Dining in Montreal, Canada- One can find a variety of foods/prices/atmospheres (8/08)
On our recent trip to Montreal we were fortunate enough to visit a few distinctly different, yet equally delicious restaurants. We are sure that you will find something for everyone from our selection.
Toque!
Toque, the French word for Chef’s hat is a fine dinning experience not to be missed. Before Toque my impression of French restaurants was snooty waiters, rich sauces and buttery breads. This was not the case with Toque. When we first walked in my first impression was that it seemed like a very formal place, definitely upscale and maybe even a bit up tight. However, the service from each staff member was friendly, helpful and attentive so that put us both more at ease. We enjoyed their seven course-tasting menu which comes with the option of a wine pairing with each course. Chef Normand Laprise created seven small sampler portions that come to your table as a surprise. We told our server of our dietary restrictions and the Chef prepared each course as if he knew exactly what we would like. A pleasant surprise every time! First, we were presented with something that reminded us of a tomato juice in a shot glass… refreshing and healthy tasting, next we had a flavorful sea urchin dish… tasty and surprising, we had mackerel, the underbelly of a tuna, a flat bread, rabbit, macaroni and cheese and mushrooms, lamb, halibut, goat cheese with blueberry currants red peppers sauces pink and green and to finish it all of we enjoyed the best dessert I have ever tasted. It was a raspberry/blackberry sorbet with fruit flakes and the freshest raspberries with white chocolate flakes and crème. The flavors of each dish explode in your mouth. The portions are small so that you truly savor every bite. This is truly an experience not to miss and we highly recommend the tasting menu, Chef Laprise will not dissappoint!
Toque! is located at 900, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle in Montreal. To make a reservation call (514) 499-2084 or go to their website for menus and more information
Moishes
Dinning at Moishes is like stepping back in time. Picture the finest steak joint in town, the year 1938. You climb a narrow staircase up to a cigar-club like atmosphere. The walls are dark wood with a few remnants from the original restaurant, like an old timey board that lights up telling the waiters when each order is ready. The waiters are wearing vests and serve with the utmost professionalism without any pretentiousness or stuffiness. Moishes has been family owned since 1938 holding true to its traditions.
People come from all over to enjoy Moishes’ steaks (rib eyes, sirloins, filet mignon, T-bone, veal chop, lamb chops, shish kebab, etc.). To be named by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 10 Steakhouses in the world is no small feat, but we were perhaps even more impressed with their side dishes, appetizers and desserts! To start we enjoyed the freshest, most delicious bread. It tasted like it was baked on site. Moishes famous pickles (sold in Costcos across Canada) and their amazing sweet/tangy cole slaw is a great way to start your evening while mulling over the extensive menu. Our waiter Sylvaian was very knowledgeable and helpful. He guided us in making our choices. As an appetizer we started with the grilled shrimp with bay spinach, grilled scallops with baby spinach, marinated fresh salmon (sweet, cold, juicy, poached and marinated in tomato sauce), and finally an eggplant dish with a cold pear/sweet taste mixed with tomatoes. We also had the tomato and goat cheese salad with the sweetest creamiest goat cheese we have ever had. Although we didn’t try it, we have been told that people come from all over the word for Moishes Foie Hache or Chopped liver. For our main course we tried the bone-in filet mignon and the sesame tuna with oriental sauce. Both dishes were good, but what stood out were the side dishes. We had Verenikas, potato latkes with the sweetest apple sauce, the most delicious French fries, a red pepper marinated in something sweet, baked potatoes all mashed up. Moises has an extensive wine list with a wine cellar lining the walls. Try a sampling of their homemade French pastries to finish of the evening. Be sure to make a reservation, this place gets packed and plan to enjoy the evening; it is a slow dinning experience.
Located at 3961 St Laurent in Montreal, call (514) 845-3509 or visit
M:Burger (Moishes’ sister restaurant)
A trendy upscale burger joint, M:Burger offers delicious sweet potato fries, the AAA cut the organic patty, the Kobe cut, the veggie burger, and a tasty tuna burger along with a long list of gourmet toppings to add on. Choices include smoked gouda, fried egg, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, apple-wood bacon and black truffle carpaccio. They offer mac ‘n’ cheese with a truffle potato chip crust for those non-meat eaters craving a taste of comfort food. For dessert try their chocolate-layered Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich or a Fresh baked chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. Delicious!
M: Burger is located downtown at 2025 Drummond, Montreal call (514) 906-2747 or visit www.mbrgr.com
Buonanotte
Is it a nightclub or a gourmet Italian restaurant? It’s both! Owner Lino Lozza has created both a trendy hotspot and an incredible restaurant with the finest, freshest Italian dishes in the city. At midnight the drapes are drawn and the music starts pumping and there is a line around the block with young attractive nightclubbers.
Buonanotte fine dining Italian cuisine in Montreal is quite the place. Start with delicious calamari, buffalo mozzarella or one of their unique salads. The thin crust pizzas are out of this world and not to miss. Entrée selections include a variety of pasta dishes, risotto, meats and seafood. The real action starts late where people flock and the place is packed wall to wall with DJ music, trendy, hip people ordering bottle service to their tables and dancing everywhere. Located at 3518 St. Laurent, don’t miss out and make a reservation at (514) 848-0644. More info at www.buonanotte.com
Confusion
This cozy place located on popular St. Denis Street is famous for its Tapas (which are small dishes you can split and originating in Spain). Start with the hummus or guacamole and move to one of their delicious homemade soups. Don’t miss the grilled squid or shrimp cooked to perfection. Mini burgers, lamb and duck are some nice selections for meat eaters. Some unique dishes include foie gras, and a variety of raw tartars (beef, salmon and duck). Our two favorite dishes were the garden risotto and roasted salmon with Israeli couscous. Try one of their tasty side potatoes, veggies or rice to accompany your meal. Lastly, go for the crème brulee, chocolate fondant or homemade sorbet or ice cream to finish your meal. There is a nice wine menu to choose from along with a full bar. The ground floor is a cool, relaxing room with nice atmosphere including swings to sit on suspended from the ceiling, glass top tables, red banquetts and dim lighting. The lounge (on the second floor) is great for happy hours & private parties as it has red leather sofas and unique lighting. Located at 1637 St. Denis, phone (514) 288-2225 for reservations and check them out at www.restaurantconfusion.com