Epicurean Life - Blog

Let’s eat! Exhibit at the Chateau Ramezay Museum

Katerine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:15:49 GMT

The Chateau Ramezay Museum is a history museum, appropriately located in the heart of Old Montreal, in front of City Hall. You may ask, why is a foodie writing about history? Well, as soon as I heard they were having an exhibition called, Let’s eat! a retrospective on food and the eating habits of early Quebec settlers, I rushed to the Old Port to check it out.

The exhibition Let’s eat! looks at various aspects of the history of Quebec’s culinary culture over the past four centuries. Among other things, we learn that before heading into battle, French soldiers were fed onions and brandy. Not too sure if it was that effective, but their bad breath would certainly chase away any enemies!

Moishes: a St. Laurent mainstay for 70 years

Katerine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:18:07 GMT

Some things never change. They’re always there like landmarks in our lives, and it could be said that Moishes is certainly one of those gastronomic mainstays in Montreal. The same family has been running this steakhouse on St. Laurent Street for more than 70 years.

I must have passed by this famous, yet discretely located, second-floor restaurant a thousand times, but it was with great pleasure and curiosity that I finally went in for the first time last week. In fact, I didn’t just walk in, I was ushered in — Moishes is one few restaurants in Montreal with a doorman…

Chocolate trade fair: Salon passion chocolat

Katerine — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:42:50 GMT

Uh oh. This could be dangerous. Fans of this sinfully sweet, creamy cocoa delight — you’ve been warned. In fact, to avoid tempting you further, perhaps I should just stop right here.

Oh well, too bad. I can’t resist sharing this with you. If you love chocolate, don’t miss out on this amazing epicurean food fair. It takes place the weekend of Nov. 20-22 in Old Montreal and it’s called, Le Salon passion chocolat & cie.

Restaurant vocabulary: ordering food in Montreal

Katerine — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:14:24 GMT

If you’re a well-prepared traveller, I’m sure you went out bought your Berlitz or Lonely Planet French Phrase book before coming to Montreal. But there are still a few important words and phrases to know that will help you enjoy your dining experience. Even when we order in English, we still often use some French terms like table d’hôte or plat du jour.

Don’t worry if these terms aren’t familiar, here’s my list of handy restaurant vocabulary so you can get what you want when eating out in Montreal.

Romantic dinner at the Montreal XO restaurant

Katerine — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:39:57 GMT

Of all the elegant restaurants in Montreal, the XO restaurant is probably the most opulent and the most romantic. But it’s more than a beautifully appointed dining room — it also has some of the best cuisine in the city as well.

If you check out the slideshow, you can see how the luxurious ambiance would make the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or for an adventurous gastronomic experience.

Montreal’s best new restaurant - Salle à manger

Katerine — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:57:43 GMT

Every year, EnRoute, Air Canada’s in-flight magazine publishes their exclusive list of Canada’s 10 Best New Restaurants. All new restaurateurs wait with baited breath to see if they make the grade. This year, the only restaurant in Montreal to make the top ten is Salle à manger. Since I’d never been there, I thought this was a great excuse to go and check it out.

Like many other people out there looking for their soul mates on the Internet, one of my friends often meets her dates at the bar at the Salle à manger. I had to go see for myself if the ambiance could really lead to some interesting encounters.

Montreal Italian restaurant: Euro Deli

Katerine — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:24:34 GMT

Euro Deli is one of those special places in Montreal that is packed with customers from 9 in the morning ‘til midnight. This cafeteria-style Italian restaurant on St. Laurent is one of the hippest places on the lower main. It’s a really chill atmosphere, with a cool mixed crowd of loyal customers devoted the science of the perfect slice and serious espresso.

Check out why this particular Italian restaurant has enjoyed such a loyal following for over 27 years, and sip your espresso on the sun-drenched stoop, affectionately known as ‘the beach.’

Farm-fresh straight to your table at Toqué!

Katerine — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:54:23 GMT

In Montreal restaurants these days, there is an emphasis on serving food made with local products (vegetables, high-quality meats and cheeses from small local producers). Much of this tendency towards using regional farm products in local restaurants is due in part to Normand Laprise, the chef from Toqué! His restaurant, Toqué! is a Montreal culinary institution, and thanks to Normand Laprise’s relentless determination over the years to cook with locally grown produce, and to use regional suppliers of meat and cheese, he has influenced other restaurants to follow suit.

When Normand Laprise talks about the 40 different producers who deliver their farm-fresh products to his restaurant every day, he affectionately calls them ‘artisans’ and considers them members of his family.

Since about 70% of the food served in his restaurant comes from fresh off the farm only an hour outside of Montreal, we didn’t have to travel far to meet one of his growers. We visited a local farm where I had the pleasure of accompanying Normand Laprise to meet one of his vegetable ‘artisans.’

Caffé Italia: the best Italian coffee in Montreal

Katerine — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:19:58 GMT

Since Caffé Italia first opened its doors back in 1956, not much has changed. Having a coffee here is like going back in time,” explains Mike, the manager. Caffé Italia is an institution in the Montreal Italian community, and it’s definitely a mandatory stop when I’m showing friends around Montreal.

When I found out that the blogger Kelley Vick was coming to pay a visit, I wanted to make sure that she got a chance to taste what many coffee fans consider to be the best espresso in Montreal.

A twist on Halloween treats—try eating insects!

Katerine — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:12:56 GMT

Kids love candy any time of the year, especially at Halloween. If you’re in Montreal, why not try something new this year? Head down to the Insectarium and check out some original trick-or-treats for your little monsters. No, we’re not talking about ‘gummy worms’ here, but real snacks made from insects.

Packed full of protein, but not as sweet as traditional treats, check out my taste-test of various snacks and bonbons made from bugs available at the gift shop at the Montreal Insectarium.

Quebec Wine and Cheese Show

Katerine — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:50:34 GMT

From October 30 to November 1, Montreal will be hosting the 4th annual Salon des vins et fromages du Québec (Quebec Wine and Cheese Show), organized by the Quebec Winegrower’s Association. You’ll have a unique opportunity to take a trip along the Quebec wine route without even leaving the city of Montreal!

Don’t worry about breaking the bank. Samples only cost about $3 a glass.

Thanksgiving turkey recipe a la Montreal

Katerine — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:04:08 GMT

There are millions of recipes for Thanksgiving turkey. Why not try something different this year that will get you in the mood to travel? Frédéric Morin, the chef from the famous Montreal restaurant, Joe Beef (featured in the final issue of Gourmet magazine), will be showing us how to make a Thanksgiving turkey with some typical Montreal ingredients such as bagels, smoked meat, and maple syrup. Not only will you make the most original turkey on the block, you can impress your guests with some souvenirs from your trip to Montreal…and maybe even inspire them to book a ticket to the belle ville.

What’s more, this recipe is super easy! Do you have any bagels, maple syrup and or dill pickles on hand? Check out the video and watch Frédéric Morin prepare this recipe in less than seven minutes.

Montreal's best cheap ethnic restaurants

Katerine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:24:12 GMT

Montreal is literally bursting with ethnic restaurants. In fact, you can try a huge range of ethnic delights from over 80 different countries and regions, and more often than not, you can fill up for less than $10!

Here are my top five choices for cheap ethnic eateries under $12

Montreal Desserts: Rice pudding!

Katerine — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:46:39 GMT

Attention rice pudding lovers: there is a shop in Montreal just for you! Riz en folie is the only restaurant in Canada that specializes in this delicious comfort food. And they offer it in no less than sixteen different flavours!

Having never actually liked rice pudding, I went there more out of curiosity than temptation. And even I enjoyed it…

Montreal Restaurants: Taste Peru at Mochica

Katerine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:48:22 GMT

Have you ever eaten llama while surrounded by artefacts in a museum? Well, that’s what it’s like at Mochica, a Peruvian restaurant on Montreal’s busy St-Denis Street, where good taste applies to the food as well as your general culture.

Have a look at the slideshow I made. It’s gorgeous…

Blackcurrant liquor and the French Paradox

Katerine — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:53:11 GMT

We often hear about the French Paradox and how drinking a glass of red wine a day is supposed to be good for you. But did you know that blackcurrant brings the same anti-inflammatory and antioxydant benefits that grapes do? Plus Vitamin C! Yes, so why not mix things up with some currant liquor?

Conveniently, Quebec produces some award-winning stuff… Check it out.

Montreal hot dogs: steamed or toasted?

Katerine — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:20:04 GMT

Montreal is known for having hot dogs that are just ever so slightly different from those you find in the rest of Canada or the USA. And so, to really put the dog to the test, I called on Tom Johansmeyers, a New York-based blogger for Gadling.com and self-proclaimed hot dog expert.

Check out our comparison of the hot dogs at two famous establishments, Chelsea Papaya in New York and Mont-Royal Hot Dog in Montreal!

Thanksgiving dinner in Montreal Restaurants

Katerine — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:06:54 GMT

Coming to Montreal this weekend? Eager to partake in Canadian Thanksgiving? Here are my restaurant suggestions for the finest of Montreal turkey, potatoes and cranberry sauce.

The French diet: Try it now in Montreal

Katerine — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:39:36 GMT

Have you heard of the French Paradox? Several different studies have tried to figure out why French people are slimmer than Americans, despite the fact that they eat more fat from animal sources and drink more wine.

And since the jury is still out on the causes of this paradox, why not come to Montreal to try the French diet for yourself? After all, Montreal is a little corner of France right here in North America…

WWF and Localicious in Montreal restaurants

Katerine — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:29:07 GMT

Yum, yum! Do Kamouraska lamb knuckles or Quebec veal cheeks make your mouth water? These are just two of the unique dishes offered in Montreal restaurants participating in the Localicious benefit event for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

From October 2 to 18, you can sink your teeth into local Quebec products and help support the WWF while you’re at it.

Boston poutine: different from Montréal’s

Katerine — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:11:43 GMT

Who would have thought? Boston is full of restaurants with poutine on the menu! And I’m not just talking about greasy spoons, I’m talking about nice restaurants and swanky bars. I heard about this from The Food Monkey, a blogger who also acted as my guide to Bean-Town.

Check out this video of Boston chefs who each have their own way of making the traditional French-fry-gravy-and-cheese dish.

Best vegetarian restaurants in Montreal

Katerine — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:09:40 GMT

The Dalai-Lama will be in Montreal on October 3, and according to his official website, his Holiness's kitchen in Dharamsala is vegetarian. So in the spirit of extending a warm welcome to all visitors to our city, I thought I’d offer up my top picks for the best vegetarian restaurants in Montreal.

You never know, perhaps the Dalai-Lama himself will be checking my blog for food recommendations…

Montreal Chowhound: brunch at Sparrow restaurant

Katerine — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:12:44 GMT

I personally love Chowhound. What better place for unbiased restaurant reviews and gastronomic news from other foodies? So imagine my delight when I found out that members sometimes meet in person to share a meal. Just this weekend I met up with my fellow Montreal Chowhounds for brunch at Sparrow restaurant in the Mile End neighbourhood. The meeting was as good for the mouth as it was for the mind…

Montreal Food: Reviews from the media

Katerine — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:04:10 GMT

I often tell you that Montreal is a unique place for food and food culture. With more than 6,000 restaurants, bistros and cafés, Montréal pas the most restaurants per capita in all of North America. Yes, yes, you’ve heard me say it many times before, so I thought that I’d let you hear it from someone else this time!

Find out what some journalists and bloggers from NY and Boston I met last week have to say about Montreal…

Lili & Oli Wireless Internet Café in Montreal

Katerine — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:02:18 GMT

The last time I went to Atwater Market, I discovered Lili & Oli, a small café on Notre-Dame Street with free Wi-Fi. I thought I’d let you know about it since it’s always nice to find a cozy place for a little computer down-time. Especially one with great coffee…

St Laurent Montreal: top 5 restaurants

Katerine — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:38:52 GMT

Montreal’s St Laurent Blvd. is teeming with restaurants, odd buildings, grocery stores and cozy cafés. In fact, if there’s one place to eat in this city, it’s Saint Laurent. Running north-south, this street (aka “The Main”) starts in Old Montreal, goes through Chinatown, passes the “jet-set” corner of Sherbrooke Street, goes through the Portuguese neighbourhood, the trendy Plateau and Mile-End areas and all the way up into Little Italy. Yep, a ride on the 55 bus (the one that goes up St-Laurent) is a trip unto itself!

So, what restaurants should I suggest to you? For the sake of being concise, I’ll narrow down the list to 5 places between Sherbrooke and Villeneuve Streets.

Montreal’s Europea restaurant: A table with a view

Katerine — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:59:42 GMT

OK, so I don’t just eat with my eyes, but I do enjoy a little culinary voyeurism from time to time… And Europea restaurant , one of my favourite fine dining establishments in downtown Montreal, offers the perfect spot for it: a table that looks right into their kitchen, where the famed Jérôme Ferrer still stands at the oven. And this privileged perch doesn’t cost you a penny more… You just have to reserve it in advance!

New York’s Katz’s versus Montreal’s Schwartz’s

Katerine — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:26:31 GMT

So, on more than one occasion you’ve heard me go on (and on) that Montreal bagels and smoked meat beat out their New York counterparts any day of the week.

And now that I’m in New York for a couple of days, I thought I’d dare to compare once again. Off I went to Katz’s deli...

Kusmi tea boutique opens in Montreal

Katerine — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:44:53 GMT

Good news for tea lovers: The prestigious Kusmi Boutique tea house decided to open its doors in the New World and chose your city as its first destination. This makes your humble Montreal food blogger very proud!

I went in and shot a video of the new locale. Have a look at their sleek décor!

Food Samples at Jean-Talon Market

Katerine — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:24:06 GMT

It’s fall, the best time of year to visit Montreal’s Jean-Talon Market (one of the biggest outdoor markets in North America)! I’ve written about it before, but with the fall harvest coming in, I can’t help but mention it again. Jean Talon Market is an absolute must on any foodie’s travel itinerary in Montreal.

Check out the best of Jean-Talon – including all the free food samples – in my video.

Montreal Cheese Shop: La Maison du Cheddar

Katerine — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:51:01 GMT

It’s a fact: We, the people of Quebec, love our cheeses. Maybe it’s because of our French origins? Or maybe it’s because we know a good thing when we see it (or eat it, in this case). We eat it as part of our meals, as a separate course after meals, and also as a snack. In fact, stop in any Quebec convenience store, and you’ll find cheese curds right at the counter with the chocolate bars. Yes, that’s how dedicated we are to cheese.

And I just found a new place with the freshest curd in Montreal. Check out the video…

Julia Child’s Got Me Craving French Food

Katerine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:35:41 GMT

As a food blogger, I really can’t claim to be objective about the Julie & Julia movie. Obviously I liked it – between the depiction of Julie’s life to the food scenes, what’s not to love?

And leaving the movie theatre, I had the biggest craving for some French cuisine. The results, however, were a little mixed…

Montreal Brunch: La Cantine is oh-so Quebecois

Katerine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:57:53 GMT

La Cantine is fun retro restaurant with yummy brunch menu that goes further than the traditional eggs and bacon. It’s brunch, revisited! In one sitting, you can taste four Quebec-style breakfast specialties all in one plate.

See how La Cantine makes breakfast worth waking up for.

Montreal Bagels: The Lowdown

Katerine — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:26:37 GMT

Along with Celine Dion, the Olympic stadium and the Canadiens hockey team, the bagel is probably one of Montreal’s best known symbols. But do you know why? Because Montreal bagels are rather unique, and what makes them different also makes them tastier. Specifically, I think that Montreal bagels beat out New York and Toronto bagels, hands down. No contest. And I’m not alone. In fact, some people make the trip to Montreal especially for the bagels, while others go to the trouble of having them shipped to their hometown. Really!

But don’t just take my word for it. Check out this video of some Montreal bagel die-hards at St-Viateur Bagel.

Montreal Restaurants: The Best deals for lunch

Katerine — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:42:47 GMT

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know by now that Montreal is full of great restaurants. But with the recession impacting our spending, these great restaurants are not always an option, budget-wise. Here’s an idea: why not try them for lunch, when prices are more affordable?

Read on to know what good deals await you in downtown Montreal.

Montreal Cooking: Classes at La Guilde Culinaire

Katerine — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:46:45 GMT

Let’s face it, food is one of the best aspects of almost any vacation. And what better way to discover local foods than taking a cooking class? It’s a little more original than a bus tour! You learn something new, meet people and jump straight into the local food culture. Plus, you get new recipes to bring home.

I thought the idea sounded like so much fun I invited my fellow Montreal insiders to learn how to cook with me at La Guilde Culinaire.

Watch the video to see how we made out.

Fine Dining in Montreal: 100 meals at Bronte

Katerine — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:08:36 GMT

I’ve known for a long time that Bronte is one of Montreal’s best fine dining restaurants. Chef Joe Mercuri is a master when it comes to creating unusal fusions of textures and flavours. But when I finally went to eat there (a treat for my birthday!), I was astonished to meet a local couple that has eaten there more than a 100 times.

I realized right away that anything I had to say about Bronte would pale in comparison to their expertise on the topic. So here’s the scoop:

Montreal Market: Food from the 18th Century

Katerine — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:26:23 GMT

If you love markets, history, and food, here’s your chance to enjoy all three! Just head to Pointe-à-Caillière’s 18th Century Public Market , a free food event in Montreal happening on August 29 and 30, and discover how Montrealers lived during the 1750s.

Are you ready to travel through time via a gastronomic time machine?

Biscuit de Montreal: a tasty tribute

Katerine — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:14:58 GMT

Come to Montreal, and you just may decide to move here. At least, that’s what happened to pastry chef Eric d’Andria, who decide honour the city by creating a cookie named after it: Biscuit de Montréal (The Montreal Cookie).

Discover how this cookie is a reflection Montreal’s cultural mix…

Tre Marie restaurant: Montreal, Italian-style

Katerine — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:17:08 GMT

Montreal has a large Italian community and that means one thing: great Italian food! And with Montreal Italian Week going on until August 16th, I recommend heading to Little Italy for a taste of la dolce vita at Tre Marie.

Montreal’s 5 best ice cream shops

Katerine — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:32:43 GMT

Montreal can be really hot and humid in the summer. Fortunately, you can find deliciously refreshing frozen treats pretty much everywhere. And since there’s no way I could eat it all myself, no matter how hard I try, I thought I’d share my favourite places for ice cream with you.

Montreal Food Fair: Saveurs & Tentations

Katerine — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:17:36 GMT

Visiting and local foodies are in luck: from August 12-16 Montreal is hosting an all-new trade show dedicated to local food. It’s called Saveurs & Tentations, which is French for “Flavours and Temptations,” so you can’t say you haven’t been warned.

It promises to be one delicious event. Plus, it’s free.

Montreal’s La Coupole Restaurant: No menu required

Katerine — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:16:23 GMT

Located inside Hotel Crystal, La Coupole restaurant is a French-style brasserie with sophisticated food and…clairvoyant servers. I kid you not.

Marché du Vieux – Quebec products to take home

Katerine — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:11:34 GMT

Food is the best souvenir you can bring back from your trip to Montreal. I mean, I might be biased, but I honestly think that everyone, including you, will enjoy Quebec goodies more than, say, postcards. Right?

For your one-stop souvenir shopping, plus a little lunch and conversation, I recommend the Marché du Vieux restaurant and boutique in Old Montreal.

Olive & Gourmando: Where Hollywood stars eat

Katerine — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:57:04 GMT

Because of our diverse architecture and four distinct seasons, Montreal is a go-to destination for Hollywood film productions. And since most of the big movie stars stay in Old Montreal during shoots, so don’t be surprised if you see one chomping on a huge sandwich at Olive & Gourmando, a fantastic local bakery and café.

Watch the video to see why Julia Roberts, Leonardo Di Caprio, and John Malkovich like this place so much.

Hot ’N Saucy in Montreal: Poutine at La Banquise

Katerine — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:31:49 GMT

Ask a Montrealer about local cuisine, and poutine is probably the first thing that will come up. And according to the twittosphere, La Banquise is the best place in Montreal to try this classic Quebec dish.

But exactly what is poutine? Get it straight from the mouth of the chef at La Banquise. (Um, so to speak!)

Lunch to go from Europea Espace Boutique

Katerine — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:39:03 GMT

On a sunny day in Old Montreal, it can feel like a crime eating lunch indoors. But in a gastronomic paradise like Montreal, it’s even more of a crime to pick up crappy fast food to eat by the waterfront. Luckily, Europea Espace Boutique has the solution for you, ready to go in a cute little lunch box...

Graziella Italian Restaurant: Gnocchi with a twist

Katerine — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:37:21 GMT

Gnocchi made out of cheese. Really! I first heard about if from my friend Gerry, who’s the concierge at Montreal’s Intercontinental hotel. I had to try it, so I immediately made dinner reservations at Graziella in Old Montreal.

How to order coffee in Montreal

Katerine — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:58:00 GMT

Picture it: Montreal. A sunny Sunday morning. You walk into a romantic French café and decide to show your special someone just how worldly you are by ordering your coffee in French. “Un café, s’il vous plait.”

Yeah, if only it were that easy. What your Berlitz book of French phrases didn’t tell you is that, in Montreal, there’s more to coffee than just “café.”

Here my tips on ordering coffee like a local. And where to get the best coffee in Montreal.

Bring your own Wine Restaurant: Les Infidèles

Katerine — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:21:20 GMT

In Montreal, bring-your-own-wine (BYOW) restaurants

(BYOW) restaurants are really popular – probably a reflection of how deeply entrenched wine culture is here. You can find everything from BYOW Greek to BYOW Vietnamese restaurants in most any neighbourhood. But when I want to bring my own bottle to a French restaurant with full-on sophistication, I go to Les Infidèles.

Check out the slideshow I made of their dishes.

Top 10 Patios in Montreal

Katerine — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:42:15 GMT

After our long chilly winters, Montrealers just can’t wait to get out and enjoy some nice weather. Which is why we flock to restaurant patios (locally known as terraces) as soon as the snow melts. The result is that Montreal city streets are lined with outdoor patios all summer long, with locals lingering with coffees and croissants by day, and cocktails and tapas in the evening. Visitors tell me it adds some je ne sais quoi to the city vibe, but I personally enjoy patios for the people-watching opportunities.

If you’d like to partake in the action (if you can call sitting and eating “action”), have a look at my Top 10 Patios list.

Culinary Tour of Montreal: Follow the Guide

Katerine — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:09:03 GMT

Walking tours are always a popular activity when visiting a new city. But how about one that revolves around everybody’s favourite topic: food! Visites de Montréal‘s tour called “Flavors and Aromas of Old Montreal” does a great job of avoiding big crowds and cliché destinations. I should know, I tried it myself!

Watch the video and get insights from my guide Ronal Poiré.

Montreal’s White Dinner 2009, picnicking in style!

Katerine — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:01 GMT

This just in, folks: There are 150 tickets left to the swankiest picnic dinner you’ll ever see.

Click here for more info about the most classy outdoor meal coming to Montreal on Thursday, August 20.

Montreal insiders invade New York

Katerine — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:36:02 GMT

New Yorkers, open your eyes and ears. We’re bringing Montreal to your city – and we’re looking to bring some of you back with us.

Find out how you can win a free trip for two to Montreal

Joe Beef restaurant: Off the beaten path

Katerine — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:15:52 GMT

The best restaurants aren’t always located in the trendiest neighborhoods. When it comes to location, some restaurant owners prefer to work off the beaten path. Joe Beef is living proof that address doesn’t always matter.

Watch a video about the philosophy behind Joe Beef, a true Montreal gem.

Schwartz’s Restaurant: it’s all about smoked meat

Katerine — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:32:35 GMT

Montreal is the land of smoked meat. And locals will tell you that the place to get it is Schwartz’s, a classic Hebrew deli where the feisty staff have been serving up the good stuff for the last 80 years. Just be ready to answer one question: “How would you like it sliced?”

Chez Alexandre - A Parisian Brasserie in Montreal!

Katerine — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:41:49 GMT

When a restaurant has made the same location home for 32 years, it earns the right to be called an institution. That’s the case for Chez Alexandre, a classic Parisian Brasserie located in the heart of Montréal.

See why this restaurant is still a must after 30 years plus in business.

Montreal Food by Ricardo Larrivée

Katerine — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:30:07 GMT

Last week, Ricardo Larrivée, host of Ricardo and Friends on Food Network Canada, was at Appetite for Books promoting his new self-entitled cookbook. I decided to seize the opportunity to ask this Montréal-area gastronomic expert to share his insider tips about the local food scene!

Discover his favourite French restaurant and where you should go to eat poutine.

Montréal Mornings with Healthy muffins

Katerine — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:07:33 GMT

Reality check: Being a food journalist also means being a gym member. The last time I hosted a food show, I gained 8 pounds in two months! So, every morning after one of my fine dining adventures (life is hard, isn’t it?), I go straight to the gym and then to Capucine et Tournesol Bakery for a sugar-free Reine Elizabeth muffin.

Discover my favourite morning routine.

Montreal Jazz Fest: 5 places to eat

Katerine — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:59:17 GMT

Since you’re bound to work up an appetite shaking your tail feather at the Jazz Fest, I wanted to share with you a few good addresses for grabbing some grub on the go.

Discover 5 good spots within 5 minutes from the Jazz Fest site

Apollo Bistro: New Restaurant with Amazing Design

Katerine — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:46:31 GMT

There’s a new restaurant in Montréal’s Little Italy, Apollo Bistro, and it’s full of surprises. Here, you get to invent your own meal, bring your own wine, and enjoy it all in an usual setting designed by Alain Forcioli.

Check out the slideshow I made of it!

Montreal Restaurant: Hidden Market

Katerine — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:03:34 GMT

“Have you heard about Hidden Market? It’s a restaurant that’s actually hidden somewhere in Montréal.”

These words, which came to me by email, were… Frankly, intriguing! They called to my passion for secrets and, of course, food.

Check out the adventures of Detective Rollet!

Homemade Cupcakes in Montréal – at last!

Katerine — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:27:52 GMT

After much anticipation, the cupcake trend finally hit Montréal a few years go. And while there’s no such thing as a bad cupcake, my favourite place to get these little mouthfuls of joy is Cocoa Locale.

This is a cool video I found that does a great job showing why Cocoa Locale is makes my Top 10 Food Destinations in Montréal.

The Best French restaurant in Montréal?

Katerine — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:34:26 GMT

If you’re coming to Montréal, you’re probably hoping to indulge in French cuisine, non? Conveniently, the Web allows us to debate restaurants with no risk of a food fight. So as a Twitter user, I decided to ask my followers the big question:

What is the best French restaurant in Montréal?

Eating in the Dark at O.Noir Restaurant

Katerine — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:35:21 GMT

There are restaurants that intrigue us, not because of the food so much, but because of the experience. O.Noir is certainly one of the most mysterious dining venues around town. Served by blind waiters, you eat in complete darkness.

Watch my video, filmed in the dark!

Raw food at Crudessence

Katerine — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:09:49 GMT

Last Sunday, I rode a whopping 52 km at the Montréal Bike Fest! After a mega-achievement like that I really needed some fuel, but I didn’t want to fill up on anything unhealthy (lest that virtuous feeling slip away all too quickly). So, I stopped in at Crudessence, a Montréal’s only raw food vegan restaurant and I ordered a burger… A raw burger, that is.

Müvbox: A Great Restaurant Concept from Montréal

Katerine — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:07:25 GMT

An innovative mobile restaurant called Muvbox has just sailed in to Montréal. But judging by its technological features, you might think it had just beamed in from the future. Made from an old shipping container, this restaurant unfolds with the smooth ease of a spaceship in a mere 90 seconds. In the words of the restaurant’s owner, Daniel Noiseux, “You have to see it to believe it.”

Good thing I caught it on video. Check it out!

Montreal's best almond croissants: a saga

Katerine — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:04:23 GMT

Being a food blogger is a tough job. Seriously. I have to keep up-to-speed about food trends happening around the world, and especially in my own backyard. Imagine my surprise – and concern – when I read on Chowhound that the best almond croissants in Montréal are sold just minutes from my house. How could I not know about this?

Despite having already had breakfast, I immediately put on my shoes and headed out for some investigative journalism.

Laura Calder in Montréal

Katerine — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:00:38 GMT

I found out that Laura Calder, the host of French Food at Home on Food Network Canada, was coming to town for the launch of her new book, French Taste. So, I kidnapped her for 30 minutes, took her on a tour of Atwater Market and engaged her in some foodie girl talk.

And, I caught it all on video!

Confiserie Louise Décarie: Sweet dreams are made o

Katerine — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:37:37 GMT

Confiserie Louise Décarie is a real Montréal gem. Somewhat hidden on Saint-Denis Street, this cute little sweet shop challenges the tooth fairy on a daily basis with exquisite candy, gourmet fudge, chocolates and handmade French confections Marie-Antoinette only dreamed about.

Click here to visit candy land!

Terrines et Pâtés: A picnic pit-stop

Katerine — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:00:58 GMT

A beautiful day in Montréal calls for renting a bike and cycling along the Lachine Canal – and perhaps a little picnic by the water? One of my favourite places to pick up lunch fixings is Terrines & Pâtés in Atwater market. For me, it’s a summer must. For you, it’s a chance to try French food in the most casual of settings (your picnic blanket, that is).

Rediscovering Meat

Katerine — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:30:07 GMT

Confession: Throughout my twenties, I considered myself a social carnivore. What does that mean? It means I ate meat now and then, but never at home. In fact, I found that the less I ate meat, the less I enjoyed it.

So, why did I start eating meat again?

Welcoming the warmth of Afghan cuisine

Katerine — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:37:24 GMT

It’s raining and cold outside. You’re tired of waiting for Mother Nature to cooperate. And you feel like treating your senses to a little warmth. Why not try a restaurant with unique food from a country that has much more to offer than the news would have you believe.

Explore Afghanistan in a restaurant filled with stories.

A new location for Bouchonné

Katerine — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:20:08 GMT

Move over, trendy St-Laurent restaurants. The Main is welcoming the Bouchonné wine bar in its new, bigger location.

It’s the place to be for wine lovers in the mood for some tasty tidbits…

Exciting desserts at Newtown

Katerine — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:18:40 GMT

Full disclosure: I never go to Crescent Street to eat. This Mecca of flash and glamour is beloved by tourists and some locals, but I rarely find myself headed that way for a meal. I made an exception last night to go to Newtown, former restaurant of Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve. My motivation? It’s now run by two new chefs, who used to work at Laloux, my favorite French bistro.

Find out what dessert seduced me from the first bite.

It’s always beer o’clock at Mondial de la Bière

Katerine — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:22:52 GMT

From June 3-7, downtown Montréal will be welcoming the 16th annual Mondial de la Bière. Known to draw more than 75,000 people every year, this tasting event features beers from all over the world plus local cider, honey wine and other delicious products. Plus it’s free! (Admission, not the beer.)

Bottom's up!

The spirit of the Magdalen Islands

Katerine — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:42:58 GMT

In every state or province, there’s a region that’s all about having a good time. In Quebec, it’s the Magdalen Islands — a small cluster of islands lost in the Atlantic ocean and full of joie de vivre. Two sisters who grew up there have decided to bring their native land’s spirit to the city by opening an authentic island restaurant here in Montréal: Les Îles en ville!

Get ready for lobster, snow crab and other island goodies.

Fresh take on local flavours at Marché Jean-Talon

Katerine — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:13:06 GMT

When I go to a new city, the first thing I look for are the local farmer’s markets. They’re places where you can feel the pulse of the city and so they make for a great first destination. This is where life tastes the best and I am always excited to partake.

Discover why Marché Jean-Talon is so beloved by Montrealers and tourists alike.

Eat like the locals at Tây Dô

Katerine — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:48:11 GMT

Duluth Street has several Vietnamese restaurants with the Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) option. My favourite? Tây dô. You won’t find framed tiger posters and potted plastic plants here – this place has style! Plus, the service is excellent and you can get a full set meal for $14. And did I mention that you can bring your own wine?

Learn more about this local hotspot…

The diverse flavours of a Cultural Feast

Katerine — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:07:43 GMT

Every year, Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Museum of Archeology and History, puts on a Cultural Feast celebrating Montréal’s various cultural communities through their respective cuisine. It’s free. It’s outdoors. I never miss it. After all, Montréal’s cultural mix makes for a tasty meal.

Discover where you can sample perogies, churros, bubble tea and kangaroo meat, all in one place!

Take a tour of Portugal with chef Héléna Loureiro

Katerine — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:38:35 GMT

“Can I take you on a tour of Portugal with tapas? A little bit of everything?” asked chef Héléna Loureiro when I sat down at Portus Calle, in the heart of Montréal’s Portuguese neighborhood.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m all for culinary tours…

Where to try maple in Montreal

Katerine — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:43:08 GMT

Hey travelers, surely you’ve heard that maple treats are the classic Canadian sweet. In addition to drizzling the syrup on our pancakes, we eat maple candies, cookies, chocolates – even unexpected twists, like maple whiskey and maple salad dressing.

So, where’s the best place to try this delicacy while in Montréal? Let me tell you…

Montréal and BYOW

Katerine — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:04:08 GMT

Love food? Love wine? Then I’ve got good news: there’s no need for your cup (or wallet) to run dry while in Montréal.

Find out more about our Bring-Your-Own-Wine restaurants…

Lobster, lobster, lobster

Katerine — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:11:55 GMT

This just in from the coast: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month, get all-you-can eat lobster for $40 at the Chesterfield wine bar!

Eating All That Jazz

Katerine — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:06:15 GMT

Coming to Montréal for the Jazz Festival? If you’re like me, just thinking about it is enough to work up an appetite. Luckily, there’s a great place for fresh food and French ambiance, right in the thick of the action: Café du Nouveau Monde!

Bar et boeuf: Seven courses for $59!

Katerine — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:14:45 GMT

There’s a new restaurant in town, and does it ever look promising! Bar et boeuf, which opened on May 6, offers an intriguing menu for an even more intriguing price: seven courses for $59 (or $109 with 5 glasses of wine)!

So, what’s the catch?

The Joy of Sharing!

Katerine — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:25:57 GMT

As a genuine food lover, I have the bad habit (bad for others, good for me) of always wanting to sample every dish on the table. After all, doesn’t food look twice as tasty when it’s on someone else’s plate? I can’t resist and often find myself asking people I’ve just met if I can have a little taste of their meal.

Some people find this rude, while others just see it as unusual. Luckily, Apollo restaurant offers the perfect solution: a menu meant for sharing!

Les Touilleurs: a foodie’s playground

Katerine — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:31:53 GMT

There are three dangerous things for a foodie like me: eating too much, discovering new food products that you get completely obsessed about, and entering in a houseware store. Any of these scenarios can be devastating for your wallet. And your mental health.

Wonder why Les Touilleurs is a dangerous place that I can’t resist?

An Appetite for Books

Katerine — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:38:29 GMT

When I enter a cooking-themed bookstore, I feel like a kid in a candy store: so many ingredients to explore, so many mouth-watering recipes to try, so many chefs to discover!

Let me introduce you to Montréal’s sweetest bookstore.

Hotel Nelligan: Great hotel, amazing food

Katerine — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:59:22 GMT

Hotel Nelligan stands alone as the only Montrealer that made the National Geographic Travelers’ Stay List 2009. Not too shabby, huh? Makes me wish I were a tourist! But anyway, what’s cool about this hotel is that it also has two very good restaurants.

See what’s cooking at the Nelligan…

Exploring L’Inconnu

Katerine — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:18:34 GMT

You just finished a long day of sightseeing. You’re hungry. And tonight, you feel like dining out like a Montrealer: in a casual venue that serves sophisticated signature dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Then you notice a lovely French bistro. You approach, stomach growling, and check out the menu. This is the scenario that played out for me this week, as I walked through the door of L’Inconnu with dinner on my mind.

Discover the tasty dishes that awaited my palate.

Brunch like a Montrealer at La Fabrique

Katerine — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:43:50 GMT

If Saturdays in Montréal are all about staying up late for food, drinks, music and socializing, then it should come as no surprise that Sundays are all about relaxing and re-charging your batteries. Yes, for us brunch is a long, drawn-out affair, where café au lait and breakfast fare are served well into the afternoon.

Care to join me for a taste of what’s on the menu at my favourite place for a classy brunch?

Desperately seeking the best croissant in Montréal

Katerine — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:27:05 GMT

Good news: Delicious croissants abound in Montréal. In fact, some neighbourhoods in this city boast as many bakeries as their Parisian counterparts. But since you can’t possibly spend your entire weekend in Montréal testing croissants (or can you?), I thought I’d put my personal favourites to the test, so that you can sink your teeth into our city’s finest with no further ado.

Where are the best croissants in Montréal?

Point G, Your G-Spot in Montréal

Katerine — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:34:13 GMT

Finally, I found my G-Spot in Montréal! It’s actually called Point G (the French term for that elusive source of pleasure), because, in French, G is for glaces, gauffres and gourmandises (ice cream, waffles and treats).

Run by pastry chefs Thierry Andrieu and Julien Reignier, this chic pastry shop/ice cream parlour on Mont-Royal Street welcomes a non-stop flow of customers, even when it’s snowing outside! One look at their menu, and it’s really no wonder…

Toqué! Unveils New Website

Katerine — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:13:19 GMT

Normand Laprise, the well-known chef at Toqué!, one of Montréal’s finest restaurants, has decided to serve up a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth! For him, the first bite is always a visual one, teasing your taste buds and making you long for more. That’s the logic behind his scrumptious new website, which will have you booking your plane ticket right away!