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Ar(t)chives

Yum or Yikes: Arthurs Nosh Bar

Living in Montreal over the past three years has taught me a lot of things.

I can safely say that it introduced me to one thing that I will forever be grateful for—the concept of brunch. The trend of having brunch has grown dramatically over the past few years, as more and more Instagram influencers snap pictures of their scrumptious avocado toast or their bright-coloured açai bowls.

Being a self-proclaimed foodie, this kick-started my journey of looking for the best brunch place in Montreal. I would spend hours looking over Yelp reviews and scrolling through famous Montreal Instagram food blogs, jotting down the restaurants that piqued my interest and trying them out the next weekend. But that’s not how I discovered Arthurs Nosh Bar. As the famous expression goes: “actions speak louder than words,” and that’s exactly what lured me into trying this unique brunch place. 

As I walked down the streets of St-Henri on a blazing summer day, I noticed a long queue of people standing in front of a bright pink neon sign, impatiently waiting as the sun’s harsh rays beat down on them. Why were those people sacrificing their comfort and waiting this long merely for a brunch place, when there are plenty of others scattered across Montreal? I was intrigued. So I did exactly what they did, and stood in line for a full two hours before I was seated.  

Merely a 10-minute walk from Place-St-Henri metro station, the space is small and packed, but has a comfortable and inviting ambiance. Its white and green walls give you the summer vibe you’ve been yearning to experience all winter. It has an open kitchen, so you get to see the chefs prepare your food, which in turn makes you even hungrier. 

Ambiance: 3.7/5

Their menu offers Jewish classics, ranging from sandwiches, soups and traditional breakfast plates such as smoked salmon bagels and oatmeal. Some of their most notable dishes that I can truly vouch for include the McArthur, the Shak and the Moroccan toast. They also offer vegetarian dishes such as the gluten-free quinoa bowl, and vegan dishes such as the #KGMTL salad. 

On item on the menu, however, most definitely takes the prize: The Grand Slam. Only available on weekends, this dish is hands-down worth the wait. A crunchy, juicy, golden fried chicken thigh rests on top of two fluffy moist pancakes that instantly melt in your mouth as you pour some of their rich maple syrup on top. This is topped off with two slices of savoury beef bacon and a fried egg, complimenting the sweetness of the pancakes, and tying the whole dish together.

Food: 4.8/5 

Once you’re seated, it’s not too long before someone comes and takes your order. The food also arrives pretty quickly considering the vast number of people being served at once.

Service: 4.5/5 

The best part about this is that you get to leave with a belly full of delicious food, and your wallet won’t hate you for it! Their most expensive dish goes for $26, which is a dish for two. The average price point is around $15.

Price: 4.5/5

Photo by Huda Hafez

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Ar(t)chives

Yum or Yikes! Café In Vivo

On a busy Monday evening, I happened to stumble across Café In Vivo in a mere twist of fate.

Strategically located in the Olympic Stadium, Café In Vivo is the perfect place to study or to simply wind down, with easy access to Pie-IX metro. Situated behind tinted grey glass walls, this charming café will take you by surprise. Their meals often include meat but they offer vegan and gluten-free options as well—there is essentially something for everyone.

If you don’t stay for the espresso, you’ll stay for the décor. The airy vibe and bubblegum-pink booths are ideal for those seeking an insta-worthy photo-op. Café In Vivo is the perfect low-profile spot for students, especially those looking for a quaint spot to focus. With plenty of comfortable seating and an abundance of natural light, this café appeals to those who seek tranquility amidst the bustle of the city.

Ambience: 4.5/5

While I’m not one for drinks that induce a sugar rush, their iced coffee manages to deliver just the right amount of sweet without sending you into a sugar overload. The espresso is inexplicably velvety and not too bitter; I have yet to find anywhere else in Montreal that serves espresso like this one. The only downside to their iced coffee (and several of their hot beverages) is that there is not much of a selection when it comes to the to-go cup sizes; it’s more of a one-size only. This might not seem like such a deal breaker to some, but after you’ve indulged yourself in their espresso, it’s nearly impossible to settle for the small cups they offer. I recommend ordering drinks in their mason jar cups, as you end up getting a bit more.

I also decided to try the special of the day: a hearty cassoulet with sausage and harvest veggies to soothe the winter chills. The hot meal portions are very generous and they include a fresh bun on the side. The assortment of sweet and salty goods are baked fresh daily.

Food and drinks: 4/5

Be prepared to spend around $15 for their main hot dish of the day with a drink of choice. The portions are plentiful, so come prepared to eat. Their sandwich, salad and bakery options range between $2 to $9 if you’re craving a smaller bite. Their beverages are priced averagely, ranging from around $3 to $5.

Price: 3.5/5

A line can start to form quickly at lunch hour (as most places near the metro do) but come anytime before or after lunch and you’ll often be delighted with the quick service and selection of seating. The staff is friendly and well versed with the array of drink and food options—so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.

Service: 4/5

Photo by Ashley Fish-Robertson

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Ar(t)chives

Yum or Yikes: Kinton Ramen

A new classic Japanese-style ramen restaurant has recently opened its doors in the West Island of Montreal.

Kinton Ramen is an authentic Japanese ramen bar chain, with multiple downtown locations as well as in Toronto and the United States. Their first location in the West Island is located on the corner of St-Jean’s and Brunswick Blvds., a short walk away from Fairview Shopping Centre.

You can choose to sit at larger tables where you may end up sitting next to strangers, or at the bar that faces the kitchen area where you can see the chefs preparing your food. The furniture and fixtures of the restaurant are all made of a light-coloured wood and dark (almost black) metal trimmings/accents. This restaurant design can be seen across all locations, and solidifies its branding.

Ambience: 4.5/5

The main type of food offered is, of course, ramen. There are different options as you can choose the type of broth you want (pork, chicken or miso for a vegetarian option). The noodles are also customizable: you can choose between a thin, thick or gluten-free/low-calorie noodle style. Kinton’s side dishes are also traditionally Japanese––steamed and salted edamame beans, Japanese fried chicken, rice bowls, fried octopus, etc. If you can handle the heat, I recommend getting the spicy garlic pork ramen (amazing, but very spicy). If you want something without spice, try the chicken miso ramen with thick noodles and a side of steamed edamame beans.

Food: 4.5/5

I find that there is a standard price range for this type of ramen in Montreal, and Kinton is no exception to this rule. Expect to spend around $14 per bowl, which can seem pricey as ramen is a pretty simple food. However, they are quite large portions, so you will not be leaving hungry. That being said, I would consider this more of a treat rather than a quick and cheap meal.

Price: 3/5

The service Kinton gets a 5/5 from me as I was truly happy with the entire  experience. From the time I walked in the door until I left the restaurant, I was taken care of. As this is a new restaurant to the West Island, it was fairly busy and did have a slight waiting time. However, the staff moved very quickly and ensured that we did not wait too long. There were no problems with our orders and the staff was extremely friendly.

Service: 5/5

Photo by Cecilia Piga

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Student Life

Fondue…or fun-due?

The love for cheese is something Montreal has happily inherited from its French heritage – and its fondue is a testament to this. Creperie Chez Suzette gives a wondrous array of inventive fondues for both the casual and dedicated cheese lover.

Photo Andrew Sun

Tucked into St-Paul’s St. in the Old Port, Chez Suzette is the very meaning of the word cozy, inside and out. Lace curtains let in lots of light and a peek at the cobblestone street. Furnished with wood in the interior and decorated with potted plants, it feels like somewhere between a stop off at grandma’s and a visit to the turn of the century – especially during the summer with the carriage rides clopping by.

Bringing the eyes back to the menu, it becomes apparent that the decision between fondues is going to be a tough one. Each is served with a cubed but baguette, olive bread, and Italian herb bread, as well as a bowl of diced green apples and sweet red grapes.There is of course the original cheese fondue, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the sundried tomato, pesto and olives, as well as the pepper and three cheeses fondue are good choices.

The former comes bubbling hot with whole chunks of tomato stewing in the molten dairy. While the cheese doesn’t have a particularly exciting flavour, and has at first, a vaguely alcoholic aftertaste, the texture and added spices of the tomatoes and herbs quickly make up for it. Combined with the cool sweetness of the grapes, the fondue is absolutely delicious.

The pepper three cheeses, however, is the best of the bunch. Where the sundried tomato is clearly made-up of just one variety of cheese, the three cheeses in this one are delicately balanced and distinct. The pepper gives a nice kick to it, and between the sweet apples and the baguette, the gustatory experience is one to impress.

Should you run out of dipping materials, the attentive and warm-spirited waiters will happily bring fruit and bread refills free of charge. With that said, this meal is not one for casual second helpings. It is rich and so filling that even room for dessert can easily become a faint, unrealistic desire.

But for the fondue enthusiasts, the fun doesn’t stop at the cheese. The regular chocolate fondue, as well as the deluxe Baileys and Grand Marnier, are there for indulging in a sweet tooth.

While an appreciation for cheese can be an expensive taste, Creperie Chez Suzette offers one of the most affordable dinners of the sort in Montreal. The cheese fondues range from $18.95 to $20.95 per person, while the chocolates go for around $17.95 to $24.95, depending on the type and if you decide to share.

So before finals, start boiling away your time, take a well-earned break in the Old Port for some cheese – you won’t be sorry.

 

Creperie Chez Suzette is located at 3 St-Paul St. East.

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Student Life

Give your canine teeth a rest and feast like a herbivore

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!

 

Bonnys is located on 1748 Notre-Dame West St.

 

 

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Student Life

Loosen your tie and grab a stool

What do you get when you add homemade Coca-Cola mayonnaise, fried pickles and caramelized onions into a steamy hamburger?

A whole lot of flavour in one succulent bite.

Le Gros Jambon is not what you’d expect. Do not be fooled by its nondescript exterior and shabby interior, where its attempt at a pastoral ambiance is rather poor. The gloomy, dimly-lit room is tight and narrow; backless stools are lined along the far right side, facing a white wall of colourful photographs of small children playing and eating sweets.

Our party of four was forced to sit along the counter facing the open kitchen due to the lack of seating options. Evidently, the place was not a spot to sit and enjoy dinner with friends. Yet, with the combination of classic oldies playing in the background, friendly staff, and charismatic chef Ryan Dixon, the old diner vibe started to grow on me.

The menu had an array of original choices and creative combinations. Some of the diners’ favourites include their smoked meat pizza, fish tacos, and their hot dogs—a Gros Jambon creation of buns stuffed with the choice of either bacon and cucumber, chili, smoked meat or one of their specialties, like fried shrimp. Other tasteful options are their sandwiches of pulled pork, rib or the lobster roll. If you’re in for something a little different, I would suggest trying their duck or lobster macaroni and cheese. Their grilled cheese sandwiches also come with a choice of four cheeses, bacon, duck, smoked meat or lobster.

The shrimp hot dog had a great blend of flavours. A reasonable portion of miniature breaded shrimp were jammed into a steamy bun coated with ranch sauce and topped with fresh coleslaw. It was enjoyable and spiced just right.

Le Gros Jambon offers a number of burgers such as the ham and cheese, crab, vegetarian, and their famous Coca-Cola burger—a burger that should automatically be added to your bucket list!

The lobster macaroni and cheese alone is a good enough reason to return. The noodles and chunks of lobster were covered in a creamy lobster sauce and sprinkled with breadcrumbs. It was a tough platter to beat.

Unfortunately, the lobster grilled cheese was disappointing, for it was too rich with butter and cheese.

The food is reasonably priced however, considering its location in Montreal’s Old Port. The platters range from $8-18 per person; though the cost of extra sides and toppings could have been better.

Open since last November, the diner also shares owners with French restaurant L’Orignal, located on the corner of Notre-Dame and St. Alexis.

“We get a lot of business people during the lunch rush,” said Vincent Koronkiewicz, one of the diner’s regular workers. “Breakfast and brunch on weekends are also very busy. We have a whole different menu with specialty dishes, […] but it’s not the best place for large groups since we don’t hold seats or make reservations,” he said.

To those who enjoy a good casual dining experience, Le Gros Jambon makes for a great pit stop.

 

Le Gros Jambon is located on 286 Notre-Dame St. W.

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Student Life

L’atelier d’Argentine – Old Montreal’s newest “must”

In a cosmopolitan city such as ours, we are being spoilt for choice when it comes to where to eat and drink. Montreal had not hosted a truly unique Argentinian restaurant until a group of passionate restaurateurs opened l’Atelier d’Argentine in the Old Port last month.

A true reflection of Buenos Aires’ vibrant, yet unpretentious restaurant and lounge scene, l’Atelier d’Argentine proves to be an exciting new destination for Montrealers and tourists alike.

In as little a month, the restaurant has become a popular destination whether it is for a casual dinner, a weekend brunch, or a night out. Although the restaurant is currently in the process of hiring an executive chef, l’Atelier d’Argentine’s staff were humbled by the opportunity to work with Argentinian chef Natalia Machado, who developed the menu for the restaurant.

With its contemporary yet genuine cuisine, l’Atelier d’Argentine’s signature dishes feature Argentinian classics such as lamb, beef and seafood, all with a modern twist.

Aside from its affordable and generous cuisine, l’Atelier d’Argentine seems to have already become a preferred destination for Happy Hour, late-night dinners and partygoers.

The restaurant holds a weekly Thursday night party called Besame (“kiss me” in Spanish) to DJ music coupled with the percussion sets of Drum-Addiction.

Offering no reason to leave early, The nightly ‘happy’ Buenos Aires Hours begin at 10:30 p.m., offering a selection of entrées and main courses served for the low price of $22.50.

My personal favourites happen to be on that list: the buñuelos de espinaca (spinach and Fontina cheese fritters accompanied by a roasted garlic mustard for dipping), the gazpacho (a beet, raspberry, cucumber and tomato gastric soup served cold) and the vacio (grilled flank steak with the restaurant’s famous chimichurri & criolla sauce).

It may not be on the Buenos Aires Hours menu, but an absolute must is the mouth-watering risotto de calabaza (a ristotto made with kabocha pumpkin, arugula, goat cheese and roasted tomato). What else could a girl ask for?

Whatever you taste, l’Atelier d’Argentine is ready to cater to your needs with a wide selection of Argentinian wines, an array of Argentinian and domestic beers and an exciting list of signature cocktails such as the Fernando (Fernet Branca and cola), a classic in Buenos Aires, and the Cogote (rye whisky, root beer, and bitters).

If you find yourself in the area before noon, don’t despair. What’s better than brunch filled with anecdotes from the night before? Brunch in the Old Port with a view of the river! With an open concept, L’Atelier Argentine has glass doors, large windows and original light fixtures, creating a comfortable and trendy environment.

The brunch menu blends in perfectly with the restaurant’s omnipresent mix of modern and authentic culinary and decorative elements. I recommend the frittata (an open face goat cheese and smoked ham omelet served with a watercress salad) and the tarta de queso y puerros (a leek and goat cheese quiche served with an heirloom tomato and onion salad).

With its unique and diversified offering, and casual yet trendy concept, l’Atelier d’Argentine is a refreshing new destination in Old Montreal.  On this note, whether you are more of a brunch, lunch or late-night dinner type, l’Atelier d’Argentine will show you how it’s done… in Buenos Aires!

 

L’Atelier d’Argentine is located at 355 Marguerite-d’Youville, in the Old Port. 

 View map.

www.atelierargentine.com

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Student Life

The Iron Chef does it again

It pretty much goes without saying that any Montreal foodie, or anybody that lives in Montreal for that matter, has heard of celebrity chef Chuck Hughes and his legendary restaurant, Garde Manger. 

Garde Manger is a small and unassuming restaurant located in Montreal’s Old Port. Unless you knew what you were looking for, you would never know that the restaurant with no obvious signage was one that belonged to Hughes.
The restaurant itself has a very cool and hip atmosphere, and although you may think that this would be a perfect spot for an intimate date due to the fact that the restaurant itself can only hold a handful of tables, think again. It is a very loud mix of music, talking, and sounds coming from the kitchen which is open for everyone to see.

Don’t expect them to hand you a menu either. The dishes that are available are marked on a blackboard that is hung up on the wall and the menu itself changes daily depending on what is most fresh and in season. The only items that consistently maintain a spot on the blackboard are their signature dishes such as the lobster poutine – a dish Hughes prepared while he was on the show, Iron Chef – and the deep-fried Mars bar.

The music playing was upbeat and classic, everything from Otis Redding to Sublime played in the three-and-a-half hours that we spent at the restaurant.

Now on to the food… I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a meal as much as I did at Garde Manger. It is worth the month long wait needed to get a reservation as well as every penny of the gigantic bill that was presented to us at the end of the night.

As a group, we decided that we would all get something different. By the end of the night we must have tried about 90 per cent of the menu. We all unanimously agreed that the highlights of the meal were the lobster poutine, the seafood platter and the short ribs.

The seafood platter basically took up the entire table and was filled with some of the freshest seafood available in Montreal. The poutine lived up to all of our expectations; it was delicious and worthy of being the restaurant’s signature dish.

The drinks aren’t cheap – but they sure are strong. A drink will set you back anywhere from $13-15, but they are worth it. The drink menu offers a variety of exotic and cool drinks. On this particular night, I tried a cucumber vodka soda which was surprisingly refreshing and very appetizing.

Garde Manger is a good place to have dinner with friends or even to go and hangout at night. The music is great, there’s an inviting ambiance and the service is fantastic. Plus, there’s a chance you may just bump into Hughes himself.

Garde Manger is located at 408, Rue Saint-François-Xavier in the Old Port of Montreal.

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Student Life

Settle in at Comme Chez Soi

Image from Flickr.

Though there’s no lack of great bars in this university city, it was only a matter of time before Montreal would welcome a speakeasy to the Mile End neighborhood. With the 1920s re-emerging in fashion and cinema, like Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, there couldn’t have been a better time to give people a little sense of rebellion.

Le Comme Chez Soi – its inviting name urging clients to act as they would at home – is a luminous cave enriched with mahogany and statement pieces that were either inherited or bought at an estate sale.

The bar is filled with a variety of round and square wooden tables, accommodating any party size. The room is long and narrow with bright antique lamps. An eye-catching upright piano is centered along a stonewall decorated with black and white photos of strangers of the past. If you decide to visit on the weekend, you won’t be surprised to hear a few bluesy tunes that are great company to a good conversation.

The bar is filled with a variety of beers and whiskies. While I appreciate a good scotch on the rocks, it’s hard to order anything else aside from their bloody caesars. It’s fresh with just the right amount of spice and it’s always served with at least three big olives and an onion – the best I’ve had in Montreal!

While the bar may be what you’re looking for, I would suggest giving a glance at the menu and going for the burger. Made with bison meat and dressed with Roquefort cheese and bacon, Le Comme Chez Soi has earned a reputation for having one of the best burgers in the Mile End.

Aside from adding a terrace, this bar could also use an improvement in their service. Considering the room is quite intimate, it was sometimes difficult to get the attention of the waiters chilling by the bar.

Le Comme Chez Soi is nicely lit, has a wonderful ambiance and is filled with people in deep in conversation. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the rowdiness and dancing, and get a feeling of what it must have been like in 1920s!

Le Comme Chez Soi
5386 St Laurent
Montréal, QC H2T 1A5
(514) 277-0100

 

 

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