Maestro S.V.P

Description:

• Smaller and more relaxed than many of the other restaurants packed in the 2 blocks of The Main north of Sherbrooke, the highlight of this storefront bistro is its oysters. A typical night features 14 varieties from the Atlantic (New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia) and Pacific (British Columbia, Japan), and Maestro claims it has the biggest selection 12 months a year of any city resto. The staff is happy to describe the differences and help you pick a few varieties to taste-test; the PEI Raspberry Point, for instance, is particularly salty when contrasted with the smooth and creamy BC Kusshi. Who knew? A wall of fame of signed oyster shells includes ones held by both the mayor of Montréal and scary guy Marilyn Manson. Mains course options, if you need them, include grilled shrimp with a fennel-and-spinach purée and Madagascar scallops, and the "Maestro Platter," an extravagant medley of clams, mussels, calamari, a half lobster, and king crab. There's a tapas menu weekdays until 5pm and Tuesday and Wednesday nights with 30 items under C$10 (US$8.70/£4.30).

• © Frommer's 2013