torontrealais's Profile
Best canned, packaged or frozen soup
I second the carrot ginger soup from Pacific Foods. Their tomatoe red pepper, butternut, and broths seem lacking in flavour however, at least to me.
Imagine Organic also makes a really great chicken broth (my favourite for pre-made), for those days when you're sick and want matzo ball soup fast :)
Eastern Townships
If you happen to be in Bromont, the microbrewery Brouemont has some nice beers (tried the "Nutty Brown" most recently, tasted of hazelnuts and slightly of chocolate, though not too viscous or bitter), and amazing burgers and fries. It's quite a casual place, but my husband and I always are well-taken care of there. For a nicer meal, we've had good experiences at Auberge Le Madrigal and Les David et Goliath. Neither were write-home-about meals, but both very pleasant and competent the times we went.
For a non-food activity, Balnea spa is a main reason why we head out to Bromont, really gorgeous, and their food isn't bad at all. After 5 p.m., they have a promo right now where entry + table d'hote is $45, the latter of which comprised a soup (rhutabaga and maple when we went), a main course (we had the raviolis with some kind of cheese and cèpes - the olive oil they drizzled over it was so lovely), and a dessert wine.
Cozy Café in Montreal
A great coffee shop that's a little east of downtown is Pikolo on du Parc, just north of Sherbrooke. It is arguably the city's most beautiful (but cozy) cafe, serving beans from the Calgary roaster Phil & Seb, as well as an assortment of baked goods. It's the quality of Myriade but with sitting room, and the staff are always so nice.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pikolo-Espresso-BAR/182705645116738
Excellent Venezuelan Arepa restaurant at Dubuque and Bullion on Northeast side called Arepera
Agreed, this little place is very affordable and very delicious.
Where to find good naruto (japanese fishcake) in Montreal?
Hi everyone,
I've seen a few of the asian grocers carry fishcake, but have never seen the swirly kind (naruto - photo below). Anyone know where I can get some? With this cold weather, I'm looking forward to a big bowl of udon + fishcake!
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http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8_mINwd9Uw/TWcs2JvmlQI/AAAAAAAAI04/Eyt0kp3o1XQ/s320/NARUTOMAKII.jpeg
Restaurant Openings in 2011
Anyone been yet and can describe the menu? Nothing's available online yet, though Twitter is buzzing with positive reviews.
La Diabla
I finally dropped by this week and had one of their juices. It was called the Frutas, and was a blend of mango, strawberry, mint, and rose water, made fresh and blended with ice, from what I can tell (it took several minutes for them in the back to make it). It was delicious, and will become a regular summer drink alongside Fait Ici's lemonade or a good ol' G + T. They also have some interesting smoothies such as one with aloe, and homemade hibiscus iced tea.
Pikolo Espresso Bar
Good to know, I haven't checked out Caffe in Gamba in a while. Do you know if anyone carries Detour? It's an excellent roaster from Ontario.
Pikolo Espresso Bar
The space really is beautiful. How was it not used for a cafe or restaurant before? The high ceilings and tall windows make the small space relaxing and spacious. I had a filtre coffee yesterday and it was excellent. Glad to see more roasters being available in Montreal, and more good coffee in an area void of it.
Best Greasy Spoon in Montreal
The Green Spot is a fave amongst my neighbours in St-Henri, though I've never been and cannot vouch for how good it is. Cheap for sure though.
I don't see Nouveau Palais mentioned often on the board, but it's one of my favourite places to eat in the city. Casual diner atmosphere appealing to foodies and the non-foodie locals alike. They'll have typical greasy spoon fare such as burgers and fries, mac'n'cheese, and coleslaw. But OH will they make sure it's all very good. Something simple like macaroni and cheese will be perfectly sauced and al dente, even though it's baked (or seems to be anyway). They also house Grumman 78 for tacos past midnight on the weekends.
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Green Spot
3041 Rue Notre-Dame W, Montreal, QC H4C1N9, CA
Montreal restaurant recommendations (vegan-friendly)
I second what looosia says. There are good options for vegan meals in the city, but I'm sure you'll find that those options get old quickly, especially if you're going full out vegan for 40 days. I like going to Aux Vivres and Chuchai for inspiration to cook at home though. Vegan food can be mighty tasty!
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Aux Vivres
4631 Boul Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2T1R2, CA
toi, moi & cafe -- your opinion?
Good to know this. I've only been to the Notre Dame location and was always very disappointed.
wizardoflittlearmenia: If you're on Laurier though, you have so many other options! I recently went to La Petite Ardoise and enjoyed it very much. Service a little cold and slow, but the food great. Good portions, nice (I'm assuming french?) twists on the usual breakfast staples, e.g. buckwheat crepes with gruyere and ham.
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La Petite Ardoise (Restaurant)
222 Av Laurier W, Montreal, QC H2T2N8, CA
Restaurant Openings in 2011
A decent cafe in St-Henri? This is AMAZING news. Please tell the rest of the restaurateurs to come our way.
Looking for a not-costly, original date
Le Comptoir that recently opened up at the corner of Villeneuve and St-Laurent. Sarah Musgrave sums it up: http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/food-wine/Casual+Restos+Comptoir/3823610/story.html
It really was that good!
Taverne Square Dominion Anyone?
afjv9, that's unfortunate to hear. Eating while prepping is gross, no further comment on that. The part about it being a "no" restaurant however: I'm a waitress at a restaurant with a similar policy, and have seen management allow more accomodations to be made because of demand from clients. Try shooting them an e-mail. Especially for a place with Taverne Square's atmosphere and quality, I'm surprised they don't do more substitutes.
Food events (2010)
I went too and saw the line! That line was of Backstreet-Boys-concert proportions... I didn't end up going. But good for them, it's great to see a charitable food-centric event in Montreal.
Restaurant Openings - 2010
Anachemia: good point, how far a restaurant is makes a difference. I don`t live in the Mile End so perhaps I`m expecting more since I`ve travelled farther. That said, there are a bunch of places similar to B & M in my area and I still don`t go.
Celfie: Their menu at the St-Viateur location is unfortunately a bit more expensive. Two eggs with 1 viande (bacon, ham, sausage, salami, or beef - that was fun) was $7, then $1 extra for the coffee. Which honestly speaking is not so bad considering you leave full, but here`s the expectation thing again: I had read reviews and was expecting a cheap brekkie. And a slightly more expensive brekkie with unimpressive food was my experience. It was not bad, I was just unimpressed and wouldn`t make my way out to it again.
McKiernan-anyone been lately?
Not McKiernan`s unless your party is no bigger than 4. The restaurant is a tiny space, seating around 12. Really great food, really unhappy waiters.
Restaurant Openings - 2010
Sorry to touch a sensitive nerve there. I guess $10ish and under breakfast places often serve the same thing: eggs, meat, potatoes, fruit, bread, and coffee. Which means that depending how you like your potatoes (I like mine really crispy on the outside, soft on the inside) or bacon or bread, you'll like a different place. My bacon was soggy today at B & M and that was sad.
I prefer La Petite Ardoise down on Laurier - their potatoes are amazing, and their cafes au lait in a bowl are not only drinkable but enjoyable. That said, they have a distinct french flavour, e.g. buckwheat crepes with camembert instead of regular crepes with ____ cheese.
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La Petite Ardoise (Restaurant)
222 Av Laurier W, Montreal, QC H2T2N8, CA
Restaurant Openings - 2010
Not sure how the prices of B&M are in NDG, but I was there today at the one of St-Viateur. It wasn't bad, but I've had much better breakfasts for cheaper. I often get 2 eggs poached, baguette, bacon. It was only 8$, not bad since you`re pretty full upon leaving, but everything was so-so, and the coffee bad. The fruit was really fresh and sweet though, a nice plus.
The rest of the menu has eggs benny, omelettes, etc., with some lunch foods like pizzas and burgers. Average price $13 for a main. The decor was fresh, clean, and well-designed. The food forgettable. And none of the servers could manage to smile once. If you`re in the Mile End, I wouldn`t make a special trip to this place. So many other choices!
Restaurant Openings - 2010
I also heard the same thing. Hope the change means more Sparrow goodness.
Restaurant Openings - 2010
Restaurant Jane
1744 Notre-Dame W.
Dined solo and had a lovely time tonight. While I don't eat pizza that often nor am I an expert, this was one good pizza. Thick, rustic crust that was just crispy enough outside and chewy inside. The one I had was called the Bianco ($18), with buffalo mozarella, porcini bechamel, pesto, and truffle oil. Indulgent and great for these cold winter nights. I`d also heard about their cocktails and the Dixon Cider ($10) I tried tonight is becoming a new favourite. It was a mix of sparkling cider, ice cider, and "apple pie" puree - what I gather was homemade apple puree mixed with a bit of spice. Autumn embodied in a drink.
The atmosphere was cozy yet swank with its dark woods, the crowd ranging from twentysomethings to fiftysomethings. Staff were friendly and music okay. Great for eating alone and with a small group of friends. Highly recommend!
Fabergé: Should Be Avoided
I think this restaurant is crossed off most hounds' lists, but wanted to agree with petek: no love in the cooking. I've had meals 10x better at Cora's.
fish & chips?
I usually like belgian style fries, but the fries at Comptoir 21 are perfect for dipping and putting lots of malt vinegar one. It wasn't artisinal cider vinegar or anything, but I find that even malt is hard to find in fries-offering establishments. White vinegar, yuck.
The fish is lovely. The last time I had fish and chips in the UK was over 10 years ago, but from a taste, texture and presentation point of view, it was bang on. Decent-sized pieces of fish depending on the size you order (small basket, medium or large). Nice atmosphere for lunch, they have a communal counter similar to that at Fromago.
The guy serving us (I think he was also part of the kitchen team? You order at the counter of their open kitchen) recommended the fish burger. Okay, but the fish and chips were what shined. I hear the chowder is good!
What's the best place for breakfast in Montreal
Went to La Petite Ardoise this morning and had a great time. French bistro-type decor, brick walls, home-y accents. Friendly service, though we had to wait a bit for our meals (~20 minutes). Not revolutionary breakfast food, but very solid french favourites, e.g. crepes a sarrasin (buckwheat crepes) with gruyere and ham, not to mention excellent crispy patates risolees. Cafe au lait in a bowl was surprisingly good for a breakfast joint, and the with the price point ranging from $8 - 15 (big plates, toast, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, and orange juice included), it was just right. No waiting for a table either which is a plus!
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La Petite Ardoise (Restaurant)
222 Av Laurier W, Montreal, QC H2T2N8, CA
Restaurant Openings - 2010
So they are common... but I'm starting to think that a) if it tastes good, b) it's quality, c) you had a nice experience, a restaurant is worth it. Even if it's a cliche.
Note, my opinion is slightly biased in that I live in the area and am glad to see ANY sign of edible food in the area. There can never be too many options in lonely St-Henri/Little Burgundy.
Best pizza in MTL
AGREED! It's not "authentic Italian" - it's Montreal pizza, but oh is it good. I called in for delivery once and it was different, and I'm thinking it's only the Chez Dani on de la Motagne (versus other locations) that has the crazy-good spinach pizza?
Gluten Free in Montreal?
Was there tonight and their sandwiches were no longer available. While it wasn't a very memorable meal for me (I also made the mistake of ordering something called "chicken supreme," which should have warned me off anyway), my friend who has several food allergies loved it. The whole experience was nice, even if it was only for my friend who had the liberty to order anything on the menu.
Your best "healthy" banana bread recipe please
Hey Sebby, it`s been a few years but tonight I found myself making banana bread and realizing I only had one egg! Google brought up your recipe and it was great. I only used 2 bananas and would definitely use 3 next time, and I also added some flax, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Moist and buttery, lovely :) Thanks for sharing it!
Maison du Nord
Ah, good to know this is something to expect. Note to all: have lots of time when you check out this place!
