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Posts published by “Mike Cohen”

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 and @mikecohencsl

Mike Cohen enjoys his first ever Gibbys Steakhouse takeout experience and gives a huge thumbs up

While its Old Montreal and St. Sauveur locations are now open for dining, Gibbys has implemented an already very popular takeout and curbside pickup format. Gibbys is following all required protective measures for patrons, staff and suppliers. All tables are socially distanced and all of the staff wear the required protective equipment. There are hand sanitizing stations throughout the restaurants and all areas are sanitized on a regular basis. In Old Montreal, a separate entrance has been created for clients coming in so that clients arriving and leaving are not crossing each other in the entrance.

Mike Cohen is beyond impressed with his first experience at Sushi Shop

For so many years now I have walked or driven by Sushi Shop locations, but never stepped inside to order. With our family focusing exclusively on take-out and delivery options during the COVID-19 pandemic, we agreed to finally give this place a whirl. Let’s just say they can count on us being regular customers from this day forward. What a pleasant surprise the entire experience was.

As Restaurant Sho-dan prepares to reopen for diners its take-out and delivery service aims to please

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March, Restaurant Sho-dan on Metcalfe Street closed its doors like others in the industry. Now this place is traditionally packed for lunch and dinner during regular operating hours, so for charismatic owner Chinh Pham (best known as Romeo), it was a bitter pill to swallow.

Ryú Sushi introduces a top-notch and safe take-out and delivery service: first we report on Peel Street

For the past few weeks, my family and I have gone through some major sushi withdrawal. So we were delighted to hear that Ryú Sushi (www.ryusushi.ca) had reopened its Peel and Westmount locations for take-out and delivery.

Ryú (Japanese for Dragon) is known throughout Montreal for its fresh ingredients and a unique philosophy of respect for the environment and one another. The place specializes in high-end sustainable sushi.

Peel is open from Tuesday to Saturday whereas Westmount is open from Thursday to Monday, both with different menus. We decided to order from Peel first; Westmount is penciled in for next week.

First a little bit about the precautions they are taking during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Cohen stops by new Carrefour Laval food court sensation New York Fries

There are many reasons why like to shop at Carrefour Laval. The food court, for one, ranks as one of the best in Quebec as far as I am concerned.

I recently dropped by for a bite en route to a meeting and I came across the newest addition to the food court: New York Fries. It is a simple kiosk featuring hot dogs, French fries and poutine, but judging from the lineup it appears to have caught the fancy of passersby.

Mike Cohen skates over to Taverne 1909 signé St-Hubert at Place Bell for a “fun” meal

When I found out recently that the two Taverne 1909 signé St-Hubert restaurants at Place Bell and the downtown Bell Centre had come under the “wing” of St-Hubert I made it a priority to experience it with a friend. We did just that before a Rocket game and it was an experience I hope to replicate downtown.

Mike Cohen and family enjoy a superb dining experience at La Sirène de la Mer

Joseph Cheaib was 10 years old when he first arrived in Montreal with his family from Lebanon. One of nine children, it became clear pretty quickly that his career path would end up involving the food industry.

It was the Cheaib family who started the hugely successful ethnic food retailer Marché Adonis. From a small store on Faillon Street, it has grown to become a powerhouse chain across Quebec and Ontario. In 2011 it was purchased by supermarket giant Metro.

Mike Cohen gets a tasting at Le Cathcart Restaurants and Biergarten

Montrealers are starting to get spoiled vis-à-vis the food court experience.

First came TimeOut Market Montreal at Eaton Centre, featuring 16 eateries, three full bars, a cooking school, a demo kitchen and a shop brimming with goods and local artisans.

Now comes Le Cathcart Restaurants and Biergarten, a $1 billion investment from Ivanhoé Cambridge.

I was invited to both openings and to say I was impressed is an understatement.

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