Thanks to Art History classes, when we hear the word “Baroque,” we don’t draw a total blank. We vaguely recall that it came after the Renaissance and before Rococo. (Caravaggio and Carracci must be turning in their graves.)
Stepping into Barroco, we immediately recognized the stylistic signposts: Ornate gold frames and opulent textures. This cozy new spot in the Old Port is all about excellence—in the kitchen, in the décor and in the wait staff. Succulent braised meats arrived on terracotta plates, steaks came out of the kitchen on wooden planks and roasted veggies ($8) arrived in a lovely pot. Savouring the beef short ribs ($14 or $22 for two people), the meat literally fell off the bone and the gravy was full of tantalizing flavours.
Dark and romantic, Barroco is a prime date spot. We sat by the fireplace and appreciated the stone walls and exposed beams. Nibbling on a roasted leg of lamb stuffed with cognac-perfumed tapenade ($18 or $26 for two), and the Basque chicken ($18), we were welcome to stay until 3am, hours after most places in the Old Port are shut up tight for the night.
Sipping our passion fruit cocktail ($12) at the bar, we couldn’t think of a better reason to brush up on our art history.
Barroco
www.barroco.ca
312 St. Paul St. W. (near St. Pierre)
514-544-5800
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