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
MTL Resto Rap
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.
Steps away from the bustle of Mont-Royal, there is a hidden gem in the Plateau region and this past December, we found our new go-to study spot; Café Melbourne.
As two Dawson students, we both appreciated the ambiance that came with the café and noted that it is the perfect place to cram for your finals or perfect your essay. There was a blend of coffee shop music and sounds from the kitchen.
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.