JedZ's Profile
West Island Best Kept Secrets
I have tried both Abou Abed and Baraka Grillade now. I will give a slight advantage to Abou Abed - simply because the sandwiches are a bit tastier, and a bit more inexpensive.
But I have to give props to Baraka Grillade for:
- a decent decor (Abou Abed has none)...
- lots of enthusiasm. These guys are selling an excellent product with commitment and enthusiasm. You do not leave without them asking how you liked your food. (At Abou Abed...not so much!)
Peche & Peche
I remember when PechePeche served from the market display. What a great place to eat! And amazing chowder...
The decline of the Marche de l'Ouest is sad. It had such potential.
Even Yannick Fromagerie seems to have closed (maybe now it`s reopened).
BYOW in Le Plateau for 10 people
I have out of town visitors who want to try a BYOW - but we need a place that could accommodate 10 persons. My favorites; Petit Plateau and La Colombe are a bit too small. Any other recs?
Montreal -Where can i find pure coconut water without any sugar at a good price?
I just bought a 12 pack of ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water, (14 ounce each) at Costco Pointe-Claire. The box was $18.
I found the taste...interesting ;)
I won't give up on it...gotta get thru 11 more bottles!
Delibee's
I eat regularly at DeliBee (I live in Valois). Virtually everything on the menu is homemade. (The potato salad is awesome). It's a totally family run business - when they go on vacation - it closes.
The smoked meat is FAR superior to Chenoy's - these days there's no comparison. I too frequented Chenoy's after nights at The Maples Inn. Often wondered how I could eat so much at 3:00 am!?
While it's true there is no liquor license, you can eat DeliBee food next door at the Mayfair Tavern - Phil owns both establishments and there has always been a pass-thru for food.
Joe Beef - Gift Certificate
Soupkitten - your comment about 'read the cookbook'...are you referring to the way McMillan spoke to David Chang (he said "Who the f*ck are you")?
Or are you referring to Meredith Erikson's mention that management let her tell customers "Maybe this restaurant's not for you"? Not exactly a warm welcome. Ya...I read the cookbook. I'll say it again - no class.
And snackhappy is right - this is not the same as a Groupon coupon...the JB gift cert policy deviates from other high-end restaurants.
Incidentally, this IS the proper forum to debate a gift certificate policy for a restaurant that The Montreal Gazette's gourmet food critic said was one of the best of 2011. And I will accept any reasonable explanation for this policy - so far I haven't heard one.
But let's kill this debate - Joe Beef CAN do what ever they want...but that cavalier attitude wears thin quickly in a town like Montreal.
Joe Beef - Gift Certificate
porker - Joe Beef will not give any of that $200 back in cash. Nor will they give me a gift certificate for a smaller amount if my meal does not total => $200. That I know for certain. I need to spend => $200 (not including tax/tip) to use the full amount on the gift certificate.
That probably won't be too difficult at Joe Beef - a bottle of wine alone will be $75.
The issue is also about the certificate "gift giver" - that person says to you "here is a certificate for a wonderful meal, but YOU have to shell out for you tax and tip". In my case the gift giver apologetically added some cash to the gift. That was the only way she could truly pay for a meal at Joe Beef.
Joe Beef's policy is tacky, selfish and classless.
Joe Beef - Gift Certificate
I think you're right eat2much...and that's what Rev Quebec is saying.
Joe Beef - Gift Certificate
kpzoo - That's interesting. Revenue Quebec clearly states that the gift card can cover the tax.
Joe Beef - Gift Certificate
I was fortunate enough to receive a wonderful gift over Christmas - the latest Joe Beef cookbook and a $200 Gift Certificate to the restaurant. But the gift cert has some hand written text on it that strikes me as very odd..."non-refundable, tax and gratuities not included".
Well the gift giver called back Joe Beef for an explanation on 'tax and gratuities not included'. She was told that is their policy - you must pay by other means to cover these items!? Irregardless of the amount of the certificate ($600-$800?) you will be asked to pay separately for tax and tip.
I have purchased restaurant gift certificates before and never seen that sort of policy. I can't understand why they would do this.
Keilpasa: Where to buy quality sausage?
I like:
Charcuterie Patisserie Warta
16043 Boul De Pierrefonds
Pierrefonds, QC H9H 3X6
(514) 624-6228
Best foie gras dish
I am always amazed at the foie gras poêlé served at La Colombe.
A quote from LC:
"For a special occasion, I'd wholeheartedly recommend the hot foie gras. It will add $22 to your bill, but the portion is the most generous I have ever seen, and the combination of honey sauce and gingerbread served with this crisp-exteriored and pudding-centred liver is scrumptious."
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/Fine+Dining+Colombe/5561757/story.html
Best Resturants
If you go to P'tit Plateau try the cassoulet. It's the best in the city.
This is an old report on the restaurant, but most items are still on the menu:
http://thisisgonnabegood.blogspot.com/2007/12/le-ptit-plateau-montreal.html
Recent sightings of Masia el Altet olive oil and Lan Chi chili paste?
Looks like Lan Chi is out of stock.
Mmmm...must be good!
http://www.lanchifoods.com/Products.htm
"Temporarily Out of Stock
More Coming Soon"
Jean-Talon Market Area - 2011
Fans of Jean-Talon Market may want to check out a new book on the market. It's by Gazette writer Susan Semenak.
Soul of the market: A narrative and recipe tour of Jean Talon Market
http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Soul+market+narrative+recipe+tour+Jean+Talon+Market/5464867/story.html
Best prices for an espresso machine?
I bought my Silvia for $629.95 CAD at www.zcafe.ca. (free shipping and paid only GST)
It was on special because the box was slightly damaged. I was a bit apprehensive, but the unit was in perfect shape; unused and brand new.
If you really want to splurge you can get the Silvia special edition in red!
Best prices for an espresso machine?
I would add Union Coffee as a place to visit. http://www.cafe-union.com/
I didn't buy at Union, but there are plenty of machines to check out.
I purchased this combination from www.zcafe.ca:
Rancilio Silvia Pro V3 + Rocky doserless grinder
I can't say enough good things about Rancilio equipment.
Any suggestions for the West Island?
I concur. Amazing sandwich for $4.00. I bought some of their Shish Taouk and cooked it at home. Delicious.
Rotisserie Laurier
From Montreal Gazette:
Gordon Ramsay's Laurier BBQ shuts for fixup
The Gazette March 2, 2011 12:23 PM
Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Gordon+Ramsay+Laurier+shuts+fixup/4371983/story.html#ixzz1FT6ss0vx
MONTREAL - Rumors are swirling that the imminent closure of Laurier BBQ for a re-furbishing and re-branding will mean the end of jobs for all employees.
A consultant working with the new owners of the Laurier Ave. eatery informs The Gazette that the restaurant will be closing on April 17 for an overhaul and a change of name and management, but that jobs are not at risk for the 48 employees.
Any suggestions for the West Island?
Just tried the Char Kway Teow (#16). I agree with you guys, delicious and HUGE. I ordered what they call 'small' ($8.95 +tx). Just beware - they close at 6:00 pm on some nights. She was nice enough to cook for me even though I showed up just after 6:00.
Next time: Satay Soup.
Le Ptit Plateau
I have to get there before spring!. That's when the chef takes cassoulet off the menu...
Jack Astor's
The West Island is plagued by Jack Astor type eateries. I just can't figure out why there aren't better places to eat.
Leonidas chocolates at Costco!!!!!!!!!
Costco Online does not have the same deal;
1 kg = $79.99
The in-store deal is:
1.12 kg = $16.99
Leonidas chocolates at Costco!!!!!!!!!
I saw the same Leonidas boxes at Costco Pointe-Claire last week. I went yesterday and they were all gone. D'oh!
Looking for really good Chinese food near Club Soda (tonight).
I am off to see KT Tunstall at Club Soda tonight and am trying to decide between Bon Blé Riz and Deer Garden. I've not been to either. Deer Garden is BYOW, so that's a bonus.
Anyone want to weigh in? LaColombe or LeQuartier General?
Shopgirl - I can only comment on La Colombe (never having been to Le Quartier General). I think La Colombe rates as one of the top 4-5 BYOWs in the city. There are plenty of reviews on this board. Expect beef/deer/lamb and bring a bottle of red that suits a meat centric meal. And if you like fois gras you have to order the poele - best fois gras deal in Montreal! See if you can reserve the corner table by the window...
West Island Best Kept Secrets
I drove to Bombay Choupati yesterday only to find it closed. A sign on the door announces they are re-opening June 22. I know they usually go to India in the winter for 6 weeks, but this closing is unexpected. I need my butter chicken and Masala dosa!
Best cheese?
Costco Pointe-Claire was selling Cendrillon on the weekend - 2 bars for $9.99.
