The Westwood Bar & Grill first opened at Place Bell in Laval on September 19, 2019. I remember being invited when the doors first opened. Inspired by the California coast, this dining establishment offers a menu in which the freshness of the sea and seasonal vegetables meet the searing flavors of the charcoal grill. Focusing on the encounter between fire and water, the team of chefs has created an incomparable menu that highlights only the freshest products.
Here the Palm Springs-influenced decor and musical ambiance complete the Westwood experience: a destination to feast and share a meal in a friendly atmosphere while being wowed.
There is presently an excellent promotion being offered on Wednesday evenings and that is what brought me back there. For only $30, the steak and frites combo is a fantastic deal. My tender 10-ounce flank steak, which came with thinly cut fries, boasted a rich, beefy flavor with a slight sweetness. Its beautiful marbling added juiciness and depth to each bite. Cooked to medium-rare, it revealed a lovely pink center and a quick resting period enhanced its tenderness. On the side, I have some chimichurri sauce. Its satisfying chew and robust taste make it a special worth making your Wednesday night plans at The Westwood Bar & Grill.
This special has been received by diners. “We wanted to offer an affordable option for families and friends who want to go out during the week,” says Julien Dallaire from the A5 Hospitality Group that owns the restaurant.
Seated in a cozy booth, on this night I ate alone as my intended dining partner ended up being a last-minute cancellation. My excellent server Thamelie had started me off with a cocktail, a Casanova St. Germain, pamplemousse and prosecco.
I also had a choice of appetizers and went for the salmon tartare, which was really terrific. It came with four tortilla chips. When Thamalie saw that I was going through the chips quicker than the tartare, she brought me more for this is the way to really enjoy this dish. There was also a choice of six or 12 oysters, beef tartare and beef tataki. They even have tortilla soup, chips n’ salsa, crispy chicken, a burrata and fried calamari among the starters, in addition to salads. You can order some seafood entrees as well as a surf and turf for two, filet mignon, a 12-ounce steak and a 45-ounce tomahawk.
For dessert, I opted in favor of the Tres Leches milk cake, topped with coco whipped cream and coconut crumble.
The total capacity here is about 120 in the main dining room, as well as a lounge section in the back that can seat another 30 and a private mezzanine for groups.
Naturally, this is a very popular place to dine before or after a Laval Rocket hockey game, a concert, or another event at the beautiful Place Bell.
The Westwood Bar & Grill is located at 1950 Rue Claude-Gagné. It is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 6 pm. For more information call 438-542-9552 or log on to https://www.westwood-restaurant.com/
Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca