Published on June 3, 2009 - When the mercury starts to climb, the last thing Montrealers want to do is crank up the oven. But we love take-out meals, a trend that’s showing no signs of abating both residents and visitors.
Before we begin, a small clarification: by ready-to-eat we don’t mean tossing frozen meals in the microwave and wolfing them down the time it takes to heat them. We are, in fact, talking about an emerging cuisine that’s enjoyed in three different, but equally delectable, fashions.
In its gourmet version, take-out takes our taste buds to the lands of unctuous upscale sandwiches. Olive et Gourmando and Europea Espace Boutique in Old Montréal as well as Café Vasco da Gama and MBCo downtown are just some of the many restaurants that draw the chic lunch-box crowd.
Quality, fresh foods are a constant feature of these café-boutiques, as are the mouthwatering combinations of flavours tucked between two fresh slices of bread. Shrimp, avocado and mango wraps, wild mushroom and goat cheese pitas, Kamouraska lamb ciabattas and smoked trout sandwiches are just some of the mouthwatering temptations. And that’s not to forget the tempting viennoiseries and patisseries… go ahead and indulge (and save the calorie-counting for later).
Done country-style, ready-to-eat is best enjoyed outdoors on Mount Royal, at Philips Square or on the banks of the Lachine Canal. First, prime your palate with the aromas of terroir products at the Marché du Vieux or the Atwater Market. Next, choose from the assortment of fine cheeses, crunchy fresh baguettes, tins of pâté and—voilà!—a beautiful meal before you.
The last way to enjoy take-away is slowly and sweetly. Try the imported desserts offered among the many toothsome items at Le Cartet restaurant-fine food boutique.
