Sushi Bar Kim

Rated this place:

1 Westmount Square, Montreal, QC, H3Z 2P9

Under the sea...: A great spot for lunch or an afternoon snack, this little gem is hidden at the back of a small Korean grocer/florist in the Westmount Square food court. Enjoy a complimentary cup of Jasmine tea as you look over the a-la-carte menu. Staff and sushi artists are helpful and friendly, and the fish is fresh and delicious. Enjoy a crunchy green salad appetizer ($4.00), edamame ($4.95) or warm miso soup ($3.00). Inventive sushi selections, such as the Green Ave. roll with mango and honey ($8.75), or Buddha veggie maki with pumpkin and asparagus ($6.50) will keep you coming back. As a bonus, you may run into celebrity trainer and 5-Factor Diet guru Harvey Pasternak, who names Sushi Bar Kim as one of his top Montreal health food havens in EnRoute magazine’s Healthy Traveller column. Maybe you’ll have the chance to ask him for some tips on tackling your trouble spots over some hand-rolled avocado hosomaki ($3.95).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Sushi
• fresh fish
• Green Ave. roll - mango and honey!

Burritoville

Rated this place:

2055-B Bishop Street, Montreal, QC

Full of Beans: Although we mourn the loss of the original Burritoville in NDG which has closed, we are happy to take our business to its new-ish counterpart downtown on Bishop Street. Not only does it serve up burritos, tacos, and quesadillas ($8.50-9.50), hearty side dishes, over 12 different homemade salsas, organic bevys and local beer, the new downtown location also boasts two additional floors, including proposed lending library, and a social space for shows, events, poetry readings and/or art shows. If that is not enough to convince you, Burritoville has launched charity initiative Pound for Pound, which donates a pound of rice and/or beans to the free drop-in kitchen at St. James United Church for every pound sold, feeding as many as 60 homeless Montrealers per day. Healthy food +good conscience = good eatin’

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• burritos, tacos, and quesadillas
• organic beverages
• homemade salsa

Aux Vivres

Rated this place:

4631 Saint Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2T1R2

Viva Aux Vivres!: Fresh, innovative, organic-vegan restaurant on trendy boulevard St. Laurent, Aux Vivres serves up hot and cold soup options, sandwiches, chapattis, salads, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. Delicious toppings include tapenade, hummus and roasted red peppers. A big seller is the BLT wrap – sans B. Instead, bacon is replaced with smoked strips of coconut that are big on taste without the greasy guilt. Try the Dragon Bowl – tofu, brown rice and tahini topped with crisp, fresh vegetables. A great option for health conscious foodies.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• organic vegan fare
• chapattis
• dragon bowl

Crudessence

Rated this place:

105 Rachel W, Montreal, H2W 1G4

The raw story: Crudessence, or “Cru” to regulars, is a bold and original new cafe in Montreal’s plateau neighbourhood that completely embraces the raw food movement. All ingredients are vegan, organic, and alive - read: fully raw. This means uncooked lasagne, quiche, pizza, and a variety of other selections. The Crudessence goal is to move us away from processed foods, and to make us more aware of what we are putting into our mouths. These dishes have the advantage of retaining all of their nutrients – nothing will be destroyed by heat. Even sceptics can’t help but enjoy fresh salads, pates, nachos, sushi rolls, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. For the more adventurous palate, Cru offers raw soups, mushroom burger on chapatti and pancakes made of Brazil nuts and banana. Crudessence also sells wheat grass – rumoured to have special health and weight loss properties - along with homemade Kombucha – a fizzy health drink, reminiscent of beer or cider, born from a combination of mushroom culture and fermented black tea. Both carry with them a variety of health claims, and cult-like followings of believers. Items run from about $3.00-$12.00, and Cru offers a “lunch box” delivery service for offices, catered buffets, prepared food for take-home and even “un-cooking classes”. It may not make you a raw-food convert, but something this clever, health-conscious, and adventurous is an experience not to be missed.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Raw Foods
• healthy fare
• Kombucha
• fresh salads

Mythos Ouzeri

Rated this place:

5318 avenue Du Parc, Montreal, QC, H2V 4G7

A little taste of the Mediterranean: Loud, raucous, lively restaurant on avenue Du Parc, Mythos serves up traditional Greek fare at reasonable prices. Mythos offers a huge selection of healthy appetizers, such as patzaria (marinated beet salad), stuffed vine leaves, gigantes (baked lima beans in tomato sauce, with olive oil– surprisingly delicious!), fish soup and grilled octopus. Alongside fresh grilled fish, mains include grilled lamb, chicken and pork, all served with steamed horta – a classic Greek plate of dandelion greens, seasoned with lemon, sea salt and olive oil – chock full of iron and vitamin A. Mythos is a little more reasonable on the pocket book than Milos and Trinity – two of Montreal’s well-known upscale restos - both of which also offer delicious, healthy, traditional Greek food, at vast expense. As a bonus, unlike the majority of restaurants in Montreal, Mythos accommodates large groups. One meal here will have you embracing the Mediterranean diet.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• authentic Greek food
• grilled fish
• horta

ChuChai

Rated this place:

4088 Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC

Chu-chu-choose it: Just down the street from decadent, carnivore fat-farm Au Pied de Cochon on the food-laden corner of Saint-Denis and Duluth sits creative Vegetarian Thai resto ChuChai. ChuChai is described most often as “fine vegetarian Thai cuisine”, which basically means that along with being delicious, it’s not cheap. However, despite prices, ChuChai maintains a devoted following, thanks in part to their delectable Thai curries served with vegetarian soy or wheat-based chicken, duck, beef and shrimp alternatives. Menu items are high in protein, low in fat, and full of taste. Quite a feat. Did I mention there are 95 inventive menu items? Entrees run between $7-20.Spicy coconut chicken soup and duck salad are excellent options. Next door is ChuChai’s sister-store, Chuch, a casual BYOB with an express counter for those in a rush or on a budget. Items can be ordered for take-out, delivery (in some areas) and catering.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• vegan Thai food
• upscale vegetarian

Les Cours Mont-Royal

Rated this place:

1455 Peel Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1T5

a unique shopping experience: Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, Les Cours Mont-Royal is an oft overlooked shopping centre on Peel between St. Catherine and de Maisonneuve. It is home to stores such as American Apparel, Three Monkeys, Club Monaco, Andy Thé Anh, DKNY, Georgio Femme, Harry Rosen, Suteki Urban streetwear, French handbag boutique Lollipops, and Spa Diva. In addition, Les Cours has an underground parking lot and a link to Montreal’s underground city. Featuring many exclusive Canadian brands, it’s a wonderful alternative to the Eaton Centre or Place Montreal Trust, whose stores are a dime a dozen and can be found at any major mall.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Shopping Centre
• Canadian brands
• upscale mall
• specialty items
• high fashion

Le Roi du Wonton

Rated this place:

2125 St-Marc, Montreal, QC

Affordable Wonton’s, fit for a King: This little corner hole-in-the-wall resto offers fresh, quality, traditional Taiwanese and Chinese home cooking. Explore healthy and delicious options that avoid the typical North American style General Tao, chicken fried rice, and greasy MSG-laden Styrofoam take-out containers. Instead, a meal at Le Roi du Wonton will have you feeling light, refreshed, and full of delicious and satisfying food. Featuring homemade noodles and made-to-order dumplings with pork, beef, shrimp and/or vegetables for $3.99 an order, Le Roi du Wonton is both a Foodie and a Deal Seekers delight. Dishes are served one of two ways: spicy or not spicy. There is no mild or medium option for the inexperienced. As such, diners should proceed with caution, especially when presented with a side dish of homemade hot sauce – watch out! Try the Won Ton noodle Soup, with fresh, delicious chicken broth, warm bok choy, toothsome noodles and tasty, succulent won tons. Many vegetarian friendly dishes are available, and served with tofu, carrots, peppers and other colourful vegetables with a little bit of crunch. I’ve heard great things about the spring rolls, egg drop soup, and chicken leg with rice. Dinner for two can be done for less than $20, which is great if your date doesn’t have a preference for fancy decor. Small, warm shortbread cookies are served as a complimentary dessert, and staff are very kind and attentive with warm green tea. A great bet.

RazBerry

Rated this place:

1841 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC, H3H 1M2

Berry fashionable: RazBerry is like the older, more sophisticated sister to BluBerry’s youthful, flirty and charming collection. Featuring a larger selection of clothing and varieties, this independent boutique on Ste. Cath West, carries brands such as Poison Apple NYC handmade jewelry, Vero Moda, French Connection, Kensie, Kensie Girl, and a variety of other labels.

La Croissanterie

Rated this place:

1909 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC, H3H 1M3

aka Cafe Linda: With wood panelled walls and a homemade feel, La Croissanterie is cozy and inviting. It provides a wonderful atmosphere for an afternoon pause, a snack, a study session, a meeting of friends, or a first date. Cheap and local, La Croissanterie is a great bet for both foodies and deal seekers. Hot chocolate is rich and delicious, and coffee is fresh and uncomplicated. Milkshakes at $3.50 are a great way to beat the heat on a sunny summer afternoon, and baked goods are fresh and tasty. I'm told it is often referred to as "Cafe Linda" by locals and regulars.

Charcuterie AnnA

Rated this place:

2070 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC

Sandwiches and more: Located at the base of a large, impersonal high-rise apartment building, AnnA is one of those awesome, cultural, hole-in-the-wall Montreal gems. Offering awesome made-to-order grilled sandwiches for $4.50, AnnA also features crepes, soups, muffins, select grocery items, and a variety of Russian delicacies.

Le Pois Penche

Rated this place:

1230 de Maisonneuve, Montreal, QC, H3G1M2

Title: Review

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• cocktail hour
• stylish French bistro

Restaurant La Coupole

Rated this place:

1325 boul René Levesque Ouest, Montreal, QC, H3G 0A4

Title: Review

M:brgr

Rated this place:

2025 DRUMMOND, Montreal, QC, H3G1W6

Title: Review

Au Pied de Cochon

Rated this place:

536 East Duluth, Montreal, QC, H2L 1A9

This little piggy had foie gras...: “Get ready friend for the most rich, outrageously over the top, titanic-sized opus dedicated to all things fatty, porky and delicious” – Anthony Bourdain re: Au Pied de Cochon, No Reservations Truer words were never spoken. Restaurant Au Pied de Cochon is the definition of delicious, gratuitous, lavish, gluttony, the likes of which I’ve never seen. However, it is certainly not thrown together without serious thought from Chef Martin Picard. He is meticulous with his art, from concept to preparation, to presentation. Picard hand-picks his locally grown organic ingredients, and personally selects the animals for slaughter and has them butchered, aged and prepared as he likes. PDC is an experience not to be missed. Reservations are a must, and make sure to ask for a spot at the bar to take in the craziness that is the PDC kitchen. You’ll have a rollicking good time chatting up the cooks and discussing choices with your fellow diners, sure to be food enthusiasts and chefs in their own right. My boyfriend began his fat-filled journey with a mouth watering appetizer of Bison tartare, hand-wrapped in a seaweed cone. The first bite was heaven, spicy and delicious, and as we progressed further down the tapered roll it became more distinctly seaweedly – becoming more and more reminiscent of a sushi hand-roll. The Carpaccio de canard was melt in your mouth decadent, complete with a raw egg yolk to be mixed in like a sauce. The Poutine au Foie Gras, an ode to the provinces quintessential staple at every casse croute, corner restaurant and fast food joint from here to Lourdes de Blanc-Sablon, was also thoroughly enjoyed. French fries and squeaky cheese curds topped with foie gras and two different kinds of gravy (one was the regular beef gravy, and the other consisted of a mixture of egg and melted foie gras) – how could you go wrong? My main was the Plogue à Champlain which was a layered dish of potato, cheese, foie gras, and bacon served atop a pancake and drizzled with maple syrup. Out of this world. I understand the desserts are meant to be equally delicious, but after those two mostly finished courses we could hardly think of consuming another morsel. As we rolled out of the restaurant for a refreshing walk down Duluth and St. Denis in an attempt to walk off some of the damage incurred, we couldn’t help but reminisce about what a great time we’d had. Highly recommended for a fun date and a great night out. Make sure you go with someone who likes to share, because once you start, you are going to want to taste everything that passes through your field of vision.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• poutine
• Foie gras
• duck
• Poutine au foie gras
• upscale Quebecois cuisine
• remixed Quebecois cuisine

Bistro Le Seingalt

Rated this place:

175, rue Ste-Catherine O, Montréal, Québec, H2X 1Y9

pda’s in PdA: Stylish French bistro in Place des Arts, just a stone’s throw away from Salle Wilfred Pelletier. Le Seingalt is open each night until after the performances, or stop in before the show to enjoy a cozy meal or a pre-concert drink. The Grand Cosmo Royal ($12), created with Grey Goose Orange, Grand-Marnier, cranberry juice and lime was refreshing and generous. With a good wine list and several offerings of booze, this romantic little spot will have you whispering sweet nothings to your loved one in no time. Le Seingalt serves brunch from Monday to Friday from 11h30am - 2h00pm, and dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5h00pm - 11h00pm (or close).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• french bistro
• pre-performance drink
• pre-show dinner
• Place des Arts
• Grand Cosmo Royal

Cabane du PicBois

Rated this place:

1468 Gaspe Road, Cowansville, QC, J2K 4B4

how sweet it is: The Cabane a Sucre’s of Quebec don’t have a reputation for providing a fine dining experience. In fact, most who have been know to bring some patience, a package of Tums, and to arrive with relatively low expectations. My first experience was in grade 8 during a school trip to Montreal, and we were all much too cool to each much more than the potatoes. However, as a new resident to Quebec, I decided to give it another try this year, to get in touch with the province’s heritage. Cabane du PicBois came recommended by the Gazette’s Lesley Chesterman as a good bet for those diners who didn’t make the cut to getting a reservation at Au Pied de Cochon’s new gourmet sugar shack. PicBois welcomes you with a 1.6 kilometre trail that you can enjoy provided you do not arrive late (*sigh*) and screaming over the incredibly bumpy road that leads up to the Cabane like a band of hooligans. The sugar shack itself a little log cabin, brightly lit and equipped with the usual long wooden tables and benches, accommodating a mismatch of people who don’t know each other jammed in together. I couldn't help noticing the vague resemblance to a feeding trough. The traditional pea soup wasn’t bad, and it was served at the table while the remainder of the menu was help yourself buffet-style. Home-fried potatoes were good, but the omelette didn’t seem really legitimate to me – I suspect powdered eggs or some other artificial aberration. Coleslaw and baked beans were as good as they could be, and served alongside pickled beets and sweet and sour pickles. I went back for seconds of the maple-flavoured sausages, and I understand the ham was passable also. There were a few options that I avoided altogether, such as crisp fried salt pork (basically pigskin potato chips...*shudder*) and cretons. Dessert was pudding chomeur (my new favourite winter dessert), maple sugar pie, and the piece de resistance - a tongue depressor covered with “tire sur la neige”. As you pile back into the car for another puke-worthy trip down the bumpiest mud road imaginable, you can pass the time trying to suck the gooey maple sugar lollypop out of your fillings. Is it worth driving all the way to Brigham? Probably not unless you have an adventurous spirit and a good sense of humor, you are looking for a rainy-day winter activity, or you are entertaining some fun-loving guests. It’s good for families, school trips, and tourists in the area. Keep your expectations low, and have fun. Reservations are a must. Rates are $5.00 each for children under 5, $14.00 for children under 12, and adults are $28.00 each, taxes included.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• pea soup
• Cabane à sucre
• Quebecois fare
• pudding chomeur
• baked beans
• maple syrup

Westmount Public Library

Rated this place:

4574 Sherbrooke West,, Montreal, QC, H3Z 1G1

lovely local library: The Westmount Library features a fabulous selection of magazines, free wifi, computer and printer access for members, photocopiers, and a great the selection of books, audio visual resources, children’s items and reference materials. In addition, the library offers a variety of community options such as book clubs, film clubs and assorted activities for adults, teens and children. Reserve one of the study rooms to get some work done, or take a walk around the beautifully manicured grounds or nearby park. The best part about this library is the bright and beautiful greenhouse, complete with ponds and tropical foliage open all year around for a study break or afternoon pause.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Music
• magazines
• local library
• greenhouse
• study rooms
• computer and wifi
• French and English books and DVD's

L’Express

Rated this place:

3927 rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC, H2W 2M4

L'Express yourself, don't repress yourself: Inconspicuous French bistro in the plateau, L’Express is one of the most renowned restaurants in Montreal. Over the years it has built up and maintained a strong following of loyal clientele, and on any night the restaurant is populated with regulars. It is a true Montreal classic, offering a generous wine list and maintaining a standard menu of simple, consistent, traditional French comfort foods that have been perfected over the years. L’Express presents classic bistro dishes such as croquet monsieur, pot-au-feu, escargots, caviar, terrine de foie gras, sauté de lapin, and confit de canard en salade with class and style. The decor is low key, consisting of mirrored walls, black and white checker tiles throughout, white linens, and each table is adorned with jar of cornichons and a small pot of moutard. Wait staff is conservative and professional, and very comfortable with the menu and wine list. L’Express carries a bit of a reputation for being somewhat snobbish and not terribly tourist-friendly, which is probably an endearing quality for regulars. As such, best to practice your French skills and show them off for your date. The Salad Chevre Chaud ($10.50), a mesculin mix salad with four small toasts topped with warm goat cheese was presented with decorative endive gently placed in a circular formation in between each toast. The Bavette de Veau ($21.50) was expertly cooked, medium rare, and delicious. For dessert, the Ile Flottant au caramel ($6.85), a vanilla meringue with crème anglais encased in caramel shell, though a bit much, is an experience not to be missed. Appetizers run between $4-12, mains at $13-28 and desserts between $3-12. Dinner for two is approximately $100 with wine, plus tax and tip. A great spot for an intimate date, or a romantic meal en francais.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Steak and Frites
• french cuisine
• Ile flottant
• French bistro cooking

Brasseurs de Montreal

Rated this place:

1485 Ottawa, Montreal, QC, H3C 1S9

Beer me: Unexpected resto-bar on Ottawa, at the very bottom of Guy street, in a mostly industrial area. Brasseurs de Montreal has a surprisingly lovely and large patio, and an enjoyable atmosphere. The Reuben (smoked meat, fromage suisse et choucroute) was well received by one of my dining companions, as was the Panini Club à la dinde fume. The Macaroni à la viande gratiné was quickly gobbled down by a picky eater, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Hamburger de Montréal (gruyère et pancetta). Many dishes were served alongside delicious shoe-string French fries and coleslaw. The menu is upscale Montreal-style pub food, with additional selections such as Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and “European” hot dogs in the range of $8-15 for mains. Brasseurs de Montreal offers a beer tasting menu, which is a nice touch. La Griffintown Montrealais, the brassiere’s Blonde selection was refreshing and went down easily, as did the Amber selection, La Rebelle Quebecois. But the most memorable item of the evening was “La stout Ghosttown”, created with noir a l’absinthe, herbes et raciness. It was thick, heavy, and tasted of black liquorice, and the craziest night of your life. Open weekday afternoons and evenings from Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations accepted for the restaurant and the terrasse.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• microbrewery
• Montreal-style upscale pub grub
• local beers

Pushap Sweets

Rated this place:

5195 Rue Paré, Montreal, QC, H4P 1P4

a sweet deal: Small modest Indian restaurant on the corner of Mountain Sights and rue Pare. I would imagine the majority of Pushap’s business has come from word of mouth rather than drop-in clients, as parking is not the most convenient, and the busy intersection on which it sits is mainly travelled by people in cars on their way to Decarie. However, Pushap makes the best samosas and pakoras around. It is priced for any deal seeker, and offers a variety of meat-free vegetarian options, and over 20 different selections of homemade Indian desserts. When 12 pakoras and 6 samosas cost $4.40, it’s fair to say you can enjoy an entire meal for two for less than $10.00.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Indian Food
• samosas
• pakoras
• onion bhajis
• budget-friendly

ICICI

Rated this place:

1811 St Catherine W, Montreal, QC, H3H1M2

I see Icici: Two-floor boutique on the less-travelled Ste. Catherine West strip, sandwiched between competing sex shops and Asian food restaurants is Icici. Open for the past six months, Icici offers a variety of popular Japanese, Chinese and Korean clothing brands, including Olive des Olive and many others. Icici also carries quirky t-shirts and accessories by the ever popular Marc by Marc Jacobs brand. Sale items carried on the first floor store-front, and new collection is carried upstairs. A great new indie boutique for cultured, fashion forward trendsetters.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Olive des Olive
• Marc by Marc Jacobs
• popular Japanese clothing brands
• funky fashion
• Tokyo styles

BluBerry

Rated this place:

2123, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC, H3H 1M6

fashionable items for those Blueberry Nights: Located across from College LaSalle, BluBerry is the sister-store of RazBerry. Along with free copies of ION and Nightlife Magazines, BluBerry carries clothing by Coco & Tashi, Dex, Soia & Kyo, and Loop NYC’s Andy Warhol handbag collection, among others. A great option for those that live or work in the area.

Cafe London Bus

Rated this place:

4126, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Westmount, QC, H3Z 1P4

London calling: Cozy British café in Westmount that offers traditional English afternoon tea daily from 2:30-5:00pm. In addition, London Bus offers a variety of coffees, teas, soups, salads, baked goods and delicious and healthy homemade sandwiches for a reasonable price. The “Sante” sandwich, made up of grilled whole wheat bread topped with hummus, goat cheese, avocado and alfalfa sprouts, is an excellent choice. Summertime finds a small shaded patio out front. A great bet for lunch in the area.

La Petite Sologne

Rated this place:

50 av De La Gare, Saint-Sauveur, QC, J0R1R6

Title: Review