Houston Steak & Fruits De Mer is a “Dream” brand with nearly three decades of excellence
Houston Steak & Fruits De Mer in Laval blends premium steaks, fresh seafood towers, private rooms, and a stylish setting for memorable dining.
Sunday Brunch at Renoir is a real treat
Sunday brunch at Renoir offers a luxurious French-Quebecois buffet in downtown Montreal with premium dishes, seasonal flavors, and polished service.
Freshii introduces three new bowls as part of menu evolution
Freshii unveils chicken pesto parmesan, hot honey mustard chicken, and shrimp taco bowls, blending comfort, global flavor, and fresh nutrition.
Table 51’s refurbished restaurant at Carrefour Laval is a masterpiece
Table 51’s newly refurbished Laval restaurant is a stunning blend of style, flavor, and hospitality, redefining North American fusion dining.
Le Jus serves up outstanding smash burgers in NDG
Le Jus in NDG serves up juicy halal smash burgers, crispy fries, and bold comfort food by Justin Bragg — Montreal’s new late-night hotspot on Monkland Ave.
A New Ben & Florentine Restaurant Opens at Ruby Foo’s Hotel on Décarie
Ben & Florentine opens its 67th restaurant at Ruby Foo’s Hotel in Montreal, bringing a fresh breakfast and brunch experience with a unique hotel partnership.
Maiko Sushi in Dollard des Ormeaux continues to provide that magic touch
Maïko Sushi in Dollard-des-Ormeaux offers a refined Japanese dining experience on Montreal’s West Island. From creative rolls and signature dishes to fresh seafood and elegant décor, this family-run restaurant has been delighting sushi lovers for over two decades.
From beautifully prepared classics to elevated comfort food, every dish at Yans Deli is crafted with care and served with warmth
Yans Deli in Montreal offers chef Benji Greenberg’s modern twist on classic deli fare, with homemade comfort food, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality.
The beloved Montreal restaurant Renoir at the Sofitel has reopened to the public after a complete redesign
Renoir at Sofitel Montreal reopens with a stunning redesign, refined French cuisine by Chef Olivier Perret, and a modern dining experience blending France and Quebec.
The first authentic Roman Pie Pizza Restaurant opens in Montreal
Craving pizza? Step into Roman Pie Pizza on Rue Saint-Denis. Authentic Roman-style pizza al taglio with history, flavor, and passion baked into every slice.

Glenn J. Nashen: A Taste of Greece in Montreal’s West End

Restaurant Limeni in Montreal, led by owner Nikolas Tsarouhas, offers an authentic Greek dining experience with a focus on traditional flavors and fresh ingredients.
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.
India Rosa delights with unique Punjab-fusion creations and an unforgettable blend of tradition and innovation

With its refined and intimate atmosphere, unique cocktails, and delicious selection of classic Indian and fusion dishes, India Rosa is undoubtedly an amazing spot to impress a date, catch up with friends, or network with colleagues.
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: Peruvian-Italian Night Out Review of Restaurant Les Deux Fours

Peruvian-Italian restaurant, Les Deux Fours, in the Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough, my curiosity peaked and I jumped on the opportunity.
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 orders a birthday celebration from ChuChai

My wife Judy and I have been fans of ChuChai on St. Denis since it opened back in 1997. Indeed, I had been a regular at its predecessor eatery, Chao Phraya, which was around for nearly a decade before it transitioned into its present namesake.
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.

Posts tagged as “Sean Rakowski”

Zak’s serves up the classic diner experience at four Ottawa locations

July 31, 2022

Zak’s serves up the classic diner experience at four Ottawa locations

Zak’s Diner was established in 1986 by John Borsten and some partners, one of whom had a son named Zak, there are four locations for this '50s-themed eatery.

An extraordinary woman named Lana Duke: The story behind the rise of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Toronto
From foster care to fine dining royalty—Lana Duke’s bold journey helped bring Ruth’s Chris to Toronto, serving sizzling steaks and empowering a legacy of women.
Black+Blue Toronto offers the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic ambiance.
Enjoy premium steak and seafood at Black+Blue Toronto, a sleek steakhouse in First Canadian Place with A5 Wagyu, curated menus, and elegant private dining.
Is a Quebec franchise finally on the radar screen for Red Lobster?
Is Red Lobster eyeing a Quebec comeback? A Toronto visit reveals great service, fresh seafood, and hints of the brand’s return to La Belle Province.
Eggspectation is a runaway success in downtown Toronto
Whether you’re craving brunch classics, globally inspired lunch options, or a relaxed dinner with friends, Eggspectation Downtown Toronto serves it all—with eggspectacular flair.
Bangkok Garden: Where Thai tradition meets Toronto’s downtown dining scene
Savor the flavors of Thailand at Bangkok Garden in downtown Toronto—ThaiSELECT-certified for authentic cuisine, featuring a tranquil teak interior and a popular weekday lunch buffet.

The Grand Pizzeria and Bar bakes its specialty in a custom-made oven

On my last night in Ottawa for what will probably be a while, I finally made it to The Grand Pizzeria and Bar. It is one of a handful of restaurants that came to life from the visionary John Borsten. His wife, Sofia, handles marketing duties for his group, which also includes Starling, The Metropolitan and several Zak’s Diner locales. The Grand was everything folks boasted about and more. Founded in 2009 and honoring the traditions of Napoli, the birthplace of pizza, they are baked here in a custom-made oven and cooked in extremely high heat for less than ninety seconds. The result is a malleable pizza that is soft on the inside and slightly charred on the outside. I could see after my first bite why they were voted the best pizza in Ottawa and beyond. Our server Fiona recommended the Mercanto, featuring mozzarella, arugula, parmesan and prosciutto. It was a good choice, preceded by some Laguna Blu mocktails (lemonade, pineapple juice, 7-Up and blue curacao syrup) and an appetizer of bruschetta. The latter included a generous portion of chopped tomatoes. The Sofia, named after the aforementioned Marketing Director, Sofia Santiso-Borsten, is a house favorite pizza. It comes with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with arugula and parmesan. They also have different pastas, burgers, and salads. For dessert, I had the chocolate truffle cake, which came with some rich mousse and strawberries. Built in 1877 as a grocery store by Thomas Coffey, Sr., this building was the Grand Central Hotel from 1889 to 1907, and a Salvation Army hostel from 1908 to 1949. Every detail here, from their thoughtfully designed décor to an authentic Southern Italian menu, pays homage to its roots while celebrating the energy of today. It seats about 200 inside, including at the bar, and about 200 more on two separate patios. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXYWICxUKs/ See my interview on Instagram with the manager, Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXYWICxUKs/ The team at the Grand cares about the community, environment, and the future. Thanks to support from programs like the My Main Street Business Sustainability stream, they have invested in greener, energy-saving kitchen equipment. These upgrades allow them to preserve resources while enhancing their culinary craft. They have also expanded and beautified their iconic patio, providing a welcoming space for friends and families to gather. This commitment to sustainability reflects its values, blending traditional hospitality with modern responsibility. The dough here must be made with refined type 00 Italian wheat flour kneaded by hand. It is topped with raw, pureed San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and made from simple and fresh ingredients. They use mozzarella di Bufala cheese made from water buffalo milk, typically raised in the Campania and Lazio marshlands in Italy. Real Napoletana pizza comes in only one size: 10 to 12 inches in diameter / personal size. It has a soft, chewy crust with slight charring and leopard spots, with a moist and soupy center. Authentic Napoletana Pizza is very thin and soft. The Grand Pizzeria and Bar is located at 74 George Street in the Market. Walk-ins only here. Call 613-244-999, e-mail info@thegrandpizzeria.com and log on to https://www.thegrandpizzeria.com/menu
The iconic Dinty’s Restaurant in the town of Aylmer has been pleasing diners for decades

Dinty’s Restaurant in Aylmer, a family-owned icon since the 1930s. Enjoy Greek specialties, diverse menus, and a welcoming atmosphere just 15 minutes from Ottawa.
Cindy’s Restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch in the Ottawa suburb of Nepean

Cindy’s Restaurant in Nepean, Ottawa—a family-owned diner serving generous portions of classic breakfasts and lunches for 35+ years. Warm, friendly vibe!
My “go-to” Red Lobster location in Ottawa continues to thrive

A trip to Ottawa isn’t complete without Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd—your go-to for fresh Maritime lobster, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and seafood delights.
Ember becomes the newest “go-to” spot for dining in Ottawa’s Byward Market

Experience Ember, a standout in Ottawa’s Byward Market. Enjoy Argentinian charcoal-grilled dishes, wood-fired pizza, creative cocktails, and live music in a stunning setting.

Quebec Restaurants Take Over the Frozen Food Aisle
From St-Hubert to Ricardo, Quebec restaurants and chefs are reshaping grocery freezer aisles with sauces, meals, and comfort food made for home.
Top Rewards and Loyalty Apps for Montreal Dining in 2026
Maximize dining in Montreal with the best restaurant rewards apps in 2026. Stack apps with credit cards to earn free meals and extra perks.
Egg Club Expands to Quebec and Ottawa With Japanese Style Breakfast
Toronto breakfast favorite Egg Club is expanding across Canada with Japanese-inspired egg sandwiches, soft milk bread, and affordable comfort.
Quebec’s Last Little Caesars Survives, Relocates in Kirkland
The last Little Caesars in Quebec is relocating, not closing. A personal, funny look at pizza nostalgia, border runs, and why Kirkland still matters.
Best Smash Burgers in Montreal: L’Hamburger
Montreal smash burger lovers head to L’Hamburger for crispy patties, juicy bites, classic sides, Oreo milkshakes, and West Island spots.
Kojax Souvlaki: Montreal’s Classic Greek Nostalgic Food
Montreal’s Kojax Souvlaki: Classic gyros, souvlaki plates, Kojax Burger, fries, sauces, and vegetarian options that bring comfort and nostalgia.
Costco Montreal Food Court Now Requires Membership
Costco Montreal and the rest of Canada now require an active membership for food court access. Discover the new policy, top menu items, and why the rules changed.
Wayback Burgers Montreal: Retro-Inspired Burgers, Fries & Milkshakes
Montreal’s Wayback Burgers offers nostalgic, made-to-order burgers, fries, and milkshakes, plus a delicious $9.99 Meal Deal.