and curried green banana soup and a citrus octopus dish were enjoyed by my family.  The Barolo my soon to be father in law was after was sold out, but our server recommended a slightly more expensive Brunello as a substitution at the same price, lovely stuff.  Mains were preceded by another complementary treat, an intermezzo of what I believe was a spherification of chai tea, in a blackberry coulis.  Entrees included roast elk, beef tenderloin and a pork duo.  I opted for a seafood medley featuring perfectly seared mediterranean sea bass, jumbo prawns and a large scallop.  The seafood was highlighted with several preparations of sweet corn.  Delicious.  Dessert was offered, and the chef created an impromptu cheese plate with meringue for Maegan, a pear loaf was shared by my parents.  I stuck with a glass of Armagnac and nibbled on the nearby cheese.  The meal concluded with the temptation of more freebies, grappa or lemoncello which we declined.  The bill appeared with tasteful chilli and chocolate truffles.  Excellent bang for buck to be had here in the upper echelons of casual dining, great food, friendly service and exceptional understanding and accommodations for dietary restraints. Thanks to Chef Matteo and crew for a wonderful meal.

Blacktree Restaurant
blacktreerestaurant.com
3029 New St
Burlington