Canadian cuisine is proud of its fusion of cultures and techniques, and its modernism that at the same time focusses on unusual local ingredients. Montreal restaurants add to that a large dash of French influence and eccentric creativity, so if you are a foodie, this is the city for you. If you choose to move to Montreal, one great option is to search for condos in Montreal.A marked element of the Montreal food scene is that the chefs are not afraid to serve up unusual meats and blend unexpected flavors, but at the same time the atmosphere is driven towards comfort, sharing and lingering a while. Here are some local gastronomical institutions. (Photo "Old Port in Montreal" by cscholes)
Cabane Sucre au Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack. (11382 Rang de la Fresnière, St-Benoît de Mirabel; 450-258-1732, www.cabaneasucreaupieddecochon.com) has wooden communal tables, exposed rustic ceiling beams and fine wines that flow through the gregarious contemporary atmosphere. Apples feature heavily and heavenly in the deserts and some savouries. Other tasty local favorite ingredients on the menu include whelks, and homemade pickles and preserves. The succulent ham comes from pigs raised on the property and there are unique local cheeses too.
Lawrence (5201 Boul. Saint-Laurent, 514-503-1070 lawrencerestaurant.com) with rustic wood floors and mismatched antique plates balances, Lawrence blends a contemporary feel and ecleptic dishes such as jardin potager, a kind of risotto with puréed lovage, green, peppers anda heavy dollop of creamy sauce or one of the rabbit dishes served with unexpected seasonal sides.
Foodlab (1201 Boul. Saint-Laurent, 514-844-2033 sat.qc.ca/en/foodlab) has an enormous, often party-like indoor-outdoor space which could be described something like an international futuristic smorgasbord meets whatever is the flavor of the month. The menu and wine list are every changing but it’s their Mediterranean dishes that manage to maintain authenticity with originality and keep locals coming back.
Mezcla (1251 de Champlain St. 514-525-9934 www.restaurantmezcla.com) is a warm 50-seat bistro with a very trendy Nuevo Latino menu inspired more by unexpected and intricate Peruvian specialties. The restaurant uses authentic ingredients and blends in Asian influences such yucca-wrapped shrimp or ceviche with handmade crisps.
L’Express (3927 Rue Saint-Denis, 514-845-5333 restaurantlexpress.ca) had been around for more than 32 years in the Plateau neighborhood of Montreal. Dishes come with enormous jars of condiments such as cornichons and pots of mustard. Favorite dishes include calf’s liver seared with frites served with mayonnaise made in house. The fish soup stirred with garlicky aioli and crumbly cheese toasts is another favorite with locals.
Café Sardine (9 Avenue Fairmount East, 514-802-8899, cafesardine.com) is a great choice for a weekend brunch with great coffee and cheesy dishes. Stay on for a great lunch menu including creative twists on little fish dishes based around herring and sardines. They also have wonderful salads.
