lesley_t's Profile
DNA or Kitchen Galerie
I've really enjoyed both DNA and Kitchen Galerie. Both focus on using fresh local ingredients, but I think DNA tends toward more unusual (at least to my palate) ingredients. When I went their menu had a lot of offal (the internal organs of animals you don't normally see on a menu, like pig's hearts!). But I understand that their menu changes regularly. DNA is more chic, whereas Kitchen Galerie is more cozy and rustic. I had an amazing meal at Kitchen Galerie (shrimp and fish done really well; while others at my table enjoyed the foie gras). It would likely have more options for those who aren't adventurous meat eaters. I think I'll return to Kitchen Gallerie before DNA.
ISO wine tasting /discovery course in Montreal, other than at the SAQ
L'Amicale des Sommeliers du Québec offers an intro course that's similar in price and content to the SAQ course. The course is run in various locations, so you could check with them to see if there's one near you (the one I took was near Square-Victoria metro). The only thing is that they only offer courses in French.
I also heard that there are English courses offered somewhere in Westmount, but I'm not sure where. Maybe someone else on the board has more details...
lunch places near Hotel Delta Centre-Ville
There are many options in that area. It depends on what you're looking for. For something more casual, I like Soupe Soup (good soups and sandwiches) on Wellington just off McGill, or Benjiamino's on McGill. As mentioned, Le Cartet is a great option, and it would be easier to get a table there than at Soupe Soup or Benjiamino's.
I also really like Holder and Vallier on McGill, though I've only been there for dinner. Graziella, an Italian place on McGill, has been getting great reviews from people like Lesley Chesterman, but I haven't tried it myself yet.
My favourite place for a more special meal is the three-course lunch at L'Arrivage. It's unfortunate that a previous poster had a bad experience there. I've been there several times with coworkers over the past few years and we've had consistently excellent meals and good service. They do fresh market cuisine that's very well-presented and I've always really enjoyed my food.
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Le Cartet
106 Rue McGill, Montreal, QC H2Y, CA
Soupe Cafe
2725 Rue Notre-Dame W, Montreal, QC H3J1N9, CA
