Le Old Mill 1849

The property, atmosphere, and farm tour were all a lot of fun, and the staff were lovely. I was really looking forward to trying espace Old Mill, but the food was a major letdown. I understand the menu has to follow whatever ingredients are available, yet many plates felt like mismatched ingredients without enough variety in texture or anything to bring them together. The squash course became a slog through what felt like half-baked squash. The porc wasn't tender, and the endive alongside it was incredibly tough to cut and chew. I won't even get into the parsnip dessert. The portions were very small too. I love the idea behind the restaurant, but the food just wasn't at the level I'd expect from a top-flight place.

The meal had so much potential: delicious food and a beautiful setting. But the servings, especially the meat, were tiny, and the waits between courses were painfully long. We were two girls who finished each small plate right away, then sat waiting for the next one. After spending the day visiting small towns outside Montreal, dinner seemed to drag on forever. We had a 5:30 pm reservation and still barely got to a casse croûte before it closed at 9 pm. By the middle of the meal, we'd already decided we needed to stop for food on the way home. I honestly can't see how a grown man could leave full. The picture I attached shows the beef and tomatoes, just a very thin slice. Could they really not have served a little more? Those two problems took away a lot of the magic.

The food is incredible, and the garden feels like a real part of the meal rather than a gimmick. Nearly everything is made in house, even details like the spices in a sausage made by a local producer from their own garden. The drinks follow the same local approach, with fortified wines and spirits, plenty of natural wines, and regional partners throughout. The embroidered linens and beautiful napkins show the same care as the food. Around 40 seats, so book early. They're closed in January until February 14, and you should book your Valentine's dinner now. This is a must, and a regional gem with great value for the price. The place has a warm atmosphere and real soul, with furniture that showcases local craftsmanship. You can feel how coherent and intentional it is with La Cecil House and Growers Co. The team is genuine and strong, and the leadership is present without being heavy. Everyone feels equal. I met two chefs and several service leads, and the energy and conversations were amazing. Their pride and cohesion come through. The local focus is as intense as anything I've seen in Quebec, and that's exactly what makes it special.

Even the winter and early spring ingredients that might sound dull to some were turned into something remarkable. Who knew celery could make such an amazing desert? This was a wonderful farm-to-table feast, with a real feel for flavor and some artistic risks. The ingredients were genuinely seasonal and hyper local, and it was one of the best, most inspired meals we've had this year. The wine pairing fit beautifully and rounded out the mix of flavors. From the people in the greenhouse to the chefs, knowledgeable servers, and sommeliers, the whole team made the experience feel warm, welcoming, and real. It's only an hour from our home in Vermont, and the lovely drive through Quebec wine country is well worth it.