There are so many restaurants that I could review in Montreal, but I only have a couple of days for this trip. (Nor it would be my last visit.)
For this trip, my priority is to socialize, catch up with a good friend and not worry about the menu diversity, the plating, our server's demeanour...just eat, drink and chat. I think I have arranged the perfect mix.
Wondering how I select restaurants?
Usually, I rely on Opentable.com since I have been a member for many years and I am used to the platform and mobile app. It allows me to search by city and narrow it down by neighbourhood or by distance from my current location. I can see reviews and how other diners categorized the restaurants - casual, great for families, date night, for foodies. I can see a preview of the menu, photos that diners submitted and then make my reservation immediately by connecting with the restaurant's own reservation system. One click and it's done.
I receive an email confirmation that also be imported into my calendar and if I need to change my reservation time (or even day), I can do so at any moment from the website or my mobile app.
All of that convenience AND I get points that accumulate towards future dining at any restaurant registered with Opentable. What a bonus!
For this trip, however, I was looking for something a little different. I searched online for other review sites, blogs and articles from the Montreal area. If there was a place that sounded interesting, I would check to see if the were an Opentable member and book my reservation. If not, I would make the arrangements through whatever online service the establishment is using.
Here is the lineup for Montreal...
With an early flight scheduled from Toronto, we will be STARVING when we arrive downtown. A quick check-in to dump our bags and I figure we will need a big, sloppy lunch that requires napkins.
Deville Dinerbar promises classic diner fare with an upscale feel. I was impressed with their selections for lunch and love the cheeky descriptions such as "Cluck and Moo" (chicken and beef) and El Sloppy José Burger (yup - sloppy joe with a latin twist).
Since I am cutting back on my meat consumption (health reasons only), I am eyeing the Rio Grande Shroom Burger and will hopefully have room for a thick strawberry velvet shake.
Nothing sets the mood for long chats than a long order of Spanish tapas. The originator of small-plate dining, the dishes are flavourful, simple and meant to be shared. The only issue I see will be how many we will order for the table - and how big our table will be. 😉
What's catching my eye on the menu today?
- ACEITUNAS ESFERICAS en HONOR a EL BULLI (liquid olive elBulli-style). I know what this is supposed to look like, and since I never had the honour of dining at El Bulli before it closed, I am hoping this will be the next best thing.
- OSTRA con PONZU (oyster with salmon caviar & ponzu sauce)
- And if I am going to splurge on fatty protein - this is the one! Huevos con FOIE GRAS (fried eggs - potatoes - pan-seared foie gras)
When you don't want to blow your entire weekend budget on one stand-out dinner, the next best option is to schedule a lunch visit.
This is my go-to plan for most large cities when I am travelling - especially abroad. I would love to be able to dine at all Michelin-starred restaurants and eat white truffles and caviar at every meal, but I am realistic - AND want to be able to afford to travel again.
Maison Boulud is a perfect fit for this plan since it is a classic French restaurant with traditional values and service - meaning your lunch experience will be just as classy and decadent as a dinner would be...not to mention that, in true French style, lunch is treated as just as important - if not more so - in the daily eating regimen.
The escargots will mostly be my first choice and depending on how hungry I am, I am either opt for the spaghetti with clams or the classic bouillabaisse.
I have already had the pleasure of trying the luscious DB Burger while in New York and they have a simplified version here that I may coax my friend to try...if she is up to the challenge!
A big, noisy and fun Italian staple of the downtown dining scene, Weinstein & Gavin's specializes in great food and a great time.
I was impressed to see their $25 prix-fixe " Le Chop" menu, which has a decent selection for each of the three courses. (More money for a great bottle of Barbera!)
BUT since I am not much of a dessert eater, I tend to lean towards a la carte dining.
I am a sucker for a good minestrone and since it is their only regular soup on the menu, I am guessing it will be a winner.
...and since my friend is a good "sharer" (even when I am not), we may opt to share a big salad and then one of their unique pizzas. Their DONNA SARAH pizza sounds divine! Arugula pesto, mozzarella, ricotta, figs, grape tomatoes and caramelized onions.
