Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca and @mikecohencsl
Are you looking for a fine dining experience at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Dorval? How about a way to avoid the frequent traffic congestion and exchange it for a relaxing experience? Well, then I have something to share with you.
Recently, I had to pick up family at the airport. Their flight landed at 8:48 pm. These days, it is pretty much a roll of the dice getting to the airport. Depending upon the time of day, you can spend more than an hour on the highway before getting to arrivals or departures due to the demolition of the multi-tiered parking lot. That situation will last for the next few years as the structure is rebuilt. Since this was a Saturday, I decided to leave my Côte Saint-Luc home more than five hours before the flight and my destination was the Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. It was the perfect plan. You see, if you want to park your car at the airport, the price at lots that either involve a shuttle or long walks is not low.
If you dine at The Bijou Resto Bar at the Marriott and spend at least $75, your valet parking fee (based on availability) for four hours is free. Now I had dined at this restaurant twice before: once while waiting for a family member and another time for breakfast.
I was lucky to get a coveted valet parking spot right at the entrance. With my laptop computer in my bag, I headed to the business center, where for more than two hours I got some work done in an absolutely perfect ambiance. I made a 6 pm reservation at Le Bijou. Besides attracting guests who are staying at the hotel or those either catching a flight or picking someone up, as I did, the trendy locale has also become a stand-alone destination since it opened in 2009.
Featuring large windows, the bright and elegant restaurant is connected to the U.S. terminal of the airport, and the kitchen is overseen by executive chef Louis Rodaros and his team. Rodaros has been at the helm since 2017, and he is consistently working on adjusting the menu with new features. Here, natural meats and fresh produce get transformed into thoughtfully crafted dishes.
“This is indeed the go-to dining destination at YUL,” said Marketing Manager Maxime Join- Le Beau. “Either you want to have a meal before a flight or pick up family or friends at the airport. It is all about convenience and an elevated dining experience!
My server, Martine, was superb. I began my meal with a delicious order of Salmon tartare, composed of salmon, avocado, coriander, cucumber, roasted pumpkin seeds, Sriracha mayonnaise, tobiko and crispy nori. In addition, I sampled the braised short rib tacos. This was another winner, made with pickled enoki mushrooms, cilantro and a flour tortilla. Just to ensure I tried something else, Martine brought me a sampling of the risotto, made with crunchy veal sweetbreads, morel mushrooms, cipollini onions, 20-year balsamic vinegar and veal jus.
Next came the main course. The menu has quite a nice variety, but when I saw confit duck leg there was no other choice. This has traditionally been one of my favorites and you don’t generally see it on most menus. It was delicious, coming with sweet potatoes, braised white turnip and sherry vinegar reduction.
For dessert, I had my eyes on the S’mores and the decadent creation did not disappoint. This was a combination of marshmallow, graham cookies, and brownies, garnished with chocolate sauce.
Join-Le Beau noted that, of course, hotel guests can enjoy the restaurant for three meals a day. Members of the public have recognized Le Bijou as a destination dining spot and despite the traffic issue, they are still coming and can use the underground parking.
There is no question that this is the best dining establishment on the airport property.
While I have no imminent plans to take a plane trip anywhere, should that occur, I’d want to consider arriving a day earlier and staying at the hotel. The property features 279 contemporary premium rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed for both business and leisure travelers. Offerings include concierge-level accommodations on upper floors with exclusive lounge access, spacious one-bedroom suites, and select rooms with direct runway views. Each space is built around comfort, functionality, and restoration.
The hotel also offers day-use guest room passes, providing access to a private room for daytime rest, work, or layovers without an overnight stay. That also sounds enticing. The hotel offers access to an exclusive lounge space designed for relaxation or productivity between long layovers or before departure.
Beyond accommodations, the hotel offers a comprehensive business and lifestyle ecosystem with 20 versatile meeting spaces, a full-service café, Café Illy, and the signature Bijou. Throughout the property, direct runway views in select rooms and hotel areas reinforce a distinctive connection to the airport environment, bringing movement and atmosphere into the guest experience.
The hotel features wellness amenities, including a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center, ensuring guests can recharge at any time, day or night.
Le Bijou is introducing a new menu.
The restaurant and bar can accommodate 170 people. There is a private room with the capacity for just over 20 individuals. Larger groups can reserve a section of the restaurant. The hotel and restaurant are located at 800 Place Leigh-Capreol. For more information, call 514-828-5117. Go to https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yulma-montreal-airport-marriott-in-terminal-hotel/dining/
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