Café Gentile DDO: West Island’s Ultimate Summer Terrace

Glenn J. Nashen: A new Vietnamese experience at Tran Cantine

When it comes to a Vietnamese dining-out experience in Montreal look no further than the Tran Family. Following up on our recent sensational night out at the newly launched Hang Bar in Old Montreal, Judy and I, along with our friends Dana and Jeff accepted an invitation to Marilyn Tran’s diner in St. Henri, aptly named Tran Cantine.

Review of Restaurant Hang: Glenn J. Nashen: Montreal’s Top-Notch Vietnamese Cuisine

What secret treasures await when a new restaurant opens? One can only imagine, until being lucky enough to be exposed to the sights, smells and tastes of Restaurant Hang. Such was the experience on a recent Thursday night when my wife and I made reservations at what has been billed as the “first haute cuisine Vietnamese restaurant” in Montreal. Sure, our city has plenty of upscale trendy places, but nothing quite like this new concept in Asian fine dining. It tantalized all of our senses, from the moment we walked through the doors and took in the sumptuous decor. Hang arrives as the newest restaurant in the renowned hospitality group JEGantic’s portfolio. Vietnamese cuisine will be elevated from its usual humble “mom and pop” eateries to a refined haute cuisine experience that celebrates the unique flavours of the Southeast Asian country. Montrealers will be fittingly welcomed to come “hang” and indulge in a culinary journey that reflects Vietnam’s rich heritage with an innovative spin on favourite dishes. We were greeted by Joyce Phanekham, the effervescent general manager, who was helpful and attentive to her guests throughout our two-and-a-half-hour dining experience. She promptly introduced us to one of the most personable restauranteurs we have yet to meet, Marylyn Tran. Marylyn teamed up with her husband Alain and the folks from JEGantic to create an experiential and uniquely Asian venue for traditional, authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a class of its own. And who better to know how to achieve this pinnacle other than the Tran family who already own several restaurants under the Tran Cantine banner? After all, Marylyn was raised in her parent’s kitchen where she acquired her unique taste, over at their St. Denis Street Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Tay Ho. The family started this business back in 1986 and it is still going strong. Indeed, the name Hang is a nod of appreciation to Marylyn’s mom. Marylyn grew up cherishing the culinary and cultural intricacies that captivated their family, friends and clientele and eventually branched out, opening her own chain of traditional Vietnamese restos. Located between Griffintown and Old Montreal, Hang will surely attract the young in-crowd, as well as tourists seeking a memorable night out on the town. Marylyn introduced us to her right-hand man, Marco, a knowledgeable and experienced server and cook who took care of us for our date-night. He described in great detail each dish served, with ease and familiarity as though he himself was the chef. We started out with, what else, Pho Wagyu Consommé, a classic noodle soup that Hang has enhanced with its elaborate preparation: 14 hours of cooking over at Tran Cantine. It had many delicate ingredients including Wagyu beef and fresh rice noodles. The aroma of truffle alone made this a mouth-watering winning choice. Judy’s Franco-Viet Salmon Tartare tasted “like the ocean.” This dish of salmon was served with old-fashioned mustard, crispy rice, shallots, green onions and long red peppers. My Five-Spiced Buttered Scalloped – Ngo Vi Houng consisted of three pan-fried scallops each nestled in its own Asian soup spoon and bathed in secret fish sauce. They were garnished with crushed nuts and a hint of lemon making them simply perfect. Judy enjoyed her main course of Vegan Red Curry, a locally sourced seasonal vegetable medley stewed in red curry paste, coconut milk, palm sugar and julienned taro. I literally licked my fingers while eating a homemade order of Banh Mi Foie Gras. Imagine pan-seared foie gras, caramelized onions, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, coriander, and homemade mayo with Hang special sauce on a soft baguette, an ode to Alain’s native city of Paris. It was served on a large banana leaf, and the garnish on all their plates was a work of art. So too was the elegantly designed cutlery. Joyce describes Hang as a chill environment to linger, drink, talk and share delicious dishes among friends. All the staff were extremely personable, friendly and helpful. The decor features exotic nature elements that mimic the dense greenery of Da Nang’s jungle. The soaring ceilings, leafy chandeliers and striking wood columns add an impressive grandeur to the place. There was a great vibe throughout our evening with lots of smiling, happy young patrons. Indeed, owing to the immersive bar environment diners must be 18 or older at Hang. Finally, our dessert was served. Gateau au Pandan was quite distinct and attractive but we both decided that the Creamy Coconut Flan with Banana was the clear winner. Hang has a flair for mixology. From our opening round of shots to our cocktails, and mocktails and ending with a Vietnamese Coffee Martini, they are pros at presentation, taste and hospitality. Marylyn and her crew may be new to the high-end market but the high-end market is also new to Vietnamese cuisine. They are truly passionate about their mission and are on a winning track. Our experience was delightful and our evening was enriched by their warm and hospitable demeanour. We felt like we were hanging out (no pun intended) with friends and family around an exquisitely prepared table of outstanding cultural cuisine. Who could ask for more? Hang is poised to become Montreal’s new must-visit dining destination. It is located at 686 Notre Dame Ouest in Old Montreal, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. Visit hangbar.ca or call 514 910-2227.

Glenn J. Nashen’s Five Alarm Culinary Adventure at Sushi Taxi

Not even a major shutdown of Notre Dame Street in Little Burgundy could keep us away from a gastronomic luxury take-out of sushi and Asian fusion at Sushi Taxi. No exaggeration! The fire department literally closed down the street for an emergency. However, the conscientious staff called to say, ‘stand by’. As soon as the ‘all clear’ sounded we headed into the bistro-chique locale.

Glenn J. Nashen discovers more than a good dinner at Casa Grecque in Chomedey

I was looking for a tasty, family-friendly take-out dinner and Casa Grecque in Chomedey was my next pick. My family and I love plentiful Greek salads and tangy appetizers, particularly during long, cold Quebec winters when delicious, plump red tomatoes are not in abundance. What I found at this spacious, well-decorated restaurant in Chomedey at the corner of St. Martin Blvd. and Daniel-Johnson Blvd. was far more than I could have imagined.

Nashen does Take-Out: Bistro Amerigo still heating up on Monkland

Bistro Amerigo may be a relatively small eatery, but during the pandemic lockdown the well-known West-End restaurant is doing large scale take-out and delivery. I last reported on Amerigo some two-and-a-half years ago and have returned numerous times with friends and family since then. The local “Garde Manger Italien” (or kitchen pantry) has maintained its flair for fine authentic dishes at reasonable prices, not far from home.

Glenn J. Nashen grabs a kosher slice at PizzaPita Prime

PizzaPita has been going strong in the Snowdon area for more than 30 years. With their recent move across Decarie Boulevard to the former Pizza Hut location in front of Decarie Square, at the corner of Decarie and Vezina, they have a prime spot to garner the attention of thousands of commuters, shoppers and locals each and every day. Hence they’ve rebranded PizzaPita to PizzaPita Prime.

By: Miranda Medeiros

If you’re looking for the perfect summer evening spot in the West Island, Café Gentile DDO deserves a place at the very top of your list. I recently stopped by with a friend, and from the moment we stepped onto the beautiful terrace, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary night out. Between the stylish modern décor, lush greenery, and a live DJ setting the mood, the space strikes that rare balance between upscale and completely laid-back.

We started things off with a pair of their signature summer cocktails, the Meraviglia and the Tu Vuo’ Fa L’Americano. Both were beautifully crafted, refreshing, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. They were the ideal way to settle into a warm summer evening and set the tone for everything that followed.

The Aperitivo Experience

From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Café Gentile offers its Aperitivo da Gentile menu, and it’s one of the smartest dining concepts I’ve come across lately. Built around shareable plates, it’s perfect for date nights, after-work drinks, family gatherings, or groups of friends looking to sample a variety of dishes. There are also plenty of vegetarian options, making it easy for everyone at the table to find something they’ll enjoy.

Several dishes immediately stood out.

The Beef Tataki Skewers were incredibly tender, packed with flavour, and an easy recommendation for meat lovers.

The Wild Mushroom Risotto delivered everything mushroom fans could ask for. Rich, earthy, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it felt like comfort food elevated to restaurant-quality perfection.

The Cacio e Pepe Arancini were impossible to resist. Crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey inside, they captured all the flavours of the classic Roman pasta dish with a peppery finish that kept you coming back for another bite.

Then there was the Caponata e Focaccia, which ended up being the surprise star of the evening. I’m usually not someone who gets excited about olives, but this dish completely changed my mind. Every ingredient worked together beautifully, while the celery added a fresh crunch that balanced the richer flavours perfectly.

The Bread That Stole Some of the Spotlight

The focaccia deserves special recognition. Looking at it, you’d swear it came straight from a rustic wood-fired oven. The reality is even more impressive. It’s cooked on a flat-top grill, creating a texture that’s both crisp and airy. Built on a sourdough base, it delivers a depth of flavour that instantly separates it from the typical bread basket. It’s the kind of bread you keep reaching for long after you’ve promised yourself you’re finished.

More Than Just a Great Dinner Spot

One of the reasons Café Gentile DDO has become such a popular West Island destination is its versatility. Whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, enjoying cocktails on the terrace, sharing pizza with family, or settling in for a late-night drink, the restaurant adapts effortlessly to the occasion.

The menu is packed with customer favourites that have earned a loyal following. The Chicken Cutlet Sandwich remains the house signature, featuring lightly breaded, pan-fried chicken served on a toasted roll. The Steak & Cheese Sandwich is another standout, loaded with brick cheese and caramelized onions.

Pasta lovers consistently rave about the Rigatoni Bolognese, known for its rich flavour and generous portions. Pizza enthusiasts can choose from a variety of 16-inch pies made with long-fermented dough and crisp crusts, including the classic Cheese Pie and the indulgent Bada Bing.

No visit feels complete without trying their famous homemade iced tea, which seems to appear on nearly every table. For dessert, the Pistachio Cheesecake and brownies remain two of the most popular ways to finish the meal.

Easy Parking and Convenient Ordering

Another major advantage is something increasingly rare in the Montreal area: plenty of free parking. Unlike many city restaurants, Café Gentile DDO makes arriving by car easy and stress-free.

Located at 3350 Boulevard des Sources in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, the restaurant is easily accessible from across the West Island.

For those dining at home, takeout orders can be placed online or by phone at (514) 600-2233. Delivery is available through third-party services when active, and catering options are offered for everything from family celebrations to corporate events.

The Verdict

Great food, expertly crafted cocktails, a beautiful terrace, and music that adds to the atmosphere without ever taking it over. Café Gentile DDO has figured out exactly what a summer evening should feel like.

Every dish we tried was delivered. The cocktails were spot on, the setting was exceptional, and the service made the entire experience feel effortless. More than anything, it was one of those places where you can easily lose track of time while enjoying good food and good company. For a few hours, it felt less like we were in the West Island and more like we’d escaped to a lively café somewhere in southern Italy.

That feeling becomes even more meaningful when you look at the Café Gentile logo. The green Trinacria, the traditional three-legged symbol of Sicily, sits proudly at its centre with a woman’s head, paying tribute to the Gentile family’s Sicilian roots. It’s much more than a logo. It represents the heritage, culture, and hospitality that have shaped Café Gentile for generations. Once you know the story behind it, you begin to recognize that same pride and attention to detail throughout the entire experience, from the food and cocktails to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Some restaurants serve a good meal. Café Gentile DDO delivers something more memorable. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the evening ends.

We’ll definitely be back.