En route to the Centaur Theatre in Old Montreal recently, I followed the practice of so many people and made a reservation next door at Bonaparte Restaurant on Saint Francois-Xavier. While this place is indeed a favorite of those heading to or from a show, it has an extraordinary reputation among regulars and newbies alike which is why reservations are definitely recommended.
Let me begin by telling you that all of my life I resisted the temptation of poutine. The Quebec, creation of French fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy just did not appeal to me. Then I was invited to the grand opening of the new Poutineville franchise on Queen Mary Road and my attitude changed completely.
For years friends had been telling me about a restaurant on Duluth Street called Saint Sushi, the place where sushi rolls were named after celebrities. They set up shop in the Mile End District in 2013 and drew a strong following. In the winter of 2019, they opened a second location on Greene Avenue in Westmount and attracted an immediate following.
For nearly four decades Restaurant Molivos has delighted Montrealers with fine food, specializing in Greek, grill, Mediterranean and seafood cuisine.
George Kaklamanos started it all on March 20, 1980 when he opened up shop on Parc Avenue, between St. Joseph and Villeneuve. His sons, Leonidas and Maki, began working there part time and by 1987 they assumed ownership at their dad’s request. In 1994 the restaurant moved to larger quarters, its present location on Guy Street just below Sherbrooke.
I have been a big fan of Japanese cuisine for many years now. But it was only upon dining at the absolutely fabulous RYU Westmount location recently that I agreed to the suggestion of making our order via the Omakase experience. It turned out to be an excellent choice!
Omakase represents a traditional way to eat a chef-chosen selection of dishes. So, after Augustin asked if we had any allergies, we waited in anticipation for the items to
arrive at our table.
For a few years now I have been driving by various Restaurant Mon Ami locations, wondering what was behind the doors. I knew they served Korean food, but that was about it. When my friend Marcus called recently and invited me for lunch at the Restaurant Mon Ami location on Decarie Boulevard in St. Laurent, I happily took him up on the offer
Do you remember the kosher restaurant Chez Benny? It was a mainstay since 1991 on Queen Mary Road, owned by Benny Cohen (no relation). When it closed in 2017 it left a huge void. In mid-October 2018, a rebirth was mounted with a new name and location. Benny et Fils made its debut across the street at 4944 Queen Mary, with Fils being Benny’s 23-year-old son Yaniv.
When Restaurant Portovino closed its doors on Rue des Jockeys near the former Blue Bonnets Raceway on August 10, 2017, I wondered which dining establishment would take over this sprawling space? Oro Toro previously occupied the spot.
Restaurant Miso (www.restaurantmiso.com) has been operating out of the same Ste. Catherine Street location, at the corner of Atwater, for 15 years now. The building was a large McDonald’s when the Ly family purchased and transformed it into one of downtown’s most popular and successful sushi spots.
A few weeks ago I experienced Petros Westmount (www.restaurantpetros.ca) at the corner of St. Catherine Street and Grosvenor. Restaurateur Ted Dranias opened the establishment in December 2016 and it is a huge success. However, prior to that in May 2015 the first Petros was established on Notre Dame Street in trendy Griffintown. It was a tribute to Ted’s late father (named Petros)., who always wanted to have a Greek restaurant of his own.
For years I have either driven or walked by one of the many 3 Brasseurs franchises in the Montreal area. Last fall I was invited to the Pointe Claire location for a charity breakfast to benefit West Island Community Shares. It was there that I met general manager Sam Pergantis, who encouraged me to come back for dinner one night. Recently, with a friend who resides on the West Island, I did just that.
Prominent Montrealer and star of the big screen, Jay Baruchel, might just be the biggest fan of Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert next to of course me. I was devastated when the location nearest to my home closed a number of years ago, nonetheless, I never miss an opportunity to enjoy their cuisine whenever I see the familiar red and yellow chicken icon.
Nickels Deli has been serving customers since 1990. The chain was originally owned by singer Céline Dion and the Mammas brothers, Lawrence and Peter. The latter two, along with Jacques Gaspo, eventually folded the operation into their Foodtastic (www.foodtastic.ca) company which today includes Carlos and Pepe’s, Sandouchon. Souvlaki Bar, La Belle & La Boeuf, Vinnie Gambini, Bacaro, Gatto Matto, Le Blossom and most recently Enoteca Monza.
I have long been a fan of the Eggspectation restaurant chain. A few years ago I met Enzo Renda, who has driven this business globally with a presence in other parts of Canada, the United States, India, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
My brother-in-law Rich Lenkov is a Chomedey native who has practiced law in Chicago for the past two decades. When he returns home for a visit, Montreal’s iconic Schwartz’s Deli is always one of his first stops.
