Whenever I ask Montrealers in the hospitality industry—especially those who cook—where they like to eat, L’Express comes up without fail. Whether it’s thanks to the straightforward French bistro fare, the 11,000-bottle wine cellar or the fact that it’s open until 2 a.m., L’Express has become Montreal institution.
If you ever meet chef Chuck Hughes, there are a few things you’ll notice right away. The most obvious is that he’s pretty easy on the eyes, and on top of that, charming as hell (he even made Kathy Lee Gifford blush). He’s also funny and comes up with more one-liners than anyone I know. [...]
Le Smoking Vallée is a new St-Henri BYO venture from four guys who are no strangers to the food scene. Marc-André Paradis has opened some of the city’s most respected BYOs, including the original Les Infidels, Mr. B, Les Heritiers and grilled cheese heaven L’Emporte-Pièce.
I’ve been following the steady rise of Grumman 78 since they first broke on to the Montreal food scene with their unmistakable lime green taco truck two years ago. Fortunately for us, and the livelihood of the Faubourg on Ste-Catherine, Grumman 78 has set up a food counter
Café Sardine took over the former space of the Montée de Lait café on Fairmount and is brought to you by Peter Popovic, co-owner of the Sparrow and Magpie, as well as David Schmidt, a former owner of Le Chien Fumant.
The Monkland Tavern has long been a staple on NDG’s Monkland avenue and is definitely one of the busiest bistros in the west end (along with its sister restaurant, Tavern on the Square, in Westmount).
These days, the DIY approach to design and decor is not only a reflection of current style trends but also the economic climate. More often than not, storeowners, restaurateurs and domestic visionaries will turn their own skilled (and not so skilled) hands to try and create pieces to suit their needs. When things get a [...]
Sometimes a bad restaurant experience has nothing to do with the restaurant itself. I first went to Osteria Venti last summer, shortly after it had opened in Old Montreal. I picked up a friend for a quick lunch before he had to get back to work.
I’m always on the lookout for good Thai in Montreal. When I found out that a new Thai restaurant had opened along Lajoie Avenue in Outremont, I was thrilled to check it out. Nestled between a laundromat and a dépanneur, Galanga Bistro Thai moved into this spot (the former home of Terrasse Justine) in December.
The newest addition to the restaurants, cafes and shops around Beaubien and St-Laurent is Pastaga, the latest venture of Martin Juneau, executive chef at Newtown, and his partner, Louis-Philippe Breton (both of the now defunct La Montée de Lait).
