Just Opened: Nora Gray

It is our greatest pleasure to announce yet another restaurant opening in Montreal. Griffentown has gotten itself a new neighbourhood hot spot (or shall we say a watering and feeding hole) that will no doubt attract the coolness factor of young professionals who live in the area as well as foodies from all over.

Specializing in authentic Southern Italian cuisine, the owner trilogy consisting of Ryan Gray, Emma Cardarelli (pictured above) – both coming from years of experience at Liverpool House and Joe Beef – and Lisa McConnell – who not only comes with restaurant experience but also an interior design background which translates more than well into the hotness factor of the restaurant’s décor – is a mean team ready to take the Montreal food world by storm.

Emma Cardarelli has brought her experience as the chef at Liverpool House, as well as her Southern Italian roots with her and has put together a delicious menu that will keep you coming back for more (and more and more). The Nora in “Nora Gray” is after her grandmother, and her food pays tribute to her grandmother’s Italian roots. Some notable menu items include the meatball and calamari appetizer, a succulent suckling pig (so good!), as well as the amazing fungi cavatelli – we suggest you do not go for a meal at Nora Gray without at least ordering a half order for the table to share.

What takes Nora Gray to the next level is that not only does the food rock, but the vibe is just as hot, and this is thanks to Lisa’s talent and vision. This cozy 45-seat restaurant harbours a Mad Men type of style with white marble floors and wood paneled walls. Black and white photography lines the periphery, and the sleek wood bar brings it all together. Find Ryan behind the bar doing what he does best, schmoozing with the clientele, mixing drinks, and talking about their impressive Italian wine list.

Nora Gray is a restaurant you will keep on going back to simply because the food is awesome, the atmospher is cool, and the people who go there are as notable as they come. Good people and good food, that’s Nora Gray. Nora Gray Restaurant, 1391 St. Jacques West, 514-419-6672.

Image from the Montreal Gazette, September 18th, 2010.