European Fare is not exactly novel in the continental city that is glorious Montreal. At the same time, though Monty is arguably more authentically 'of the continent' than any other city in North America, 'European' restaurants often suffer from little American impurities seeping through the cracks. But Jerome Ferrer, Patrice de Felice, Ludovic Delonca, Cyril Duport and Magali Viard, all owners of Montreal's latest Euro-output, Andiamo, have made it their Modus Operandi to guard the restaurant against any kind of culinary miscegenation.

Andiamo is a Mediterranean restaurant to the core. Capitalizing on the popular seafood extravaganza proffered up at neighbouring Beaver Hall, one of Jerome Ferrer's other restaurants. Because Jerome Ferrer is originally from the south of France with Catalan roots, Andiamo imports fish specifically from the Mediterranean region. The seafood-based cuisine is kept simple, fresh and light, cooked using olive oil exclusively - without creamy, often flavor-tampering ingredients like butter or cream.

The design of the space – which is meant to convey a Mediterranean seaside eatery – is unfortunately a bit kitschy with its harbor-side mural, checked tablecloths and faux storm shudders. The feel of Andiamo - a kind of a tourist's notion of the Mediterranean - ironically conflicts with the staunchly assembled local's menu.

That being said, Andiamo is definitely a 'food speaks for itself' kind of place and if it fails as a business it is likely owed to the Montrealer's craving for a scene over a truly authentic European meal. – E.H

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