Tapas and Liège. Two words that say it all. Tapas for these irresistible dishes to share. Liège for this incredible wine list. Add to that impeccable service, intoxicating decor and good company and you have a perfect evening. Literally. 

This was not my first visit to this restaurant on the charming Maguire Street in the Sainte-Foy area. Opened a few years ago, the restaurant was an instant hit. If by tapas one imagines small simple entries, which hardly fill a hollow, that one is immediately mistaken. The tapas here is erected to the temple of elegance. 

The aperitif
While we sit down between friends, our waitress explains us the concept. They suggest us to order about 2 to 3 dishes per person and to share them. Fortunately! Because I would never have been able to resolve myself to select only one on the menu. The menu changes regularly, because I don't seem to find the same dishes as on my last visit. 

Like children in a candy store, we all look at the menu, our eyes very round. Our table is made up of real epicureans who are not on their first visit to this place either. 

The choices are made and we sip delicious cocktails while waiting. I go for the spritz while my companions opt for beautiful gin and tonics adorned with a delicate slice of fresh cucumber. I fall for my cocktail, which is as beautifully presented as it is delicious with its sweet notes stealing the show from the usual bitterness of this Italian aperitif. 

First course
We start with two lighter dishes, which we share in pairs: cod fritters and the catch of the moment, which turns out to be a tuna tataki. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a perfectly balanced seasoning and a fresh cream to balance it all, the mandate is fulfilled with flying colors. The second plate is magnificent, with its freshness and delicacy. The delicious pieces of well-seared tuna are accompanied by a fried polenta and cubes of pickled beets. A real treat!

Second service
In the second course, we went with two stronger dishes. First with the grilled octopus, an unquestionable. I still had the memory in my head (or almost in my mouth) of this dish, ordered during my last visit. But it was prepared differently. That evening, it was served with barley croquettes bound with green pea cream, black garlic gel and a sweet spiced tomato reduction. Just as sublime as I remember! On the other plate, a beef steak with potato and sweet potato rösti, king mushroom confit and braised cipolini onion awaited us. My surprise? The delicious dill cream! I was stunned by the audacious marriage with the beef, but greatly pleased by this sublime union, as I love this aromatic fresh herb. 

Simply put, everything on the plate was to die for. Each element integrated in each dish was a discovery filled with flavors. Often in restaurants, there is always one dish that you prefer more than another, but here, everything is equal. On the same line. Everything is delicious. 

And how to end this supreme evening? With hot churros, of course!

Score : 10 / 10

What impressed me the most during my visit : The refined decor

The specialty of the house : Tapas

Most expensive main meal on the menu: Grilled Octopus, $26

The least expensive main meal on the menu: Fried chicken, $10

Would I recommend this restaurant:  Yes

What time of day did I visit: Dinner

Pros: 
- Great service
- Open kitchen
- Quality of the dishes

Cons:
- Lack of parking spaces