Here are two new Montreal restaurants and one oldie but a goodie. Sumac Sumac is the new hip kid on the St-Henri block (at least until the new Satay Brothers opens, at which time they'll probably share the "affordable gourmet" block party ribbon). It does Middle Eastern with … [Read more...] about Three Montreal Mini-Reviews: Sumac, Shinji and Renard Artisan Bistro
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Toque! Take Two
The big news from earlier this year at Toque! is that the chef de cuisine, Charles-Antoine Crete, left to open his own place. Since then, I've been wondering what's happening in the Toque! kitchen, and how the food coming out of its hallowed walls compares to what came … [Read more...] about Toque! Take Two
Pastaga: Little Italy’s Restaurant Renaissance
It's a long bus ride up St-Laurent to Pastaga Restaurant in Little Italy on a Monday night. The neighbourhood's southern tip has none of its weekend charm—no Italian shouted from doorways, no shoppers buying canned tomatoes and imported olives at Milano's, no Fifa World Cup fans … [Read more...] about Pastaga: Little Italy’s Restaurant Renaissance
Laloux: My New Favourite Montreal Bistro
In a city that does bistro well, Laloux is a whole lot more than duck confit. Bistro: well-priced, quickly-plated French food in a small neighbourhood establishment. Things are usually slow-cooked or quick seared: tender lamb shank, duck confit, steak-frites, probably some kind … [Read more...] about Laloux: My New Favourite Montreal Bistro
Montreal’s Best Terrasses 2014!
Walls of vines, fountains, fish ponds and wonderfully oppressive sunshine combined with blissful shade—Montreal is terrasse paradise. And since it seems that Montreal finally decided to warm up enough to not need a toque, all Montrealers want to do is spend brunches, long … [Read more...] about Montreal’s Best Terrasses 2014!
Exquisite La Porte Restaurant in Montreal
"Can we go to that place you sent me last time?" Designing food itineraries for friends and family travelling to Montreal is like giving a kid a firecracker—dangerous and fun. Last time my mom was in town I dropped her off at La Porte for a solo dinner I couldn't stay for, sad … [Read more...] about Exquisite La Porte Restaurant in Montreal
Montreal Oyster Throwdown: Le Club Chasse et Peche, Joe Beef, L’Orignal, Maestro SVP
Note: This has been updated from the archives. Now I would also add $1 oysters at Cartel on Fairmount and St-Urbain on Wednesdays to the mix. I believe those come with $5 glasses of prosecco. Not a bad deal if the oysters are fresh. While some oyster lovers would shake their … [Read more...] about Montreal Oyster Throwdown: Le Club Chasse et Peche, Joe Beef, L’Orignal, Maestro SVP