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
Restaurant Reviews
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
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
My Best Meal in a Long Time: Perch, Ottawa
I should have known. When Nancy Matsumoto puts a new restaurant in her Top 10 list, you should probably go there. That's what she did in 2022 when she ranked Perch in Ottawa as #4 on the Canada's Best New Restaurants list for enRoute magazine. So it was foolish that even after I … [Read more...] about My Best Meal in a Long Time: Perch, Ottawa
Summerlicious Toronto 2023: Where to Eat in the Last Two Days of the Summer Food Festival
There are just two more days for you to check out Summerlicious and get a god deal on what's usually a pricier meal at a Toronto restaurant. How to choose? I went a bit crazy with Summerlicious reservations this year because there was a gluten-free category and a ton of … [Read more...] about Summerlicious Toronto 2023: Where to Eat in the Last Two Days of the Summer Food Festival
Soif Wine Bar: The Hidden Gem of Gatineau in Any Season
I have a favourite place to eat in Gatineau since moving here this year. Really, it was my favourite place in Gatineau before I moved here, and it's worth the trip from Ottawa (or further) if you haven't been to Soif Wine Bar yet. What you need to know: The food … [Read more...] about Soif Wine Bar: The Hidden Gem of Gatineau in Any Season
Pichai: Excellent Thai and Natural Wine in Montreal
I'd been hearing about Pichai, a Thai restaurant on the renovated St-Hubert street, for ages. People who spend more time and money eating out than me days were saying you couldn't get Thai this good anywhere else in the city. My standards for Thai are high after a few months in … [Read more...] about Pichai: Excellent Thai and Natural Wine in Montreal