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Mississauga: Your NEW Hot Spot is HERE.

July 27, 2014 By Lena

My husband insisted on the title of this post. Mostly, because he’s been calling random friends, colleagues and acquaintances left and right, using this exact phrase:

“I’m down for drinks but only if we’re going to Bier Markt Square One. Dude! The Bier Markt is in ‘Sauga now! It’s the newest hot spot. Meet you in 20??”

Okay, so *maybe* he doesn’t use those exact words. And *maybe* the only reason I’m poking fun at him is because since Bier Markt opened its Mississauga location, I’ve seen less and less of him. Truthfully, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think he preferred beers from around the world, signature gastropub fare and gorgeous bar chicks over staying home and folding laundry with me. Huh.

Bier Markt Square One Friends and Family Event.Nevertheless, I shall take responsibility for his introduction to the city’s newest hot spot, as I was once again treated to Executive Chef Michael Cipollo’s culinary genius at a recent visit to the resto-pub. I want to find something I don’t love about this joint – if only to provide a complete and debatable critique – but the truth is, I can’t. Every element, from carefully orchestrated contempo-chic decor to game-day friendly outdoor televisions, simply works. Actually, it does better than just work – it elevates Bier Markt to the best option any time of day, or season, for residents west of Toronto.

At Bier Markt Square One, they have invented a new religion: Charcuterie. Unique to this location is the Chef’s Charcuterie Bar, which is tucked away in plain sight, offering guests a semi-private “chef’s table experience” while seated in the charcuterie kitchen. A market-style menu boasts the age of the salt-cured, brined and smoked delicacies, promising patrons “a delightful smorgasbord”. 

Bier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneSo what of the charcuterie platter? It is thoughtfully presented with finesse and flair. Complemented with Markt pickle jar, house mustard, preserved fruit compote and grilled bistro bread, included in the 9-meat sampler is:

12-month Prosciutto ~ Saucisson Rustique ~ Saucisson Tirolese ~ Gennaro Salumi ~ Viande Des Grisons ~ Guanciale ~ Red Chili Calabrese Salumi ~ Juniper Pancetta ~ Porter & Espresso Candied Bacon. But first, the beer pairings… Stiegl, Goose Island Honker’s Pale Ale, and perhaps a fruity drink to spare, wink.

Bier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneThe rich, salty earthiness of a good charcuterie platter cannot be denied, and Bier Markt’s offering is no exception. In truth, the candied bacon deserves its own review; should I ever have the misfortune of ordering a last meal, I will insist on a bowlful of the sticky, crispy goodness. The prosciutto, which I assumed from the get-go would be my favourite, did not disappoint – however, it was red chili calabrese salumi that had me closing my eyes with relish. The Markt pickle jar added a necessary acidic, briny balance to the rustic appetizer, and was likely the only forgettable portion of the platter.

Next, in a tribute to surf and turf, Bier Markt style, we dined on the Bouillabaisse and 72-hour short rib. The bouillabaisse, with lobster tail, PEI mussels, sea scallops, red snapper, cod, aromatic vegetables, fondant potato, braised fennel, orange saffron rouille, shellfish & Pernod broth and grilled bistro bread – exhales after saying that in one breath – was just short of perfection; in an ironic twist, the savoury stew bordered on slightly too fishy for my taste. However, as I speared the perfectly cooked scallop, pulled the lobster from its tail and pried the mussels from their shells, I can assure you I was not complaining. While I am a seafood fanatic, I am not a fish lover. Hence, that is my full disclaimer for reviewer bias.

Bier Markt Square OneBier Markt Square OneNow certainly you don’t have 72 hours to cook a short rib, so let Bier Markt do it for you. The 72-hour Leffe Brune Abbey Ale braised beef short rib is fork-tender and flaunts the “comfort food meets gastro pub” vibe perfectly. The main is complemented with heirloom baby carrots, grilled asparagus spears, roasted cauliflower purée, caramelized turnip and of course, Leffe Brune Abbey Ale demi-glace.

Bier Markt Square OneThe main dishes were artfully paired with an Erdinger Weißbräu and Leffe Brune Abbey Ale.

To finish, we once again visited the world of charcuterie – with a whimsical flair! The Dessert Charcuterie featured Milk Chocolate “Country Paté” ~ Red Velvet “Boudin Noir” ~ Chocolate “Ryebread” and Banana “Crostini” ~ Peach and Apple “Terrine” ~ Cherry and Almond “Tapenade” ~ Poached Pear ~ Strawberry and White Peach Prosciutto ~ Compressed Melon ~ Sweet Yogurt

Bier MarktAbove: the strawberry and white peach prosciutto, also known as the most tasty homemade fruit roll up ever. I took several photos of the dessert charcuterie, but the reason I will not post them here – and the reason why I’m leaving this portion of my review deliberately vague – is because I really do want you to experience it for yourself. It’s a feast for the eyes and senses, and will satisfy your sweet tooth with ease and refinement. Quite honestly one of the most posh desserts I’ve had recently – and I’ve had a lot.

So, go forth to thy watering hole, fair husband! I completely understand his fascination with Mississauga’s newest hot spot. With its seasonal patio, endless selection of fine beers, enviable Square One location and of course, formidable menu presented by Executive Chef Michael Cipollo, I confidently predict Markt domination.

Special thanks as always to Bier Markt for hosting us on date night. Want to bring the kids? Swing by the patio this summer – on weekday afternoons, even kids can control the remote for the patio television.

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: beer, Bier Markt Square One, gastropub, Mississauga, restaurant review

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Darlene Schuller

    July 28, 2014 at 1:00 am

    lmao ‘Go forth to they watering hole fair husband!”

    Oh I so wish I lived near civilization!! I would feel so spoiled to have a date night like this w/the hubby..it sure sounds like a beautiful dining experience! Thanks for sharing a very informative review!! It’s soo much nicer to read about someone’s complete experience with a brand new company/business.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:25 pm

      You are so welcome Darlene! If you’re ever visiting, please be sure to pop by!

  2. Heidi C.

    July 28, 2014 at 1:59 am

    My husband would love this place! That charcuterie platter is right up his alley!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:26 pm

      It’s right up my alley too :) We are already planning another visit!

  3. Victoria Ess

    July 28, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Those photos looks incredible! The bouillabaise looks delicious!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:26 pm

      It was so good Victoria!

  4. Melinda L.

    July 28, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Food!!! Sorry too busy drooling over here.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:26 pm

      Hahaha love it!

  5. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    July 28, 2014 at 10:55 am

    my mouth was watering looking at all that delicious food!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:28 pm

      Since I am the photographer, I’ll take that as a compliment! Though the delicious food deserves some credit too :)

  6. Anne Taylor

    July 28, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Oh my gosh, the food looks amazing! The mussels and prawns have got me craving some seafood!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:28 pm

      I am always craving seafood :)

  7. nicolthepickle

    July 28, 2014 at 11:56 am

    Oh my, this looks amazing. Once in a while I would live to live in a city just for the food.
    The bread beside the Bouillabaisse looks really nice.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      The entire meal was amazing :)

  8. Renee LeBlanc

    July 28, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Ummmm that charcuterie board looks divine. Ive been to the one in Toronto must be nice to have craft brews closer to your home! They have so many great craft beers on tap.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      So happy to hear you’ve been to their TO location! And yes, having craft beer nearby is awesome :)

  9. Amy Lovell

    July 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    Sounds great! Will def keep in mind if Im ever in mississauga

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      Please do Amy!

  10. Flora M

    July 28, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    You had me at Candied Bacon LOL ! I would go just for the food alone – it all looks so scrumptious ! I could happily eat the Bouillabaisse and 72 hour ribs, and go for that “Fruit roll-up” as part of dessert ;)
    I would need to make a day trip of it – I haven’t been to Square One for eons, so I could browse the day away and end it at the Bier Markt ;)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      That sounds like a perfect day – shopping and good food!

  11. jan

    July 28, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    It’s not even close to lunch time yet but I want this now! Love Charcuterie Bars and the beer….

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      Uh huh… I’m a huge fan!

  12. Suzie M

    July 28, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    Great place to meet wish I was close enough to do that

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      There are many locations in Ontario and Montreal!

  13. Leanne

    July 28, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    nice! love to have referrals, will check it out with my sister

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:39 pm

      Please do Leanne! The candied bacon is to die for – I’m going to try it as a poutine next time!

  14. Brandee H

    July 28, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    This sounds like a great place for my husband. He is a serious carnivore.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:40 pm

      Carnivore heaven!

  15. Yuen C

    July 28, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    Im getting hungry from all those pics!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:40 pm

      I am too :) Trying not to stare too closely!

  16. Hibbat

    July 28, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    All those dishes look delicious!! Especially the Bouillabaisse… Live mussels and shrimp so definitely need to try that! Awesome post.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks so much!

  17. JaimeeM

    July 28, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    While I would gladly eat here, I have the eerie feeling that this is a more pricey place to eat, money well spent im sure!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:41 pm

      On a scale of $ to $$$$, it’s probably a $$ or $$$… depending on how much beer you drink, of course!

  18. Athena

    July 28, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    This sounds like a great place to eat!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Please do check it out!

  19. Jenn

    July 30, 2014 at 12:49 am

    My fiance is always talking about going here.. I may make a trip!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Oh, now you have to!

  20. Heather T

    July 31, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    The mussels are always good here – I don’t know if I’ve ever had a bad meal at this restaurant!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks so much for the feedback!

  21. Stephanie LaPlante

    August 11, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Everything looks delicious. The cooked one of coarse.

    • Lena

      September 7, 2014 at 5:37 pm

      :) Glad you enjoyed!

  22. kelly young

    August 25, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    looks great i have never been but i will make a trip the food looks awesome

    • Lena

      September 7, 2014 at 5:37 pm

      Please do!

  23. kathy downey

    October 28, 2016 at 9:08 am

    These dishes are making my mouth water

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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