http://www.chow.com/boards/22 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:31:11 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/485743#3359368 I've noticed a lot of people posting that they haven't had an opportunity to try XYZ restaurant yet but would really like to, so I thought I'd see how much interest there would be in a monthly lunch or dinner. If you are interested, send me an email at phedre@gmail.com and the following information: - if you'd prefer a lunch or dinner meet up, along with a day (eg: Saturday brunch, or Friday dinner); this may change as the whims of the group dictate. - Your pick for the first restaurant you'd like to go to and for which meal (Eg: brunch at Bazaar Anise, dinner at Cinqueme Peche) - What kind of price range you'd like to see based on main courses ($20? $40?) - Whether you'd be alone or bringing someone Feel free to make any suggestion you want! This is all about trying new places and having fun. Ideally I'd like to arrange something for the fourth week of February. My plan is to ask for suggestions on restaurants and call for a vote on the top three spots named. The most popular spot wins and I will then make a reservation. I will also limit this to 8 to 10 people at a time to keep things manageable. If more than 10 people respond, I will employ carswell's hat technique. Once all the details are worked out, I'll post a follow up announcement. Note: please don't post in this thread, as the chowhound etiquette for organizing events is to have all discussions take place offline. Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:31:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/485743#3359368 http://www.chow.com/topics/406720#2616289 Whether you're new to Chowhound or a longtime poster, please be sure you've seen our Posting Etiquette at http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367605 -- it is also linked from the footer of each page. Thank you! Thu, 31 May 2007 12:29:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/406720#2616289 http://www.chow.com/topics/562899#4086989 Not the small or larger ones brined in the jar, but the ones that look like olives with long stems. I'm not sure what they are called exactly. Thanks Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:21:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562899#4086989 http://www.chow.com/topics/450811#4086976 Does Chloe still use Valrhona Manjari as the base chocolate ? She did when I tried it, and I did not like the spicy aftertaste of every chocolate. I much prefer Grandbois. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:13:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/450811#4086976 http://www.chow.com/topics/562257#4086830 It's spelled St-Jacques, if that helps. :-) Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:54:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562257#4086830 http://www.chow.com/topics/562493#4086703 Funny thing is that we buy turkeys in upstate NY and Vermont and bring 'em back. They're a LOT cheaper. You can bring it up if you're worried about it. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:56:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562493#4086703 http://www.chow.com/topics/476334#4086577 oh my!! I am so sorry. i guest i got mixed up with my Ch's. but yes, Chambord it is. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:01:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/476334#4086577 http://www.chow.com/topics/556068#4086490 Yup, as I said, I wasn't always lucky, and some of the fish they sell in my local one look really pathetic (but so as some that are sold in "fishmongers"). I once saw the same salmon half sitting on the ice for 4-5 consecutive visits. The fish was turning into some grey glob on my last visit, god knows what they did with it afterwards (salmon burgers anyone? yuck). But then sometimes, if you are there on the right time, you can score a good one at Provigo. And since I treat my local one as a depanneur and stop by almost every day, I always check if there is anything new. However, I don't think I can trust them with fillets. I have an unnatural aversion towards previously cut/filleted fish and supermarket fish fillets sound very scary. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:21:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556068#4086490 http://www.chow.com/topics/562799#4086093 So we (me and another chowfriend) finally tried broasted chicken at the Poulet Bronze at Lincoln and Guy. It was pretty decent, especially considering that we live in a fried chicken deprived town. We ordered the menu that comes with fries and a salad, which came down to 6 something plus tax and tip. The place is bare bones, with two connecting dining rooms, one of which has a TV. It is not the most pleasant atmosphere, but with good dining companions it should suffice. You can chose between regular and spicy chicken when you place your order. A 2 piece order contains a leg and a thigh; if you want white meat, I assume you can substitute some, but why would one? The chicken was well fried, maybe a bit greasy, but not overwhelmingly or disturbingly so (but then I like fat). Since the order took little time to prepare, and the crust was a little on the greasy side, I suspect that it was pre-fried reheated. But then again, I was so hungry, I couldn't care less. We also decided that they could have increased the spice level of the chicken, but as one friend once put it, our palates are ruined by Tapioca The's cumin beef and no amount of spice would do it for us. The sides were pretty run of the mill industrialized ones. We are plate finishers and non discriminating eaters, but we didn't finish our coleslaw or the macaroni salad. However, the fries were great and were devoured immediately. They look like they were made from frozen, but it didn't matter, they were one of the better fries I had in this town where soggy and brown fries seem to be de rigueur. They were slightly textured, impossibly crunchy, golden brown, with minumum grease on the outside, and soft on the inside. These were definitely fried to order. The meal also came with a generous amount of strong "special garlic sauce", which was basically garlic and mayo, and that was also finished. You can't go wrong with mayo. Menu consists of broasted chicken, broasted shrimp and hamburger and three choices for sides (macaroni salad, potato salad and coleslaw). I am not sure about the hamburger, and perhaps you can skip the sides, but the rest is worth giving a try. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:26:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562799#4086093 http://www.chow.com/topics/562619#4085042 Ah...my mistake. Looks like far greater pallets and pens have already reported in... Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:18:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562619#4085042 http://www.chow.com/topics/526531#4084925 There's no shortage of natto in this town. Every Japanese/Korean grocery has natto in their freezers. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:38:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/526531#4084925 http://www.chow.com/topics/562663#4084883 Hello everyone, The brazilian movie "Estômago" (meaning "stomach") will be presented at the Festival du Nouveau Cinema at Ex-Centris this thursday, october 9 (showings at 11am and 9 pm). I am very excited to finally see this movie since many friends and food-bloggers from Brazil declared it a delicious treat for foodies. Information about the festival: http://www.nouveaucinema.ca/2008/fr/ Movie preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBLYkB5M8xU Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:24:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562663#4084883 http://www.chow.com/topics/435685#4084456 Sept 28, 2008 - Arrived at Toast at 8pm. Was served by a very polite waiter. Had our wine, and bread in an orderly fashion. Had the delicious foie gras, fabulous appetizer (oversized portion?!), to die for main course (again huge portion), and awesome hint of mint creme brulee (twice the size I receive in Toronto). Dinner for two with taxes and tip - $160.00 CDN. Everyone around us appeared to be oohing and aahing at the portions, wonderful flavors, and creativity. I highly recommend the "new" Toast. We finished dining at 10pm and had the rest of the night to go out clubbing. W4W Toronto Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:08:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/435685#4084456 http://www.chow.com/topics/313085#4084404 has anyone been to their new lunchonette place?? I'm curious but it always seems closed. I have no opinion on Joe beef (not having paid a visit yet) but my two cents on Liverpool house are posted on the board somewhere and to sum up..I wasn't impressed with anything but the wine (Pinot noir from Oregon of all places...) Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:41:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/313085#4084404 http://www.chow.com/topics/98558#4084134 Try adding about half a celery root to mashed potatoes - but you need to boil it separately and reduce to mush in a food processor. Mashing with a masher or ricer will just squish out the large amount of liquid and leave you with an insipid blob. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:49:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/98558#4084134 http://www.chow.com/topics/562080#4084089 It seems like it might be better to stick to wine in Montreal, but that actually sounds pretty good, Maximilien, I might end up checking that and Pop out, thanks! And Jhn, thanks for the recs, but if you aren't into cocktails, there's not much purpose in Milk and Honey... If you like scotch, the Brandy LIbrary is a better pick when you're in New York (but I'll stop the conversation before the chowhound gods reprimand us). EDIT: Just realized that Pop is next door and connected to Laloux, which I happen to be eating at on Saturday... how convenient... Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:27:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562080#4084089 http://www.chow.com/topics/561692#4083818 In the other direction on Sherbrooke just west of Pie IX there is a Moe's: BBQ chicken, smoked meat, etc. Decent enough place. I have been often to Jardin Tiki and the food is good. Yes there are better buffets but this one works for me. Near there is a Scores with absolutely dismal service and a Madisons (out of my budget). There is food in the Auberge Universel hotel too, not memorable but not horrible either. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:59:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561692#4083818 http://www.chow.com/topics/561471#4083668 Ran into some friends at a party last night who had gone to a5p for the first time last weekend. They loved it and spoke glowingly of the bavette (flank steak) with smoked meat cromesquis, the sweetbreads with veal brain and cheeks, and the special, which was some sort of fish. They also liked the wine selection -- short but smart, full of affordable bottles and glasses and constantly changing. Between my not having eaten there in several months and the resto's not posting its wine list online, it's hard to give you any recommendations beyond suggesting you place yourself in the hands of one of the two main front-of-house guys, Benjamin or Jean-Thomas, both of whom are wine lovers and very sharp when it comes to matching food and drink. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:43:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561471#4083668 http://www.chow.com/topics/559060#4083481 I was about to go to "Le Reservoir" earlier today when I received the email from Bouchonné. They have a once a month (1st sunday of the month) brunch; so decided to try it instead of Réservoir. The food is of the same type as the evening menu, small portions of quebec inspired french stuff. Matane Shrimp Guédille, bagel with smoked salmon, parmentier of boudin noir, potato gratin, grilled figues, ... most dishes are served and paired with cheese. It's a good alternative to some other places (at least on the 1st sunday of each month.) Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:59:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/559060#4083481 http://www.chow.com/topics/501077#4082933 Went there yesterday and it was really amazind. The spicy Wonton as recommended, was awsome. Wow.,..what a selection...had a hard time deciding..what to get..but in the end, it was very satisfying. Highly recommended. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:52:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/501077#4082933 http://www.chow.com/topics/560021#4082869 La Cornetteria is right around the corner from you, on St-Laurent between Beaubien and St-Zotique, and since they are a working bakery, they open very early, so you can have an espresso and cornetto there even before you start your working day. Yes, I checked your website and indeed it was chicken. I imagine that in pre-Colombian Mexico, it would have been turkey (small, flavourful but tougher ones like contemporary "wild turkey"). Slow-cooking in a mole would have been ideal. Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:09:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560021#4082869 http://www.chow.com/topics/558951#4082534 I'm a bit late but Cavalleros on Sherbrooke and Victoria makes the best round challahs for the holidays! Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:52:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558951#4082534 http://www.chow.com/topics/562389#4082332 Hiya, for an extensive list of what's opened so far this year, check out this thread: Restaurant Openings - 2008 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/476334 If you see a particular resto that intrigues you, plug its name into the search box above and you may find other threads where it's discussed in more detail. Have a great trip! Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:45:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562389#4082332 http://www.chow.com/topics/555909#4082063 I went by Populaire this morning and while there are both the egg natas and those very similar small tarts with coconut (?) and some new bread offerings, they weren't making their broa (Portuguese corn bread). The problem is that they have installed a new steam oven (for baguettes, etc) and it doesn't work for corn bread. They are trying to find a solution, as they have a lot of people wondering what on earth happened to their broa - a Portuguese staple. They still have the fresh cheese in tubs, and no prices seem to have risen so far, despite the extensive reno. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:24:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/555909#4082063 http://www.chow.com/topics/562264#4081450 Kam Fung is realy good for dim sum, but the first time you go for dim sum you really have to go with someone who is familiar with it. Don't sweat the language thing. I frequently go with a couple of friends who always ask me if I speak Chinese as they cannot understand the ladies who come around with the carts. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:51:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562264#4081450 http://www.chow.com/topics/559303#4081378 wow, thank you so much souschef! while not a neophyte, i am certainly not an expert, especially regarding pastry... i shall definitely give it a try this week. The only thing I am concerned about is the pan. I believe mine does buckle, so that is a problem. Oh well, another excuse to purchase more kitchen implements!! I will repost with results, of course. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:12:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/559303#4081378 http://www.chow.com/topics/559511#4081327 New Guatemalas and Kenyas should be coming from alot of roasters this month. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:41:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/559511#4081327 http://www.chow.com/topics/561656#4081212 I posted a review last week of my dinner last Saturday at Graziella. I enjoyed that dinner so much. It is a very nice restaurant that is great for a celebration. I would not call it romantic but it is casual with excellent food. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:23:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561656#4081212 http://www.chow.com/topics/552557#4081182 Is Bouchees Gourmandes opened yet on Bernard? I keep trying to call them but the line is always busy Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:00:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/552557#4081182 http://www.chow.com/topics/539269#4081120 Just had to add here. On our way out from Montreal on Friday morning, we stopped back at Shahi Palace and got some nan bread to go. We stopped in the little Indian/Pakistani grocery nearby and I bought some packets of spice blends and some paneer so I could make some Shahi Paneer at home for dinner that night, and we stopped at a little clothing boutique that has a going out of business sale. I am -very- tempted by sarees, cholis, and lenghas. I'm still not quite willing to commit, but man are they ever gorgeous clothes. :) We had the nan last night with the Shahi Paneer and it was lovely. I'm considering making Rogan Josh again tonight for dinner, but I might just do a butter chicken or chicken tikka masala instead, so we cna use up the last of the nan. :) Thanks again, everyone, for this recommendation. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:18:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/539269#4081120 http://www.chow.com/topics/562267#4081113 I loved loved loved this place. Did I mention how much I loved it? They were wonderful. Service was attentive, detailed, warm, and just... perfect. They were so patient and tolerant of our awkwardness that it was very comforting to me. We were a few minutes late because I hurt my ankle and was slow walking from the Metro station, but they were nice about it. I called while we were walking and mentioned we were running a little behind, and they knew who I was by FIRST name not just my last name, and were completely understanding. The restaurant is small, I strongly recommend reservations if you want to go there. It was nearly full by the time we got there, and they were turning people away at the door. It's crowded and was a little difficult for us to move around in (we're big people, but getting smaller! ;) ) but it was comfortable once we were seated. Our waiter, Pedro, answered all our questions about the various menu items, and was just wonderful. We had the antipasto (serrano ham, some wonderful creamy cow milk cheese, and capicola, $13), stuffed potato (stuffed with three different minced meats and topped with a tomato basil sauce, $5), and the ribs with smoked onions (braised ribs with smoked onions). There were some shoestring fried potatoes on the table when we arrived, and wonderful yummy bread and olive oil were served (and another batch of bread was brought the moment the first was done). We shared it all, and it was all perfectly lovely. Wonderful, fresh flavours that went well together. My husband enjoyed the meal immensely (which was after his not finding anything to his taste at Maison Kam Fung, so this success was even better). :) I can't say enough good things about this place. Go! Make reservations NOW! ;) Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:13:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562267#4081113 http://www.chow.com/topics/562205#4080988 Inexpensive, low key, hearty, simple food for 2 hipsters forced to take out 2 undeserving, very old women , (who happened to give birth to said hipsters), I'm at loss for suggestions. Le Bocage on beaconsfield blvd is nice and low key, mid price point. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:19:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562205#4080988 http://www.chow.com/topics/562241#4080874 I presume that both will be open around Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Last winter I believe that Bilboquet was closed for the winter, but I presume in October both stores will still be open. Havre a G on the other hand never seems to close. Are there any seasonal flavors now available at Havre aux Glaces? Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:33:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562241#4080874 http://www.chow.com/topics/562183#4080622 There is an Andy Warhol exhibit at the Museum, and many fine eateries in that area. You could have a baguette sandwich at Premiere Moisson on Sherbrooke, try Nocochi - even though I am not a huge fan - but that's just me, or just wander around and find yourself a little spot that you like. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:05:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/562183#4080622 http://www.chow.com/topics/561063#4080460 Yep, they does. http://www.bistro-cocagne.com/index.php?p=menu36&l=en Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:37:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561063#4080460 http://www.chow.com/topics/561997#4078566 Two of us had dinner there last weekend. We were expecting a place at this caliber to be full around 8 PM on a Saturday, but there were plenty of seats left empty. As a result, right after our amuse, they offered to move our table to the window-side. We didn't refuse. Those tables are pretty charming at night, with street lights coming from St Denis filtering in through their large windows. When reserving a table, it might be a good idea to request them. The service was somewhat slow (not many waitstaff was in sight, so they might have been short), but everyone was courteous and friendly. One thing I found really odd was the way they charge you for the amuse. In the menu this reads as "amuse bouche of the day, prices vary". When you sit down, right after drink orders, they ask you if you'd like any. I find this a little ironic. Call it starter, call it something else, but please don't call it amuse if you are going to ask if people like to order it and then charge money for it. We decided to go for that nights option. I cannot remember what they were called but the description was something like shrimp and crab croquette. The end product was a little donut with just a hint of seafood taste and some scallions. They reminded me of the Korean seafood pancakes. They came down to a couple and half bucks each, and I don't think they were worth it. Rest of the meal was... mostly. I ordered some crab salad, and the partner ordered duck confit ravioli. Five minutes later: Bad news, they were out of crab. OK, I'll take the ravioli as well. I found this situation a little odd. I know crab is not a generic ingredient, but a upper-mid/ lower high (whatever you want to name it) range restaurant shouldn't run out of it on an early Saturday evening, especially on a slow night. To my consolation, the ravioli was excellent. Two big pillows of al dente pasta and duck lay on top of an oniony broth. The plate was scattered with some mushroom pieces accentuated by just a hint of truffle oil. My main was an organic lamb shank, braised and rested on top of mushroom risotto. It was the special of the day and was special indeed. Every bit of it was delicious. Partner had the bavette, and it was a little bit too bleu for my taste. I know overcooking this meat makes it tough; but jeebus, this was about to moo!. He didn't complain too much, but I might have if I ordered it. We shared some fantabulous dark chocolate creme bruele as a dessert. The cheese selections were attractive, but knowing that I will have to eat out 4 evenings this week, I decided to pass such indulgences. Wine selection is a little bit skimpy (compared to Lemeac, APDC or L'Express), but the list seems to be well thought out. We both needed to work next day, so we decided to order by the glass. A glass of very rustic Clot L'oum Roussillon was the hit of the night. I am still dreaming about it, and of course stupid SAQ is either out, or never had any (private import maybe?). Overall, it was a good night. There were kinks with the food and service, including some meals that we couldn't have, or menus that arrived 15 minutes after we did. But whatever we had was great and everyone that worked there made sure that we were enjoying our evening. It wasn't the most memorable meal I've had at this price range, but I am intrigued, and I'd like to go there when they have their thematic tasting menus. Last one was a tomato one according to their e-mailings, and I can't wait to see what will be next. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:25:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561997#4078566 http://www.chow.com/topics/561852#4078489 I have never had anything catered by them, but I do know that the restaurant Europea (my favourite, BTW) does do catering. I have eaten many meals there and have never been disappointed. You may want to give them a call. Just follow the catering link. http://www.europea.ca/ Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:16:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561852#4078489 http://www.chow.com/topics/561490#4078483 That's funny. I was there Sunday night and I thought the fries were fine. But then dark brown, slightly limp, and with a strong potato flavor is how we like them in Vermont. ;-) Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:13:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561490#4078483 http://www.chow.com/topics/476309#4077565 Calories 'Grand Re-Opening' Oct 15th. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:35:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/476309#4077565 http://www.chow.com/topics/561489#4077560 Quebec Smoked Meat is also a commercial smoked meat supplier. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:33:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561489#4077560 http://www.chow.com/topics/534510#4077486 "This place is over the top, and I loved that about it. Some of my dining companions disliked it for this very reason, and felt that the food was just about making a statement rather than crafting a great meal. I definitely want to go back there, but will probably have to go alone!" That's hilarious. My exact experience. Next time you're in Montreal let me know. If I'm there at the same time I'll go with you. LOL! Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:11:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/534510#4077486 http://www.chow.com/topics/561858#4077235 Hello Hounders, Due to a lot of hecticness this summer (had to move, had to go out of town for a family wedding, plus my own procastination), I failed to make my batches of pesto. I've noticed that there is still some basil being sold at JTM, but those basil plants are stringly and don't look particularly good. Are there any places that sell good pesto in Montreal? Or is there some kind hearted Mtl Hound that is willing to sell some of their surplus pesto? Let me know. Chai P.S. If there are still places that have good basil, let me know, too. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:39:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561858#4077235 http://www.chow.com/topics/555223#4076784 I indeed they are officially opening today. I was in the neighborhood yesterday evening, and there was some sort of opening party. I peeked in a little bit (but didn't stay since I wasn't invited). The new place is impressive. Airy and sleek, and not at all intimidating like Geneviève Grandbois. Damn, I hate their retail location. It reminds me of those immigration office booths where they interrogate you, only this one is more chic! Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:56:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/555223#4076784 http://www.chow.com/topics/561155#4076778 Vallier, on McGill, has improved A LOT in the last year and they are opened until 11 from Monday to Saturday. Depending on where you are staying, you could also try Méchant Boeuf on St-Paul. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:54:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561155#4076778 http://www.chow.com/topics/561747#4076342 Thanks, I live right in this area and it will be of great help to figure which shop is good. I kinda like Grand Maghreb where the bread and pastries are ok for the price and Sabrah (not sure of the spelling) is great for shish taouk. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:55:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561747#4076342 http://www.chow.com/topics/561688#4075538 We just got back from dinner at Philino's. We got lost going there because the sign is covered up, so we drove past it. Managed to park on the street running parallel to av. du parc behind the restaurant, though. There weren't many folks there, but the ones there seemed to be having a nice time and it was still early (6:30ish). We ordered all starters and had more than enough, and only spent around $52 (including tip) We had skordalia (what do I know from perfection in this, but I adored it and to me, it was perfect), Loukaniko (delicious, spicy, not hot, but too heavy for my small stomach), saganaki (strong, tasty, almost too intense but not quite), Tyropitakia (milder than I might have liked, went very well with a mouthful of saganaki though), and pitas. Service was wonderful, attentive without being intrusive (hard to do when we're there for less than an hour because we fill up so quickly), and very nice. The atmosphere was great, and I bet it'd be a good place to go on a date midweek, but I can imagine the room gets a little noisy when it fills up on a Friday night. For all of that the decor was calm and comfortable. The prices for the mains were pretty high, and I can see this ending up costing a lot for folks with normal sized stomachs, but I was very pleased with the recommendation for just having starters (which were also a little pricy for starters). They were huge, and very shareable. The pitas were fresh and nummy. All in all this is a wonderful place and I highly recommend it. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:16:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561688#4075538 http://www.chow.com/topics/561589#4074625 Any news about Racha? Probably one of the best restaurants in Montreal, I was dissapointed when Bazaar recently closed. Any news on her condition? Is there potential for a new opening? Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:54:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561589#4074625 http://www.chow.com/topics/561460#4073543 We will be visiting Montreal for two days from Vancouver this October and are looking for some "must try' recommedations for two breakfasts, two lunches and a dinner (we already have a reservation at Au pied de Cochon) We love food and are looking for good quality authentic Montreal food experiences. We love bagels and croissants but not wild about cornbeef. What are your recommendations chowhounds? Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:45:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561460#4073543 http://www.chow.com/topics/429225#4073295 esprithe is also undergoing renovations and won't have food product for the next couple weeks, just tea. they have some wonderfully aromatic blends to match the macarons and made me seriously regret their lack of confections. will have to drop by the next time i'm in montreal, they seemed genuinely enthusiastic. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:41:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/429225#4073295 http://www.chow.com/topics/560423#4072911 I've "enjoyed" a 5am Croissantwich from Burger King in the international terminal before... Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:19:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/560423#4072911