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.
Posts published in “Mike Cohen”
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.
It has now been two years since restaurateur Ted Dranias opened Petros Westmount at the corner of St. Catherine Street West and Grosvenor. My family and I recently went to dine there for the very first time and judging by the fact there was still a lineup for tables at 8:30 pm it is clear this place has caught on.