Montreal – An Epicurean City
Posted on July 19, 2010
I love food and I love experiencing new things. I love Montreal…
Besides the fact that the city is delightful from top to bottom, has an easily navigational and accessible metro system and lets not forget the phenomenal shopping, Montreal also has a wealth of epicurean delights. So whether you are in the mood for street food or a tower of fresh seafood I have a great list of my foodie favorites for you.
The Trinity of Fine Dining: In my research for dinner spots in Montreal I kept coming across three restaurants: Restaurant Garde-Manger, Joe Beef and Au Pied De Cochon. Unable to select just one I splurged and hit all three. They were each as fantastic as my research had indicated and had very distinct personalities. Here is my take:
Restaurant Garde-Manger: A classic young, hip downtown experience. The atmosphere was big and the space was small. The people were as beautiful as the food and the service was impeccable. My favorite bite was the towering seafood sampler that overflowed with sweet raw oysters and giant clawing crab legs. By far my favorite food as a whole. Make reservations in advance as there are only two seatings each night and limited tables. You are going to want to dress up for this one.
Joe Beef: A destination in itself and full of personality and fine food. The atmosphere here was best described by a New York Times article, “It is like going to a friends house for dinner.” What more can I say? It was one of my favorite moments in Montreal and the food was out of this world. Favorite bite is again the raw oysters. Shucked out in the middle of the restaurant these sweet and petite oysters are some of the best that I have ever eaten. Reservations are necessary. Dress comfortably but make sure you look dapper.
Au Pied De Cochon: A classic French cafe setting with giant windows that open out onto the sidewalk. The atmosphere was the most European and one would swear they were in Paris. The food was wonderful but be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. My favorite bite was the foie gras poutine. It was like your favorite cashmere sweater, luxuriously decadent but simple enough to feel casual. This dish was my favorite of the entire trip. Make reservations. Press your khakis and pull out your favorite polo shirt – think dressy casual.
Street Food: If you want the best wrap in your life then head to Boustan. This Lebanese ‘hole in the wall’ serves up the best shawarma I have ever eaten. Dressed with the most garlicky hummus I have ever eaten then placed on a hot grill until it is warm and crunchy this sandwich is a must. I went for lunch there three times…
Deli: Schwartz’s is a narrow, no-frill quintessential Hebrew deli and is a Montreal icon. They serve up a smoked meat sandwich that is as delicious as the half sour pickle it comes with. Bring cash and don’t wait until you are starving because there will be a line.
First Stop For a Newcomer: The first place you are going to want to eat is La Banquise. This landmark serves up a classic poutine, Montreal’s signature comfort food. Besides serving the original version which consist of a mound of french fries sprinkled with cheese curds and drowned in gravy, La Banquise also has a two page menu packed with every possible variation you can imagine. Pull up a chair and order the classic poutine and a good Canadian beer. Once you are done you will feel right at home in Montreal for the rest of your stay.
Breakfast: Hands down, the dim sum breakfast at Maison Kam Fung in Chinatown is the way to go. Okay, maybe not for everyone but personally, I am not a big breakfast food person and when I heard that I could get Dim Sum at 9:00 in the morning I was sold. The food was great and the atmosphere was genuinely just what one would expect. Try it at least once if for nothing more than the experience.
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