Frommer's Review
No more waffling: Initiale is not only one of the capital's elite restaurants, but it holds that status among the best of the entire province. The palatial setting of tall windows, columns, and a deeply recessed ceiling sets a gracious tone, and the welcome is both cordial and correct. Subdued lighting and the muffled noise level help, too. Cast economy to the winds, choosing from prix-fixe menus of three to six courses. They are changed often, because the chef values freshness of ingredients over novelty. As an example, one dinner started with a buckwheat crepe folded around an artichoke, a round of crabmeat with a creamy purée of onions, and a flash-fried leaf of baby spinach that added a delicate crackle, all arrayed on the plate as on an artist's palette. It continued with grilled tuna supported by sweet garlic, salsify, and lemon marmalade, and a swirl of pasta with marguerite leaves. The veal is tender, young, pink beef, selected on the hoof by the chef at "Matalick's Farm." Québec cheeses are an impressive topper. This is a place to celebrate important events. Men should wear jackets; women can pull out the stops.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
