Drogheria Fine is located on 68 Fairmount St. W. Photo by Leslie.
Drogheria Fine, a tiny, tasty-smelling Italian store, is the pride and joy of its owner, Franco Gattuso who opened up the shop 18 months ago.
The second you walk in, the scrumptious aroma of tomatoes, caramelized onion and garlic welcomes you into the 300 square foot store
Drogheria Fine is located on 68 Fairmount St. W. Photo by Leslie.
filled with mason jars of tomato sauce and Italian olive oil which he bottles in recycled glass jars. The olive oil is nothing but the best, and imported from Oliveto in the Calabria region, a small village where Gattuso’s mother was born. The tomato sauce labeled as “La Salsa Della Nonna,” which translates to “Grandmother’s Sauce,” is Gattuso’s homemade concoction are what he built his business around. He also offers canned goods containing the mouth-watering sauce with gnocchi, a soft, thick dumpling.
Before opening up Drogheria, Gattuso had worked in the restoration industry for more than 15 years, but decided to leave the field because of all the new rules and regulations that were being implemented. That is when he remembered the idea for Drogheria Fine, one he had put on hold for years.
“It all started with a trip to Italy, to the town where my mother was born,” said Gattuso. “All of a sudden, I remembered that I had already planned something that I could now do. Everything was already done, even the labels had already been designed.”
Although selling his products was not always easy, Gattuso always knew that his store would be a success.
“I always believed in this product. At first, it was difficult, because we were selling one pot at a time. Now though, people know who we are, and, because of its classic recipe, it has everything it needs to succeed,” Gattuso said.
The products found at Drogheria Fine are all cooked and canned on the spot. The tomatoes are imported from Italy, but the sauce is made in the store. Gattuso was proud to say that he was not afraid of sharing the ingredients he uses for the sauce. With no preservatives or artificial flavours, Gattuso simply uses tomato pulp, olive oil, caramelized onions and garlic, fresh basil, and sea salt. The sauce is good for up to one year if it is kept unopened and in the pantry, but only six weeks once it’s used.
Gattuso’s products are of excellent quality, but do not cost that much more than similar products that you would buy at a grocery store. He sells one litre of his homemade tomato sauce at $10, imported olive oils at $15, and does custom orders as well.
After my visit to the store, I just had to bring home some sauce and try it for myself. I was not disappointed. Gattuso’s sauce turns a mediocre meal into something divine. The ingredients may seem simple, but the sauce is nothing but ordinary and is definitely worth a trip to the Plateau.
In the near future, Gattuso hopes to open a second store, which will sell both his canned goods as well as products like fresh pasta that will compliment his merchandise.
“I am really confident right now, and I think that we can take the next step, which would be to open a second store,” Gattuso said. “The goal is for my products to be sold in grocery stores.”
Gattuso’s Salsa Della Nonna products are also available at many stores, such as Fromagerie Hamel, La Boucherie du Marché, La Boucherie Chez Vito, Marché du Village, La Baie des Fromages, and le Marché Soupson.
I’ve recently noticed a new trend rising in the food industry: gluten-free products. From cereal to pasta, there is an ever-increasing supply of gluten-free food appearing on grocery shelves and in restaurants. I didn’t show an interest in eating gluten-free until this past summer when I read the book Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist in Wisconsin.
The book explains the harmful effects gluten can have on your body, and can even lead to celiac disease, a condition that damages the
Photo courtesy of Louise Pearl
lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy.
After reading the book, I decided to try the gluten-free diet myself. While it was, and continues to be, difficult to find gluten-free foods, I feel healthier and more energetic, which according to Wheat Belly, are positive side effects from not eating gluten. While I chose to adopt new eating habits, there are those who are forced to lead a gluten-free lifestyle due to celiac disease and gluten-intolerance.
I had the chance to speak with Louise Pearl who was diagnosed with celiac disease nine years ago, and is the founder and owner of Louise’s Gluten Free Table in Dorval. She decided to open her own gluten-free grocery store and bakery because she was frustrated at the lack of gluten-free products in her local grocery stores.
“While there is a loss of freedom in the choices of food I can eat, I feel much better,” said Pearl.
Whether you decide to take on a gluten-free diet by choice or not, it is difficult to find good food to accommodate this diet. As for people diagnosed with celiac disease, it isn’t as simple as eating products that are sans gluten. They need to be aware of cross-contamination, which can make it all the more difficult to eat out. Restaurants are sometimes ignorant of the sensitivity level and simply include gluten-free dishes to the menu because of the current trend. So we decided to take on the challenge and help you discover some of Montreal’s best gluten-free, celiac-friendly restaurants.
1. For fresh and delicious food try La Carreta. An authentic Salvadorian restaurant located at 350 St-Zotique St. It is a family-owned restaurant in the neighbourhood of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. All the enchiladas are gluten-free, and anything else you desire, aside from the chimichangas, can be prepared without gluten ingredients. The best part of this restaurant is that the food is naturally gluten-free from El Salvador!
2. Another great Montreal place is Zero8, a hypoallergenic restaurant. It’s name says it all because it means that their dishes are free of gluten and do not contain eight common allergens such as fish, shellfish, soy, dairy, egg, and nuts. It offers a wide arrange of dishes and $5 glasses of rosé wine. Zero8 also makes their own ketchup and has gluten-free soap in their dispensers! They are extremely accommodating and attentive; a sanctuary for celiacs.
3. Ottavio will satisfy your craving for great Italian food, sans gluten! This restaurant is in a great location and you can even bring your own wine! There is a specific gluten-free menu that includes pizza, pasta, and dessert, and there are even dairy-free options as well. On the menu, they inform their customers that they are aware of cross-contamination, serving the gluten-free meals on red plates to ensure there is no confusion.
The more I have looked into Montreal’s gluten-free scene, I have come to realize that there are more options than I thought. More and more restaurants are becoming gluten-free friendly, offering amazing and diverse options on their menus.
Louise’s Gluten Free Table is located on 475 Dumont, suite 109
On Oct. 27 and 28, Montreal had its first Cake Show and Design Competition at the Sports complex of Vanier College. For their first edition, it was surprisingly well organized and all proceeds went to the charitable organization Dans la Rue, which works with at-risk youth.
There were three different sections in separate rooms on the Saturday, and the main room had the cake exposition with over a dozen vendors.
The second room had the cupcake challenge from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The theme of the cupcakes was the ‘city of Montreal,’ which led to original flavours and decorations from the 19 participants.
Alicia Barrett of Leece Design is a Concordia alumni who works in graphic design and bakes in her free time. Her cupcakes were adorable and displayed on plates with a multitude of different frosting colours.
“I would rather do something well than not do it,” said Barrett. “I believe that you have to be passionate and devote your time.”
The third room had baking classes for both children and adults. A space was also arranged for people who wanted to sit and enjoy their treats. Both days had a total of 29 classes, with two classes for children under 11.
Paige McEachren, the event’s executive director, was thrilled that the event was a success and said that next year they might have to move locations, to accommodate an even bigger audience.
Tea Room My Cup of Tea. By Writer Sara Baron-Goodman
My Cup of Tea is a quaint shop that houses a wide range of holistic Asian teas, packaged for the modern drinker.
The store welcomes you in off the busy Chinatown street with the sound of soft classical music and the subtle smell of blooming tea steeping on the counter.
Loose-leaf teas are sold in Chinese take-out boxes featuring graphic drawings of faces enjoying their My Cup of Tea favorites. By Writer Sara Baron-Goodman
Decked out with a grass-green carpet and wooden shelves, the one-room shop is packed from wall to wall in teas hailing from across Asia, all neatly stacked in vibrant packages.
Loose-leaf teas are sold in Chinese take-out boxes featuring graphic drawings of faces enjoying their My Cup of Tea favorites, lending a bit of style to your basic Oolong or Jasmine tea.
Located on St-Laurent Blvd., just upstairs from the owner’s father’s Chinese medicine practice, My Cup of Tea is in many ways a family business.
“My parents and grandparents were Chinese doctors,” said owner Kenny Hui. He gives credit to them for his acquired passion in herbal remedies. Medicine, however, wasn’t for him.
“As much as my father wanted me to be a Chinese doctor too, I am a very happy person […] I couldn’t deal with a life of seeing sick people every day. I wanted to do something preventative,” he explained.
By opening My Cup of Tea, Hui was able to showcase his knowledge of the natural benefits of flowers and Asian herbs. Right now he’s working with High Mountain Oolong tea from Taiwan, which stimulates digestion and blood circulation. It also acts beautifully as a palate cleanser if you’ve been eating spicy food.
Tea Room My Cup of Tea. By Writer Sara Baron-Goodman
Unlike other popular tea sellers that concentrate more on trendy taste combinations, My Cup of Tea aims to sell teas that are beneficial to the health.
“If you go to Hong Kong or Japan or Taiwan you won’t find chocolate tea or wine tea or popcorn tea, the flavors are very basic,” said Hui. “Nobody says their tea is boring because we know that a good tea, once you drink it, will feel very good in your system.”
Hui’s teas are imported from Hong Kong, but not in a mass-produced “Made in China” way: “I spend a lot of time travelling around and learning ceremonies, from Chinese tea ceremonies to Japanese tea ceremonies,” he said.
My Cup of Tea, though very traditional in many ways, has aunique array of products. It features a line called “Santhé” which is composed of five different tea combinations to aid with some of today’s most pressing day-to-day issues.
There’s the “Workaholic,” made with ginger and lemon peel, that boosts blood circulation and energy while relievingnausea.
Want to trim that waistline? Then the “Fashion Icon” is for you. It is a rooibos tea containing lemon verbena, enhancing one’s metabolism.
Others cater to the needs of the “Insomniac,” the “Shopaholic,” the “Meat Lover,” and the “Public Speaker.”
The shop’s signature “Zodiac Blooming” teas come in single packages of what looks like a mini tumble weed, but is in fact a flower that will bloom as it steepsin hot water. Each flower bulb corresponds with a Zodiac sign, and whichever one you’re born under is the tea you should drink, according to Chinese philosophy.
“If people are born in the summertime they are very hot in their system so we give them something to cool down.If you’re born in the wintertime you’re cooler and dryer, so we give you tea that helps retain moisture,” said Hui.
My Cup of Tea products can also be found at David’s Tea outlets,Archambault bookstores and the W Hotel. A box of the classic collection teas (Oolong, Jasmine Green tea or White Peony) goes for $12, the Santhé teabags are $6.99 for a fair sized pouch of ten, and a single Zodiac bloom is only $3.
In Hui’s opinion, the tea trend is here to stay. “I think the tea business will become better than coffee in the next few years,” he said with a smile.
I tend to find that many of the vegan restaurants I have attended in the past have had the three ‘Ps’ of dread — pretentious crowds, pitiful proportions, and pricey, bland food. So you must understand my initial disappointment when my dining partner decided to surprise me with a raw vegan restaurant called Crudessence.
I had never heard of this restaurant, a little place that I initially thought was a store selling raw products. Down the small narrow restaurant were some simple wooden tables and chairs. There was a funky flare to the decor such as a matrix-style portrait of a computer chip and another one of multicoloured broken glass.
So what is Crudessence? According to the website, it is a restaurant that serves “food choices based on respect for life and global well-being,” and appeals to “anyone seeking to awaken their bodies and minds.”
As for the menu: don’t worry, this is not your ordinary rabbit food restaurant. Thankfully, Crudessence offers a witty, healthy and sophisticated twist on meals such as nachos, pizza, hamburgers and tacos. The difference is that you won’t leave the restaurant feeling bloated and reminding yourself that you need to hit the gym as soon as possible.
Photo by Madelayne Hajek
I ordered the “Exceptional Wrap,” chipotle quinoa wrapped in nori and rice sheets with avocado, lettuce, sprouts, red peppers, carrots and onions. The wrap popped vibrantly with colours—yellow, green, red and white while the rice sheets gave a nice touch of Asian infusion. The mix of velvety avocado with the bitter taste of sprouts and sweet red peppers made this wrap truly live up to its name. The sauce was the best part. A zesty ranch taste with a kick of chipotle, complimenting the wrap perfectly. There’s the option of ordering the wrap alone for a jaw-dropping $11, or if you are feeling rebellious, you can order it with the daily salad on the side for $14.75.
The person I went with looked enthusiastically through the menu and, grinning, ordered the “Om burger” (obviously amused with the clever name). This burger is a combination of mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, flax seeds and mixed vegetables, served on chapati bread and garnished with fresh tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, homemade mustard, ketchup and their famous caper aioli. It tasted tangy from the homemade mustard, rich and smoky from the mushrooms and salty from the sun-dried tomatoes. The burger came to about $12.50.
The bathroom is a tiny stall with swinging wooden western style doors. Even though it sounds fun, there is nothing more uncomfortable than having the other diners stare at you through the wide cracks of the doors while you wash your hands.
All-in-all, I found the idea to be as much of a culinary adventure as I found it hilarious to mock. As I checked out the website I even saw that they offer delivery… by bicycle to make sure it is environmentally friendly. All sarcasm aside, though the prices were sky high, I tip my hat to the wonderfully tasty vegan treats.
Crudessence is located on 2157 Mackay St. and 105 Rachel St. W.
The Concordian visits Les Bontées de la Vallée organic farm. Photo by writer.
Awareness concerning farming practices has been growing, as the access to organic products has been multiplying around the city. Les Bontées de La Vallée sell their products on the corner of Fabre St. and Laurier St. each weekend from July to November. At their stand, you can buy an impressive diversity of organic goods following the time of season: carrots, fresh lettuce, apples, pears, fines herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, blueberries, potatoes, beets, bok choy, as well as other varieties rarely seen in the grocery store such as swiss chard, kale, purple broccoli, tomatillo, purslane and even fresh chamomile.
François D’Aoust is originally a graphic designer. A few years ago, he started reading about organic farming and medicinal plants. His interest grew stronger as the time passed and he finally decided to take a course on agriculture production in Ontario to start his own business.
He then met Plante, who was an artistic agent at the time. She fell in love with organic farming and the organic farmer!
The two have been running the farm together for three years. For Plante, it’s the human side, offering a space for community bonding and sharing at the market. For D’Aoust, his passion is to offer a wide variety of fresh quality and responsible products.
How then is it possible that Stanford University can state that “after analyzing the data, the researchers found little significant difference in health benefits between organic and conventional foods”?
Photo by writer.
First of all, its claims were made mostly on a nutritional basis. They analyzed papers“that compared either the nutrient levels or the bacterial, fungal or pesticide contamination of various products (fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, milk, poultry, and eggs) grown organically and conventionally.” At the same time, the study specified that “there were no long-term studies of health outcomes of people consuming organic versus conventionally produced food; the duration of the studies involving human subjects ranged from two days to two years.”
The question is: can you draw relevant conclusions on these relatively short-term studies? What happens when you look at the whole picture, taking into consideration other elements beyond the nutrition levels?
The principle underlying organic farming is sustainability, in the short as well as the long run. On the farm in Havelock, D’Aoust is constantly trying innovative farming practices to produce in the most natural way.
Rather than rolled down in June, rye and clover are sowed in a field where they will stand as green fertilizer and as a blockage to weed for future tomato plants to grow. Daikon roots grow almost wildly, drilling the ground, thus aerating it naturally. Plantation sites are changed around every couple of years as to avoid draining the soil of its nutriments.
Photo by writer.
“Organic farming is a destination,” said D’Aoust.
As students, we can often feel divided between our responsibility as citizens and our restricted budget. An important aspect here, if not the most important, is buying local.
The organic stamp can be very expensive. Often, small-scale farmers just can’t afford it, but many still use sustainable practices. At Jean-Talon Market, you can find several sustainable producers such as Les Jardins Sauvages. It is either the same price or less expensive than at the grocery store since there are fewer intermediaries, and it is by far more delicious!
Organic farmers are often called “family farmers.” It’s about re-establishing the link between consumers and producers. It’s about taking our responsibility through our daily actions, raising our awareness and creating the kind of world we want to live in. So while it’s still unclear what the exact health benefits of eating organic food are, it’s still worth it to invest in these local community-run operations.
Vegetarian Thai restaurant ChuChai makes for a calm and modern dining experience. Photo by Marilla Steuter-Martin
Editor’s Intro
Whether it’s a food trend, a generational thing, or the number of studies we are bombarded with on the health risks of red meat, there is no denying that vegetarianism is spreading across Canada. According to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s “Canadian Food Trends to 2020,” citizens have become more cautious as to what they are eating, continually increasing their consumption of meatless meals. Restaurant owners and media outlets, like the Food Network, are paying attention to this shift in healthy living, incorporating vegetarian options on their menu and teaching viewers how they can prepare a healthy, meatless meal in under 20 minutes. Even Mario Batali, a well-know American-Italian chef who is no stranger to a great piece of prosciutto, has integrated Meatless Monday options to 14 of his restaurants. While we’re not expecting everyone to take on a vegetarian lifestyle, there are delicious ways to incorporate some meatless meals in your omnivorous diet; here are few of our favourite choices around Montreal!
Chow down at ChuChai
Andrew Guilbert
Staff Writer
ChuChai is back in business after a long reconstruction period that started way back in February, and Montreal vegetarians are grateful for its return.
Vegetarian Thai restaurant ChuChai makes for a calm and modern dining experience. Photo by Marilla Steuter-Martin
This restaurant sells itself as Thai vegetarian food with an upscale feel and a wine list to match. Though the menu can seem pricey to the uninitiated (meals run from 12$ to 20$), the unique presentation and intimate atmosphere make for a dining experience that accentuates the calm, modern vibe that goes hand in hand with chef Lily Sirikittikul’s creations.
The main attraction here is the series of “fake meat” dishes you can order; fish, duck, beef, chicken and shrimp are all reproduced in both taste and texture through the magic of soy, seitan and various vegetables coming together.
The simulacrum is so uncanny that a vegetarian friend of mine recounted how he once shocked an acquaintance of his by inviting him out to ChuChai and chowing down on the fake meat in front of his incredulous dinner guest. A personal favorite is the duck in red curry with pineapple, tomato and basil, which comes drizzled and stepped with a liberal amount of sweet, tangy sauce that demand you order an extra rice bowl just to finish it off.
The main courses aren’t the only draw to this modern St-Denis eatery; the appetizers are a brilliant amalgamation of oriental tastes, vibrant colors and simple, delicate presentation. Warranting particular note is the award winning Miam Kram, a unique combination of tastes like ginger, lemon and peanuts is served on a leaf you fold around the piled ingredients and pop into your mouth. It makes for a fresh, crisp morsel you won’t find the likes of anywhere else on the island.
ChuChai is located on 4088 Saint Denis St.
Aux Vivres deceives the palate
Andrew Guilbert
Staff writer
Aux Vivres was my go-to place during my lean, vegan years and despite my relapse into the world of carnivorism, it remains a mainstay
of my restaurant rotation. Why, you ask? Because it’s not a good vegan restaurant; it’s a good restaurant that just so happens to be vegan.
Vegan restaurant Aux Vivres serves veggie bowls, burgers, salads and soul food. Photo by Madelayne Hajek
The menu features a wide selection under different sections; veggie bowls, burgers, salads, soul food, sandwiches and smoothies, ranging between $10 and $20. Whatever piques your fancy, you can find something to your liking.
There’s also a detailed tea list with a dozen different brews to choose from, as well as a dessert menu that features a fantastic “uncheescake” that will make you wonder how they can make this stuff without cream.
If you’re curious about their vegan cuisine, I recommend the BLT on chapati bread. The ‘B’ in this case is a coconut confection made to resemble, but not reproduce, the texture of bacon. What makes this sandwich truly remarkable, however, is the faux mayonnaise they use to lend it a nice, moist counterpoint to the hard crunch of fresh lettuce and coconut bacon. It’s enough to warrant suggesting they enter the commercial market with an “I can’t believe it’s not mayo!” product of some sort.
If Asian cuisine is more your thing, give the Macro bowl a try. A generous serving of steamed spinach, sauerkraut, bok choy, wakame, sprouts, miso-tahini sauce and grilled tofu or tempeh makes for an impressive amount of food that will leave you satisfied, but won’t leave you feeling bloated.
Aux Vivres is located on 4631 Saint Laurent Boulevard.
Lola Rosa gets creative with veggies
Marta Barnes
Contributor
Lola Rosa café is one of those places for vegetarians and carnivores alike. it’s not just that their food is amazing for veggie monsters, it’s
Photo from Flickr.
that this food is just plain amazing and should be added as a point of pilgrimage for all Montrealers.
Their menu is a long list of imaginative dishes like tomato pie, hempburger, and the Rosa salad with chickpeas, oranges, feta cheese and hot peppers. With that said, their most popular choices are quesadillas, three cheese and spinach lasagna, and the quiche of the day which is always a fail-safe for the indecisive.
The quiche, served with a side of rice and salads, is wholesome with a crust that would give your French-Canadian grandmother envie. They have an excellent take on quesadillas as well, which taste more like they’re folded with a crepe rather than your run-of-the-mill corn tortilla.
If put to a vote though, the best has to be the lasagna, a generous portion of baked cheese melting in and over creamy layers of spinach and pasta. All is mid-priced, averaging around $12 a dish.
For dessert, the absolute standout is the seasonal pumpkin pie. The filling is velvety, halfway between a pie and a cheesecake, but it is the pressed sesame seed crust that makes it a superstar among pumpkin pastries. Dusted with cinnamon and served à la mode, the pie absorbs the senses so thoroughly, even the rowdiest table crowd will fall silent for the first few bites.
As for a quick appreciation of the décor, the wood paneling, chalkboards, cushions, and worn wood furniture packed close together give it an easy-going, yet carefully styled bohemian vibe. Don’t forget to leave a note behind in one of the hidden drawers!
Lola Rosa is located on 545 Milton St.
Bonnys is a humble, earthly, hidden gem
Nicole Yeba
Contributor
When I stepped inside Bonnys, I noticed a wall that consisted of long branches of wood and speakers inside a small log near the ceiling.
The boca burger at Bonnys restaurant. Photo by Nicole Yeba.
With only 12 tables, the restaurant has a very intimate atmosphere. The wood, plants, and shades of green and yellow give the room an earthy feel. They have reusable tablecloths rather than paper napkins which are only used once, perfectly suitable for such a restaurant.
I ordered a platter of the boca burger, which consists of a homemade chickpea flour and black bean burger. It’s served with an avalanche of fresh salsa, cheddar cheese, organic sour cream and sliced avocado. The platter comes with a large chef’s salad and nachos. The burger is covered with salsa, making it almost impossible to eat without utensils.
I had never tried a vegetarian burger before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was very good and extremely filling. With taxes, it was roughly $16, so not cheap, but worth it if you’re willing to splurge a little.
Owner Bonnie Tees wasn’t at the restaurant so I chatted with one of her employees, Jazmine Johansson. She has been working at Bonnys for three years now, and is a fellow Concordia student. When I asked her about the clientele, she informed me that they are mostly regulars. Some customers even go daily to buy their lunch. Johansson mentioned that the crowd is older, with few students and she said she doesn’t understand why.
In my opinion, the lack of young clients might be due to the fact that Bonnys is located in an uncommon area for students. Overall, we could both agree that the restaurant is a hidden gem for veggie lovers!
School’s started, temperatures are dropping, and any day now those bright green leaves will transform into reds, yellows, and oranges. Seems to be that time of the year again!
Seeing summer escape our grasps may be a hard thing to swallow for some, but for others, the autumn air is much anticipated. Fall brings with it not only the start of a new school year, but perhaps also the longing for some cozy nostalgic outings. With the turn of the season, many of us seem unable to resist the urge to round up a group of friends for some good old apple-picking — there may be no better way to ring in and embrace fall!
Getting back into the routine of assignments and projects takes some readjustment, and we need every reason to look forward to our weekends! So if you plan on grabbing your scarves and jackets and hopping on a tractor for some apple picking, here’s a delicious way to use up the fruits of your labour.
Paired with some chewy cranberries and fragrant toasted walnuts, these classic apples are used in a new way, providing all the comfort you may need for the school week ahead!
Who can resist crepes anyways? These little indulgences lend themselves to any flavour combination. Deliciously plain and simple or jazzed up with a little maple syrup and all the possible sweet and savory filling options available out there (Rolopan anyone?), crepes are in a category on their own.
So what happens when you replace the nutrient void typical white flour with whole-wheat and cut out unnecessary fats and sugars? Would you believe me if I said you get crepes that may give any restaurant a run for their money?
Between the apples and the whole-wheat flour, you’ll be getting a great kick of fibre to start your day off and keep your tummy happy. Apples have also been suggested to aid in the prevention of cancers due to its high antioxidant content. The combo of cranberries and apples is an excellent natural detoxifier, aiding in cleansing your liver, perhaps from too many Thursdays at Reggie’s. So here’s to another reason to look forward to the weekend; high fiber, sugar free, but most importantly, delicious crepes!
INGREDIENTS
1 medium apple, peeled and sliced
1/8 cup walnuts, chopped
1/8 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup apple juice
1 tbsp. maple syrup (reduced sugar is ideal!)
2 tbsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
Cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a frying pan, simmer apples, apple juice, maple syrup and 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. Once apple juice begins to bubble and evaporate, add the walnuts and cranberries. Keep under heat until all the liquid is absorbed.
2. Mix together flour, milk and egg in a bowl. Heat frying pan to medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Once the pan is heated, add the batter. Grab the handle of the frying pan and make a circular motion with your hand, allowing the batter to evenly coat the pan.
3. Once bubbles start to appear, gently peel the sides of the crepe with a spatula, and flip crepe over, cooking for another minute. Serve crepe on a plate, add filling, fold crepe over and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon. Bon appétit!
I was so excited when I discovered Nilufar last year; I was told this was the place to go for good food that’s cheap. I definitely wasn’t let down!
Located on Ste. Catherines St., about a five minute walk from the Sir George Williams campus, Nilufar, which means “Lily of the Valley,” serves up healthy and fresh Middle Eastern cuisine.
For only $2 you can get a tasty falafel sandwich, a soup, and a drink. It’s a deal that is hard to beat.
The falafel sandwich is great. The falafels are moist on the inside, crispy on the outside, and are a perfect blend of flavours. They are wrapped in a pita and topped with tomatoes, lettuce and hummus. It’s a small portion, but when combined with the soup, it makes for a filling snack. The lentil soup is my favourite.
The small family-run business will be celebrating its 18th anniversary on Halloween. Nilufar Al-Shourbaji, the owner’s daughter, is the cheerful girl behind the counter.
“My mother is the magic behind the food,” she said.
There’s nothing fancy about the place, but the food, the value, and the friendly atmosphere are what makes it worth it. It’s really a great alternative to the abundance of unhealthy and sometimes expensive food options around the downtown campus. Another added bonus—it’s vegan friendly!
Located on 1923 Ste. Catherine St. West
-Marie-Josée Kelly
Schnitzel and ice cream are part of a well-balanced student diet
You may have noticed food options around Loyola Campus are few and far between and are not of remarkable value. My absolute favourite place to eat is the wonderful Cafe Bano.
Located at a short distance from campus on Sherbrooke St., this charming cafe serves a combination of Persian and Israeli inspired cuisine. Prices range from $2-10. All of the food they serve is homemade and when the season permits, produce is picked from the owner’s garden.
Reza Avi Ensafi and his mother Paris run the cozy cafe and have been for the past six years. His high-energy and good-natured attitude along with his mother’s nurturing smile are what makes this place unique.
They offer a number of homemade desserts, coffee and tea on any given day. I’ve had their homemade vanilla, saffron, honey and pistachio ice cream, and let me tell you, there is nothing quite like it!
It’s their famous chicken schnitzel sandwich that always keeps me going back for more. It is served on a fresh ciabatta roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise. To kick things up a notch, ask them to spice up your sandwich. The combination of flavours is mouthwatering! It is worth the $6.25. For an extra dollar or two I usually add either one of their tasty soups or salads to complete the meal.
They also offer vegetarian options for veggie lovers. It’s a delightful and reasonably priced eatery that will satisfy your appetite guaranteed!
Located on 6929 Sherbrooke St. West
-Marie-Josée Kelly
Chinese comfort on the second floor
On the second floor of an unassuming building, nestled just behind the John Molson School of Business building on de Maisonneuve St. W., Shi Tang is just as easy to miss as it is to find; all you have to do is look up.
Shi Tang is a local fixture that serves up some cozy Chinese fare. Be warned though, it’s a little different from the other Chinese restaurants around the city. It is another iteration of the new variety of Chinese restaurants that surround Concordia University, serving up a taste and feel straight from the mainland.
If you find the restaurant and gather up the courage to climb the stairs, you will find yourself in a different world. The place sports a coat of institutional white walls and linoleum floors; and just to warn you, there are no English or French menus.
In short, the immediate feeling is one of intimidation and perhaps alienation, but the warm smile of the staff and the buzz of student banter will provide you with the bravery to order.
Shi Tang is the Chinese word for “cafeteria,” and that’s just what it is. There are long wooden tables and benches, and most importantly, a kind looking lady with a spoon in hand standing over a hot array of glistening Chinese food, ready to serve you. The place serves an assortment of hearty Chinese dishes canteen style where you just point at what you want.
The food is affordable, delicious and most importantly, comforting. Suddenly, all the obstacles and foreignness of the place seem to take a backseat to the act of sharing a meal with the people around you. Good thing you looked up.
Located on 1622 de Maisonneuve West
-Daniel Chen
I Pick Picks
Picks serves up casse-croûtefood in a warm hole-in-the-wall setting. Tiny and unimposing, a fluorescent “open” sign encourages you to enter, and the food makes you never want to leave. The joint offers up a criss-cross of food cultures as the premise of the restaurant is to offer up the Korean take of various American street foods. The results are intensely satisfying.
Picks grills up one of the best burgers in the area (much better and slightly cheaper than neighbouring Buns). In addition, there are some novel toppings such as kimchee,eggs and a large assortment of sauces. I recommend the chipotle mayo and the dried tomatoes and basil sauce.
From the fries to the chicken burgers, everything is made to order. Though it might take a little longer than other fast food places in the city, the food comes sizzling.
Finally, what elevates this greasy spoon above the others is the KOGO. What is the KOGO you ask? It’s a corn dog embedded with french fries. Try it out in all its greasy glory.
The food truck craze has finally taken Montreal by storm! Ever since these trucks have become popular amongst foodies, many Montrealers have been dying to try a sample. Street food has been prohibited in Montreal since 1947, but city officials agreed to re-examine the issue this past summer. For now, the prayers of adventurous eaters have been answered, seeing as food trucks are allowed during festivals and on government owned property.
On the first Friday of every month, a variety of food trucks gather at the Secteur 300 in the Olympic Park for a night of food, drinks and music.
The ambiance at the food truck gathering is lively and enthusiastic, reminding me of the summer festivals we all remember so fondly. There were people everywhere, upbeat music playing and activities for people of all ages. Not only could you eat a variety of different foods and try local micro-brewed beers, you could also ride a Segway.
There was a variety of cuisines, ranging from authentic tacos to ice cream trucks to fresh seafood. There is something there to please every taste bud.
First off, Lucky’s Truck was delicious. I tried the canard confit served with arugula, radicchio and an orange vinaigrette. It was absolutely scrumptious; the sweet vinegar was perfectly balanced with the bitter radicchio.
One of the more popular food trucks in Montreal also made an appearance, the Grumman 78. This truck asserts that they are not Mexican food, but Mexican inspired food. I tried the beef taco filled with thick strips of meat and fresh guacamole. The raspberry lemonade was refreshing, and oddly enough, served in a plastic bag.
Another truck, Pas d’cochon dans mon salon, was shucking fresh oysters throughout the evening.
The lineups can be long and the trucks often run out of food towards the end of the night; however, it’s worth the wait. I would recommend you start your culinary experience at an earlier hour if you want to beat the lines and enjoy the rest of the night. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food being served. A dish will cost anywhere between $5-20.
There were 11 food trucks in total and beverage stands with a choice of beer, wine, ice cream and smoothies. Well-known restaurants amongst Montreal foodies also introduced their own food trucks, such as Lucille’s Oyster Dive and Marché 27 who changed their name to Route 27 to suit the occasion.
While we may not be New York or Los Angeles, with food trucks parked at every corner, having them once a month is better than nothing, so I’ll definitely take it!
Have you ever sat down at a classy restaurant with a craving for something big and greasy instead of a bird-sized entree? Well, the days of choosing between trendy ambience and tasty takeout food are over. Chic meets cheesy at Jane, a cozy new spot that serves gourmet comfort food and pizza that you wouldn’t believe could exist in such a stylish setting.
The atmosphere can be described as warm and minimalist. The menu, on the other hand, is anything but boring with dishes that change nightly and which appear on the back wall’s chalkboard. Italian meatballs (which can be had as appetizers or added to the pizzas) and pizzas that range from Greek souvlaki to bacon cheeseburger to Jewish smoked meat and French chicken pot pie are just a few of the multicultural dishes that chef Ryan Dixon has brought together.
The appetizers are decent portions, so don’t be afraid to share. While the beets and goat cheese salad is good, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. But, the octopus salad is to die for – crispy, spicy and completely different from how the dish is usually prepared at other restaurants. The drinks are just as unique; their cucumber Bloody Caesar definitely has a kick (be wary of ordering it extra spicy) and the grape-cucumber martini is refreshing and not too sweet.
Generous doesn’t even begin to explain how large the pizzas are, so don’t order a full one to yourself unless you’re planning on rationing it off for a couple days.
I had the Bianca pizza, smothered with all of my favourite Italian exports: mozzarella di bufala, parmesan, pesto and truffle oil, all on a perfectly cooked crust.Then, just as I was thinking that the Bianca was Jane’s shining star, I saw the Schwart-za pizza arrive at the table next to mine. Covered in smoked meat and pickles, it begged me to return for it. It smelled so good, I know that I will.
While the food is not too cheap, almost everything can be shared between two if you are on a budget. Also, the gourmet pizzas and intimate vibe are worth the splurge. If you are looking for a spot to catch up with an old friend or impress a first date, Jane is the perfect place. You know how it goes: “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.”
Just be sure to reserve a table in advance – with only about 35 seats, intimate can sometimes turn into a crowded wait at the bar on weekends.
Appetizers: $10-18;
Mains: $19-24 – tax included.
All major credit cards accepted.
Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Dinner served Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Hwang Kum’s paper-thin pork dumplings were another delicious dish.
Comfort food. The quest for it is just about the only thing that keeps me from retreating into my bed at the onset of winter and seeking refuge until the first signs of spring. Surprisingly, not everyone is like me and it is a true albeit mystifying fact that some people actually enjoy the winter. However, I am sure these individuals, or better yet — aberrations — also like comfort food. Here’s the big shocker though: comfort food does not have to be synonymous with artery clogging fare, it can be healthy or at least moderately nutritious.
The trifecta of restaurants below may not necessarily scream “comfort,” but I challenge you to feel anything but warm fuzzy goodness after sampling them. That said, get out of bed and start eating.
Hwang Kum’s paper-thin pork dumplings were another delicious dish.
Hwang Kum
5908 Sherbrooke W. (at Clifton Ave.), 514- 487-1712, major cards accepted.
“There is good food in NDG,” exclaimed my friend during a meal at Hwang Kum, a comment she followed up with “do they do takeout?” The answer is “yes,” and the grin on her face reeked of unadulterated satisfaction. Trust me, odds are you would feel similarly if you tried one of the myriad dishes listed on the Korean restaurant’s vast menu. Let’s start with my favourite (this was not an easy decision): the kimchi pancake. Kimchi is an umbrella term for Korean-style pickled vegetables, the most popular being Napa cabbage fermented in a brine of ginger, garlic, scallions and chili peppers. Varieties of kimchi accompany main courses at most Korean eateries and it is a key item in a plethora of national dishes like the aforementioned pancake. Though the waiter was hesitant to divulge the complete list of ingredients comprising this fluffy, pizza-shaped delight, kimchi pancakes typically consist of flour, potato starch, eggs, scallions, garlic, cabbage kimchi, vegetable oil, kimchi juice and a bevy of spices fried together in a pan. Hwang Kum’s also has carrots — this I squeezed out of him — and come with a light yet tangy dipping sauce. The combination of warm crispy crust and gooey spicy vegetables was the perfect antidote to a cold winter day. Yum.
For second place, it was a battle between the cold black noodles dressed with kimchi cabbage, a hard-boiled egg, scallions, zucchini and hot sauce, and the strips of barbequed-marinated beef. The cool, spicy noodles slithered down my throat, producing a frisson of euphoria with each bite. Meanwhile, the succulent beef with its velvety texture threw me totally off guard, as Montreal’s Korean food scene is still in its nascent stage. Unfortunately, the hot barbequed chicken elicited less glee due to a slightly cloying sauce. But then came the paper-thin pork dumplings, and all was right again.
Hwang Kum’s food is not a lesson in ingenuity, but rather an example of classic, simple, and generally healthy Korean recipes that work wonders on the palate. And did I mention they whip up a mean lunch special and the portion sizes practically guarantee you will have leftovers?
Mains: $14-21 (plus tax)
Kaza Maza’s lambshank “friki” with grilled nuts and yogurt sauce was tender and delicious.
Kaza Maza
4629 Parc Ave., 514-844-6292, major cards accepted.
Before I lavish well-deserved praise upon Kaza Maza’s refined Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, allow me to get a grievance out of the way: the service, or lack thereof, is bad, verging on very bad. The first time I went it was dead, but the waiter, who was probably rehearsing for a role in The Illusionist, was nowhere to be found. When he miraculously appeared, he seemed unhappy by our presence. Given the abundance of restaurants/servers in this city who work inexorably hard to retain customers, I felt guilty about returning. But alas, I was powerless before their signature hot and cold mezzes (small plates), especially the sweet mutabbal, a puree of roasted beets with tahini, lemon, garlic, parsley and olive oil. A thick, cold spread of Aleppo peppers, pomegranate syrup, nuts and spices, the fragrant muhammara did not help matters either.
On my second visit, Kaza Maza was packed, but the same lone waiter was left holding down the fort. Unable to flag him down throughout the meal, when he finally came to clear our table, he inquired as to why the baba ganoush was not finished. I responded that it was simply too smoky for my taste. The waiter informed me this was probably because I’m accustomed to eating the dish when it is prepared with frozen eggplant, but at Kaza Maza the vegetable is roasted. After a short back and forth where I assured him I had eaten fresh baba ganoush before but theirs was just not to my liking, it was removed from the bill and replaced with a complimentary hummus. With a texture so creamy and a taste so nuanced, Kaza Maza successfully revitalized the ubiquitous Middle Eastern spread. Impressive.
Other highlights included the mouth-melting lamb shank “friki” accompanied by bulgur, grilled nuts and a yogurt sauce infused with cucumber and mint, as well as the fried cheese cigars. Just don’t ask the waiter what kind of cheese is inside. I did, and after what seemed like an eternity I was informed it was “cow cheese.” How helpful. But service notwithstanding, Kaza Maza’s food rivals that of its competitors, and given the quality, it’s a bargain. Come here for dinner or weekend brunch (they do omelettes!) and see for yourself.
Mains: $9-19 (plus tax)
One of Magpie’s eight pizza’s topped with artichokes, spinach fontina and parmesan is “better than sex.”
Pizzeria Magpie
16 Maguire St., 514-507-2900, major cards accepted.
“Pizza is a lot like sex. When it’s good, it’s really good. When it’s bad, it’s still pretty good.” I read this quote on a retro-style magnet while shopping in Toronto this summer and who can argue with that? But — and of course there is a but — in an epicurean city like Montreal, we should not have to settle for “pretty good.” Enter Pizzeria Magpie: a quadruple threat offering a cosy, but decidedly cool atmosphere, friendly service, affordable prices, and pizza from a wood burning oven that is — I cannot believe I am writing this — just as good, if not better, than sex.
For starters, the flour hails from Italy, and the tomato sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, a variety of plum tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil below Mount Vesuvius, near Naples, and reputed to be the world’s best sauce tomatoes. Further, the menu is limited to eight pizzas, allowing the chef ample time to hone his technique and focus on quality ingredients. This was instantly obvious when, while moaning over a slice of artichoke and spinach pizza with Fontina and Parmesan, the first word that sprang to mind was: freshness. What’s more, the ingredients blended together harmoniously while retaining their deliciously distinct flavours — an unlikely feat. And oh, how I love me a thin pizza with a puffed-out crust that screams doughy deliciousness. The caramelized onion pizza with black olives, ricotta and oregano was another hit, and additional proof the owners do not skimp on quality to keep prices reasonable. Magpie also boasts a glass-encased meat locker displaying house-cured meats that diners can try via the charcuterie platter, or by ordering items like the prosciutto pizza topped with arugula, cherry tomatoes and bocconcini. For a complete hedonistic experience — the massive $4 cookie of the day is guaranteed to send you over the edge.
