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skwongmontreal's Profile

Hadley's for big group or other brunch place

Hey we are coming in from out of town and were hoping to try Hadley's. Does anyone know how spacious the place is? we were hoping to come with a fairly large group (11 people) Is this even feasible? We were hoping for a Friday (good Friday) brunch. If not, does anyone have any other suggestions for Friday brunch for a large group?

Thanks!

recent cabane a sucre experiences?

Hello am looking for any other cabane a sucre suggestions. Have been reading some old threads. There is (naturally) a lot of discussion about the APDC cabane and les gallants and sucrerie de la montagne. Have tried APDC and S de la montagne and les gallants is not open the day I would like to go on. Was wondering if anyone has already gone to any good ones this year. Looking for one with good food not too far from the city. I just know there are tons of sugar shacks out there but just wondering if it really is only those three that deserve most of the hype? Thanks!

Damas DELICIOUS

Just wanted to say tried Damas on Parc and Fairmount yesterday and had a fabulous meal! Highlights were pretty much everything but in particular the veal tongue was PHENOMENAL! Extremely tender and flavorful unlike anything i have had before. Also the Kebbe tartar version was delicious. An honorable mention too for the Fattouch salad and the Specialty dishes. The different textures in each of the dishes was really amazing. The wait staff also seemed enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the cuisine which was great. I was surprised to find out that Kaza Maza and Damas have no relationship as I had otherwise heard. Apparently the chef at Damas used to be and KM but left and opened a new resto and needless to say the relationship is well ...non existent now. I might still need to try KM just to see.
Will definately go to Damas again! I do suggest anyone interested should try it. I have leftovers and I cannot wait to dig into them today!

HOW FAR DO I HAVE TO DRIVE FOR A CRAB HOUSE?

ive gotten some frozen lump crab meat at some fish mongers at jean talon market. good but kind of costly.

pork belly and kimchi

thanks!

pork belly and kimchi

where is jang teu?

pork belly and kimchi

cool thanks for everyone's suggestions! will definately try some of those places this week.

pork belly and kimchi

Hello
I was wondering if anyone knows of a good place to buy pork belly at Jean Talon Market. I have read about a few listings of butchers at Atwater market. But Jean Talon Market for me is a bit more accessible so I was just wondering if anyone has purchased any there.
Also does anyone know of any authentic korean groceries in montreal? Do they exist? Perhaps somewhere that makes a nice homemade kimchi and has a nice selection of banchan.
Thanks!

Best Authentic Italian in Montreal

We went to da emma once a few years ago. The food was fabulous. However we were definately not impressed with the service. I have to say we felt discriminated against, (maybe we look young or it was our race) not sure but we were definately made to feel outright uncomfortable in the restaurant by our waiter. It was too bad because like I said the food was extremely good. But for us it has to be a well rounded experience for us to return to a particular restaurant.
On another note I would like to second the recommendation for Primo e Secondo which remains one of our favorite restaurants in Montreal!

Kem CoBa – Delectable ice cream in Mile-End

Just tried it as well after a bagel pick up. It is the best soft serve I have ever had!!!! He said he changes it every two weeks I cannot wait to taste the next special. This week it is blueberry honey. Havre aux Glaces is still great but its nice to try something new like the soft serve. And you are right the service is incredibly friendly and personable which adds a nice touch. Will most likely become a regular here for the remainder of my pregnancy. Does anyone know if it is only open in the summer of it is a year round place?

DNA Nuit Blanche... FAIL!!!! BIG FAIL

I think we are going to contact them to tell them this. The waitress was very clear that there were no wine pairings that night. My friends were quite upset and asked a few times for her to clarify. And she just went on to say that they have an extensive wine list and we are free to pick from that and try a few different glasses. It was so weird. Im still confused from the experience. GARLIC BREAD? She couldn't even dress up the description. I still can't believe the Garlic bread man..

DNA Nuit Blanche... FAIL!!!! BIG FAIL

i would have loved to have a chris cosentino head to tail meal!!! i don't think he showed up saturday that is my suspicion especially since when we asked the waitress what happened she gave a very shifty response and said "i can only say that something happened this morning" it seemed very much like it was not expected. Overall it was a bad experience from the service etc. I am curious to see if anyone else ate there and how the food actually was. We ended up at Stash cafe which was good. Great considering how hungry I was and their kitchen was actually still open. It was as if i had never tasted a potato before.

DNA Nuit Blanche... FAIL!!!! BIG FAIL

So me and a few friends had a reservation at DNA at 930pm tonight. We had waited to eat until then, all looking forward to a delicious meal at one of Montreal's noted restaurants. We heard of the set menu that was "selected by the sommelier" with wine pairings. Upon arrival we weren't seated until 1015 despite our reservations. Then we were NOT seated in the restaurant rather seated at what seemed to be a plastic table with plastic chairs in the bar section. When we asked if we could get a table in the "restaurant" section the hostess said "well did you make reservations in the restaurant?".... to me that is a stupid question when you make DINNER reservations at a restaurant you are PRESUMABLY not asking to be seated in areas such as the bathroom or the kitchen or the bar frankly, especially when it was not even specified by the person taking the reservation that there are 2 areas to eat in. THEN we were informed by the waitress that "something happened" (is all she said) and that there are NO wine pairings with the set menu. We were confused and told they knew of this as of this morning. YET when someone called to confirm the reservations that afternoon they failed to mention this key change to the night's dinner. Then she asked if we wanted to keep the set menu as a "surprise"... "Surprise" as in "i don't want to tell you what it is or else you will walk out" THANK GOD we asked her to specify. It was inspired by "women in the 80's". It ended up being more like "whatever I could find in the the pantry and the back of my freezer" type of inspiration

Course 1 (YES KEY WORD IS COURSSEEEEE) = Garlic Bread .... thats right garlic bread IS THIS A COURSE!??!?!?! I kid you not.
Course 2 = Shrimp from some fancy place... cocktail sauce - translation - SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Course 3 = Blah blah blah MASHED POTATOES
Course 4 = Chicken with Fettucini in a cream sauce - translation - FETTUCINI ALFREDO
Dessert = Creme brule
And you could NOT order anything from the a la carte menu.

Needless to say we spoke with the waitress and she was incredibly apologetic and I felt like we were not the first table to walk out on her. Apparently it was the sommelier him/herself that was cooking. A sommelier does not necessarily know how to cook. They know how to pair wines but to cook is not necessarily their forte. I don't expect to be. Anyhow, the waitress was very understanding and even gave us other suggestions to eat at in old port at 11pm.

It was a very unfortunate experience. Honestly they lost me at Garlic Bread. THAT IS NOT A COURSE! I might as well have gone to Mamma's on Pins (I love mamma's) at least there you get what you expect when you go there. I was looking forward to the experience as I have heard wonderful things about DNA and me and my group generally eat well and were expecting a delicious gastronomic experience. But now even to go on a regular night I am hesitant to try it.

DNA please don't attempt this bizarre experiment again.

Good 1st date restaurant during weeknight?

You know we haven't been there in a while I hope things haven't slacked. I still see the head chef around the market (something Stabile I think) so i think he's still in the kitchen there. Hopefully we'll try it again sometime soon. Last time we were there was in 2008 same as you.

Good 1st date restaurant during weeknight?

I remember Il Piatto Della Nonna and Im glad to hear it moved and not closed. It was very good and the service was always amazing. I remember the selection being small as well. But whatever was available was great. Have a great date and if you're into italian, Primo e Secondo in little italy is great too but its quite a bit pricier so maybe for a special occasion in the future.
Keep Dominion pub in mind if you haven't been there though. Its one of me and my husband's favorite places to go!

PAPER ESPRESSO CUPS PLEEAAASSEEE HELP

Thanks for the suggestions. They all happen to be close to where we live so thats convenient. Thanks too for all the numbers will definitely be calling.

Good 1st date restaurant during weeknight?

is il piatto della nonna still open? I have a feeling it is closed unless it moved from st laurent. I could be wrong. Just maybe double check. Im really leaning towards it being closed.

I think Dominion pub is really nice. Its a classy joint without feeling snobby and the food is fantastic. The lighting is soft so its kinda romantic too. Its downtown so if you both work downtown its an easy location to meet up.
Also we had suggested Brasserie T to some friends for their first date and they really enjoyed themselves....(as a side note they are still together) It looks super chic but nothing on the menu is over 20$ and its actually pretty casual feel.

Philinos on park is great too. Same thing with the lighting thing. The food is really good but since its early on in the dating stuff maybe lay off the heavy onion and garlic dishes.

Hope this helps

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Philinos Restaurant Bar
4806 Av Du Parc, Montreal, QC H2V4E6, CA

PAPER ESPRESSO CUPS PLEEAAASSEEE HELP

Hi Im desperately searching for bulk paper espresso cups. Like the ones with the little paper handles and everything.
I have already tried ...
Costco, Bulk barn, Ares, Mayrands, Faema, Cafe Union. All with no luck
I buy a few here and there from various bakeries but i just want to get a bulk package.
Has anyone seen them around?
Thanks

Honolulu/Big Island/Kauai Trip Summary

We had a lot of help from posts on chowhound finding good casual/nice places to eat on our vacation so just returning a bit of the favor and posting our food ups and downs (mostly ups) of our trip.

Honolulu
Mitch's Sushi - Right by the airport in a nondescript factory looking area. Reservations are a must because the place is tinyyyy!!! Sushi reminded us of Japan. Great traditional sushi. Dont expect all the shmancy pancy stuff in the mainstream restaurants this place is pretty classic with emphasis on the fish and seafood simply done. Great service will totally go back!
Tenkaippin on Kapahulu - Just off the main waikiki beach area you escape all the tourists for a great bowl of saimin. The broth is super thick but really flavorful. Also served with a good garlic/chili paste. I had their #1 special with Gyoza. Noodles were great. We went early but this place apparently gets really busy so expect a wait.
Ono Hawaiian food kapahulu - Lots of talk about this place. It was very good very nice service. Next time will try things that are a bit more unique. Had like an oxtail soup in watercress broth which was amazing.

Big Island
Hilo Farmers market - I believe it is open wednesday and saturday afternoons great local fruit. The papayas were amazing!!! But i think that is true for all of hawaii. Dont be fooled by the green mangoes. They ARE ripe and they ARE sweet. Lots of rambutans. I was a bit disappointed by the mangosteens which i thought would be a lot more flavorful but were not anything to write home about.
Big Island Grill Kona - Great local food. Had our first loco moco there and Kalua pig with cabbage. Fantastic. The loco moco gravy was amazing. Tried it a few other times in other places but this place was hard to beat.
Nori's in Kona - in a non descript local plaza. Seemed to be quite the local joint again. Local favorite from what we heard. It was great. I had the oxtail soup and my husband the korean chicken sandwich. Both great. Lots of local specials here would have tried them all if we could.
Merriman's in waimea- Classy kinda place. Felt a bit out of place because we were so used to our plate lunches/dinners. But service was really nice and they had a great deal on 50% off all wines which was nice. The food was really excellent. They market to an older golf playing tourist crowd but there were still a few locals and young couples. Regardless the food was fantastic
Da Poke Shack - Kona but about 2 miles out of the tourist strip. First poke experience in hawaii and glad we came here. Had the Korean Tako poke and i was HOOKED! The ahi poke was great too. I would eat there every day if i could.

Kauai
22 North - formerly Gaylords but now much more casual atmosphere with all local products. Fantastic service by people who genuinely seemed enthusiastic about the product. Had the meatloaf and the Pork (ask for some grilled star fruit to go with it) and the pineapple pie for dessert. All amazing.
Dani's - Close to Lihue airport. Open for breakfast and lunch (closes at 1pm!) good local eats. Beef stew/Tripe stew great! Lau lau Great. It was a nice place to go to just before we hopped on our plane.
Dukes - Hmmmmm heard some good things about this place. The food was alright. Didn't care too much for the salad bar overrun by fruit flies. Maybe not so much the type of place we were looking for per se. Its in the marriot in Lihue. Huge restaurant but you STILL need reservations. Very kitchy very mainstream. Had a bit of a mass production kinda feel. Probably wont go back but good for families.
Sueoka's take out stand - Great fast plate lunches. Conveniently in Koloa (i think) not far from Poipu. Great greasy eats! Hits the spot after a beach day. Had the Teri beef and Fried chicken and my hubby had the beef stew. Both great.
Pono's Market Kapaa - Can't really see the sign from the street cause its way up but Fantastic plate lunches. Great poke and lau lau. Apparently they give marriage liscences at the table in the front of the store. Will definately go back next time we are there.

Hope this helps someone on their trip. We hope to come back to hawaii and try all the places we missed out on!

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Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740

bone marrow

that is exactly how im going to serve them. Thanks I will try that place out.

bone marrow

Hi i tried to search this but could not find any results....
I am looking for a place to buy veal bones to make some roasted bone marrow. I am from montreal and will be in toronto over the weekend. My butcher here already sold his supply for the week and I wanted to know where i could get them in toronto. I was thinking st lawrence market but I will be there saturday and im sure it will be busy so i would like to know a specific butcher i could hit up. I know that market can be very pricey too and i get the bones in montreal for next to nothing so i would prefer a place that doesn't try to rip me off. ;) if anyone has any suggestions Id really appreciate it. Thanks! .... I dont have to go to st lawrence market either but i will be there anyway. Otherwise i will be in scarberia.

Kid friendly BYOB Italian- that has pizza (that would be for the "kid")

Oops thats what i meant to say. Pizzeria Napoletana. I usually refer to it in conversation as the pizza place on Dante. Thanks for the correction.

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Pizzeria Napoletana
189 Rue Dante, Montreal, QC H2S1K1, CA

Montreal for 3 days

Um just some thoughts on some recent places we've tried...

if you are from out of town and looking for a little bit touristy (not too toursity) of a restaurant. Brasserie T in Place des Festivals (where they have the Jazz fest) was excellent. Nothing on the menu is over 20$ although you would never guess it from the atmosphere. Classy place excellent food. Even though it is in a touristy spot it is not at all gaudy or tacky. Although you can get a little glimpse of the giant fountain thingy at night outside. http://www.brasserie-t.com/index-en.php

Trois petits bouchons on st denis Close to laurier metro. Its known for their wines. Its a bit more expensive than the brasserie t place but the food is AMAZING! The staff is super enthusiastic about their food and wines. Really love this place. If you like charcuteries this is the place for you.

For breakfast/brunch there is Sparrow on St. Laurent in mile end area. Long line ups but well worth the wait.

ohohoh and Dominion pub. for supper. you would never guess the amazing place that lies inside this seeming hole in the wall south of st catherine. Food is Fabulous! Quiet place though (at least last time i went) but if you're in the area i would definately check it out

btw with all the construction going on its best to find a place to park your car for the time you are here and then just take the metro or bus to get to places.

Hope this helps.... enjoy your stay!

Kid friendly BYOB Italian- that has pizza (that would be for the "kid")

Pizzeria Dante is a fun and upbeat place in Little Italy. I recently found out its BYOW and its very casual but with amazing food. There are always families with lots of kids there on weekends. Not sure about reservations? Maybe only for larger groups. Not particularly kid oriented but great for families and the food is fantastic!!!!

Ramen/Soba/Street food pointers

Thanks for all the pointers, im getting more and more excited for the trip with all this food talk

Is Kobe beef all its cracked up to be?

I guess that answers our question! Kobe beef it is! Just out of curiousity, just HOW expensive is it?

Is Kobe beef all its cracked up to be?

Ive heard mixed opinions about Kobe beef. I am curious if it is worth spending the $$$$ on it. We will be in Kobe in about a month's time. We didn't want to spend too much on fancy meals but since we dont know the next time we will be there we are willing to try it if its worth it. We are beef lovers so were very excited for it until we heard some "its not worth it" comments from other travellers.

Ramen/Soba/Street food pointers

Thanks for the pointers una mas and ninisix. I am so excited to EAT in japan. Most of our trips are food based and this one will be nuts im sure. I have to try the IMOJIN! Do you have any ideas for Kyoto or Osaka?

Ramen/Soba/Street food pointers

I will be in Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto for 2 weeks in October. I would like to eat cheap but well. (Dont we all) But I fear I will be overwhelmed with the options out there. Any suggestions as to any secret treasures I should try in any of these cities? Also interested in farmer's markets. I plan to head to tsujiki market and ameyoko market but if there are any others i should see perhaps in kyoto, please let me know. Thanks!