We wanted something a little special for New Year's Eve. We hesitated a bit as we've had a number of blind tasting menus before - some mind-blowingly expensive and really disappointing (a literal bite a course served out of some hanging terrarium accessed by chopsticks,...etc.) We'd heard good things about Black Tartan Kitchen and thought we'd give them a try. We weren't disappointed.
We opted for the earlier 4-course tasting menu. I'm assured I can give descriptions of the courses (which I won't do adequately or entirely accurately, I'm sure) because the menu changes as of this week - I won't be giving away secrets. There was also a flight of accompanying wines if you wished to partake.
We started with a roasted carrot and clementine salad with hazelnut. Really bright and delicious - this from someone not overly fond of carrots. The wine was a crisp Pinot Blanc. The following course was a small tourtiere with dauphinoise potato and a bit of gravy. Really good, as was the Gamy that accompanied. The main was a sous vide tenderloin of bison served with roasted beet and aligot potatoes. I missed the name of the wine that came with it; pretty sure it was a Rioja - lovely nonetheless. And we finished with a Yule log with lemon sorbet and a little meringue mushroom... Really pretty and festive. It came with a glass of maple Sortilege. Hadn't had that in forever and it reminded me how much I like it.
In summary, Black Tartan Kitchen is warm and approachable but still offered an elevated meal. Nothing pretentious or just plain weird, but dishes and combinations that challenge the taste buds and imagination. It leaned heavily to local, seasonal ingredients, which impressed me. The meal was also paced really well, with enough time to really savour each course, but you weren't growing old (or starving) in between. The service was super friendly and knowledgeable but, thank goodness... they didn't preach... ( Like trying to find a recipe on a website where you have to get through a small novella which precedes it?) None of that. Friendly and informative. Not at all pretentious.
Was it pricey? Yes, but I feel I had value for the money. It was worth it. I look forward to going back again. I'll make an effort to get there seasonally and see what magic they work.
It was a memorable evening we all enjoyed it thoroughly. Delicious and interesting food, friendly people. Perfect.More
