The Palm Court at Ritz-Carlton: much more than Afternoon Tea

The place may be called The Palm Court (or La Cour des Palmiers for our francophone readers), but don’t look for a courtyard, or palm trees, or even a camel or a desert for that matter. This “courtyard” is located in the entrance of the very chic Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Montreal, and the palm trees are rather painted on the ceiling. A luxurious setting in a décor designed by the Japanese design firm Super Potato, with plush armchairs, background music that invites you to lounge, and service that is so attentive it should be an example everywhere else.

Much more than a tea room

La Cour des Palmiers is advertised as a tea room, but it is much more than that. Of course, Afternoon Tea is very popular, and the treats prepared by pastry chef Claude Guérin also contribute to the pleasure of the experience.

There are many exclusive cocktails and mocktails. Among the former, we have a preference for La Grande Dame de la rue Sherbrooke (Belvedere vodka, Midori, ube syrup, lemon juice, lychee, Aquafaba bitters, soda). Of the latter, we indulge in the pleasure of savouring Le Palmier (non-alcoholic rum, orgeat syrup, lime juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice).

Exquisitely crafted dishes

At lunchtime, in the afternoon, and in the evening, you can also enjoy a meal at The Palm Court. You can taste particularly delicious dishes from the kitchens of Romain Valicon, executive chef of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal. For example, you can give in to the temptation of very generous sharing plates like the seared scallops with beet espuma and pear tartare, or the charcuterie board featuring surprising slices of elk sausage and caribou terrine that pair excellently with duck rillettes, chorizo, and coppa.

In the Palm Court’s menu, modestly titled “Bar Menu,” you can enjoy crispy kadaifi shrimp (fine and crunchy noodles from Turkey, often used in desserts like baklavas) with wasabi honey mayonnaise, and appreciate the skill of the chef and his team with this ballotine of poultry, creamy yellow wine sauce, Anna potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. You will also notice the delicacy of this very French chef who offers an excellent Ritz beef burger (Pacific Rock cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, tomato, lettuce, house sauce, served with fries, sweet potato fries, or salad) and an equally delicious traditional Quebec poutine (fries, cheddar cheese curds, brown gravy).

To conclude your meal here, you might succumb to the sweet delights of the aforementioned exceptional pastry chef Claude Guérin.

Bon appétit!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by The Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Last update: June 28, 2024

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