Le Cochon Dingue Quartier des Spectacles: Food, Family, Fun

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.

Tony Medeiros

Tony Medeiros is a Montreal-based blogger with over 20 years of experience covering pop culture and the culinary scene. Known for his engaging reviews and unique insights, he has built a trusted voice for readers seeking informed and entertaining perspectives on food and entertainment. @sandboxworld @tonymedeiros @goodinothers

A recent father-daughter night out took us into the heart of Montreal, where my daughter picked a restaurant I had never even heard of. It turned out to be one of those perfect evenings that blend great food, nostalgia, and a little discovery along the way.

As we walked through the vibrant streets of the Quartier des Spectacles, I suddenly realized something surprising. The restaurant’s location stood on the former site of the iconic Spectrum concert hall, where I had seen unforgettable concerts in the 1980s. Legends like The Police, U2, Tina Turner, Marillion, and Metallica had all graced that stage. The venue closed in 2007 and was demolished a year later to make way for the modern Maestria complex, but the memories still linger.

That night, however, was about something new: Le Cochon Dingue. I quickly learned this wasn’t just any restaurant, but part of a well-loved, long-standing French-inspired bistro chain that originated in Quebec City back in 1979. Known for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere and comforting Québécois cuisine, the name itself translates to “Crazy Pig,” a playful nod to its pork-forward menu and whimsical personality.

Inside, the ambiance was warm, energetic, and unmistakably unique. A giant mobile of flying pigs hovered above the bar, setting the tone for a dining experience that didn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering on quality. The restaurant sits in one of Montreal’s busiest cultural hubs, surrounded by festivals, live performances, and year-round events, making it an ideal stop whether you’re local or visiting.

My daughter knows my tastes well. When it comes to comfort food, I lean heavily toward hearty breakfasts and a great burger. She made the right call. I’ve had my fair share of burgers over the years, from basic diner fare to upscale creations, so I went in curious. Could this one stand out?

The answer was yes.

The burger came stacked with a juicy beef patty, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and a signature house sauce. While the ingredients may sound familiar, the execution made all the difference. What truly elevated it was the brioche bun, rich with butter and eggs, soft yet structured, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth. Served with crispy fries and a surprisingly fresh, flavorful coleslaw, it hit every note on a cold Montreal evening.

My daughter had zero hesitation, as a self-proclaimed poutine connoisseur, her eyes locked onto the menu’s poutine section almost instantly. Poutine is her weakness, and this version delivered. Built on the classic trio of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, it stayed true to tradition while incorporating the restaurant’s signature pork-inspired flair. She loved every bite. Do not let the size fool you, it was quite filling as a full meal.

To finish her meal, she indulged in a decadent Québécois maple pudding cake, a classic self-saucing dessert made from a simple batter baked in a rich blend of heavy cream and maple syrup, creating a warm, caramelized cake layer beneath a luscious maple sauce.

One unexpected moment came from the table beside us, where two young diners were carefully photographing their meals, not with smartphones, but with a compact Sony camera. My daughter pointed out that this “analog revival” trend is becoming more popular, a nostalgic return to simpler tech. It was a small but memorable detail that added to the charm of the evening.

Although we kept things simple this time, the menu is impressively extensive. From breakfast poutine and Brie eggs Benedict to steak-frites, duck confit, seafood pot pie, and the famous tarte au sucre, there’s clearly a lot more to explore. It’s the kind of place that invites repeat visits, especially for a full breakfast experience.

For anyone visiting Montreal or even longtime locals looking for a reliable, family-friendly spot, Le Cochon Dingue offers a lively atmosphere, playful décor, and a true taste of Quebec comfort food. With bilingual service, generous portions, and a central location, it delivers solid value, though it can get busy, so reservations are a smart move.

Le Cochon Dingue is located at 320 Rue Sainte-Catherine West in the Quartier des Spectacles. It’s open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, making it a great option whether you’re craving breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner after a show.

Le Cochon Dingue Quartier des Spectacles: Food, Family, Fun

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