I'd been meaning to try the tapas at Bo Dégât for years. While I've never been to Spain, I went with an expert for the insider's opinion. We agreed, everything was rich and flavourful in the best ways. The wine by the glass and the vermouths were a treat. The service was … [Read more...] about MTL à Table: Spanish Tapas at Bo Dégât
Mtl à Table 2025: BYOB at Les Cabotins
I used to get asked a lot what the best Apportez votre vin restaurant (BYOB) in Montreal was and I'd wrinkle my nose and keep quiet, but now I have a better, less snooty answer: Les Cabotins in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is definitely a fun one with good value for money. Les … [Read more...] about Mtl à Table 2025: BYOB at Les Cabotins
Gluten-Free Feast at Shabu Shabu Kagayaki
I can't stop raving about Shabu Shabu Kagayaki, an easy-to-miss Japanese hotpot restaurant in Montreal's Chinatown. I don't even eat beef or pork, the meats that are specially sliced for the nabumono preparation, and I still loved it. It was even better during the MTL à Table … [Read more...] about Gluten-Free Feast at Shabu Shabu Kagayaki
A Friend to Make Soup With (Plus Soup Recipes)
I'm lying in bed at 5 a.m. on a Friday morning, unable to get back to sleep, with a day of looming ahead of me, and I realize that, since moving to Gatineau from Montreal 3 years ago, I haven't made a friend to make soup with this Sunday. The thing is, I have no Sunday plans. … [Read more...] about A Friend to Make Soup With (Plus Soup Recipes)
Vin Mon Lapin
The restaurant Vin Mon Lapin is on every foodie's radar in Montreal. People come from across the country and the US to try it. It's won a ton of awards for both its food and wine program. And I have a huge amount of respect for sommelier Vanya Filipovic and chef Marc-Olivier … [Read more...] about Vin Mon Lapin
Summer of Eating: Best Meals in Ottawa, Montreal and Squamish
I always say I don't eat out much these days, but I guess that's just compared to the amount that I used to eat out in Montreal when I was doing more food writing (often). My general rule is that I'll occasionally spend more on a high-quality meal that I can't make for myself, … [Read more...] about Summer of Eating: Best Meals in Ottawa, Montreal and Squamish
Gluten-Free Michelin Star Food from Nadia Sammut at Montréal en Lumière 2025
Michelin-Star and "Gluten-Free" are not words that often go together. Sure, a Michelin Star restaurant has enough skill in the kitchen to adapt a meal for a gluten-free diner, but a naturally GF-friendly meal? Rare. So when I read that Michelin-Starred French gluten-free chef … [Read more...] about Gluten-Free Michelin Star Food from Nadia Sammut at Montréal en Lumière 2025
South Africa: What We Ate
The best way to start a conversation in South Africa may be to ask someone how they braii (South African outdoor grilling, but don't call it barbecue). Everyone has an opinion on how to position the wood and/or charcoal and the grate, what type(s) of firestarters to use (liquid … [Read more...] about South Africa: What We Ate
South Africa: On Safari at Kruger National Park
We haven’t even entered Kruger National Park and we’ve already seen three elephants behind the fence at the Crocodile Bridge gate. Just five minutes past the entry, we spot giraffes in the distance, followed by heaps (not the official name…) of impalas, a type of antelope with … [Read more...] about South Africa: On Safari at Kruger National Park
The Story of a Not-So-Spicy Mustard
You see that this mustard from Löwensenf clearly says "EXTRA HOT", right? I don't know what happened to this mustard, but it certain was not extra hot. It wasn't even hot. Which may or may not be the mustard's fault. I bought this mustard expecting that nose-tingling, … [Read more...] about The Story of a Not-So-Spicy Mustard