Magnifique: an amazing dinner at Auberge du Pommier

 

Auberge du Pommier in North York

Hubby and I have not been to Auberge du Pommier in North York in almost 10 years! It has been a while! But Hubby recalled that the food was excellent, so he booked a special date for us here. It was the best choice for our celebration!

Underground parking was so convenient, and we were greeted warmly by the host who took us to a nice table by a wall of wine bottles. We had a nice semblance of privacy even if we did not book a private room. I recall we were at the conservatory area when we dined here last and it seems there were some renovations.

While waiting for our orders to be taken, we got some cocktails. Or I should say, I got some cocktails while Hubby got some fresh-pressed juice. I ordered a nice La Rivière Rouge, which was made of rum, cassis, lemonade, syrup, cherry purée and apple juice. Needless to say, the evening started out very well!

La Rivière Rouge (right) @Auberge du Pommier

The warm bread did tide us over as we waited for our appetizers of Bluefin Tuna and Foie Gras. The tuna arrived first and it was nice and fresh. Giving a beautiful pop in our mouths, the tuna was minced and compressed with cucumber, dill oil and bits of sweet potato with lemon gel. However, when the foie gras arrived, O.M.G., I have got to say that this was one of the best foie gras we have had. Ever. It topped some of the amazing ones we had in Budapest. As we bit into the beautiful, seared foie gras, it just melted in our mouths. It went so perfectly well with the honey-roasted pear and pain d’épices. The bitter orange flavour of the sauce bigarade cut through the richness of the fois gras. It was just heavenly.

Foie Gras @Auberge du Pommier

Hubby had another melt in your mouth dish. The sablefish was so tender it cut like butter, and with a fork! It laid gently on a saffron fennel foam, topped with pea shoot and served with black rice.

Sablefish @Auberge du Pommier

I, on the other hand, did not need something light even after a very rich foie gras starter. So, I ordered the rib eye! I couldn’t quite finish the 10oz cut so I shared some with Hubby. The rib eye was perfect. I can still taste it with my eyes closed. It already came sliced, on a superb port jus with Ras el Hanout butter on top. So Divine. They served it with parsnip boulangère which was just ok. It also came with cauliflower croquette which was nice and crunchy outside and soft and pillowy inside. I cannot remember a more exquisite steak.

Rib Eye @Auberge du Pommier

We were already full at this point but when the server described the Soufflé du Jour, we just had to try it, even if it took 15 or so minutes to prepare. Their soufflé of the day was a Chive Soufflé which was served with crème anglaise flavoured with Goldschläger. Now, do you understand why it was irresistible? This savoury soufflé was airy and the chive flavour went really well with a hint of Goldschläger. Who knew?

Soufflé du Jour @Auberge du Pommier

We loved how the servers described each dish as they laid it on our table. It prepared us for the taste explosion that was sure to follow. Service was excellent. Be prepared, however, for leisurely dining. While we spent over 2 hours for a three course meal, it did not feel like we were waiting so long. Must be some pretty amazing company! Either way, each dish was worth waiting for. Hubby and I have to declare this as our favourite restaurant.