Globe, Au Pied de Cochon, Anise, Reservoir

[AdamErace]

For my upcoming trip to Montreal, I think I'm going with Globe, APDC, and Anise for dinner, and brunch at Reservoir per the glowing reports here. What do you guys think of this dinner itinerary? Good mix? Good places? Thanks!

[AdamErace]

Hey guys

Just got back from Montreal and wanted to give you a report on my three dinners.

Bazaar: grilled octopus with red lentils and fried shallots, spiced lamb confit samosas, braised veal cheeks in garlic yogurt, curried game hen, pot de chocolate, mini cones of guava, passionfruit, and blackberry sorbet .... I loved Laurier Avenue and its lively strips of bistros and boutiques. The food here was earthy and elegant, loved the Middle Eastern inflections with French technique. Hummus was unreal.

Club Chasse et Peche: scallops with lemon and fennel confit, suckling pig risotto with melted foie, chasse et peche (American Kobe, short rib ravioli, butter-poached lobster tail and claw), bison sirloin, maple biscuit with caramel, chocolate macadamia cake ... CCEP felt like a secret underground lair or a members-only club, which made it feel that much more special. Food was really excellent in both flavor and execution. Steaks were perfectly--I mean, PERFECTLY--cooked.

Au Pied de Cochon: foie gras with buckwheat pancake and maple, salted codfish fritters, griddled codfish-potato brandade, fried nuggets with liquid foie inside (there's a French name for it I'm not sure of), pot au feu, roasted strawberry tart, maple pie ... The food here was honest, rustic, and full-flavored, which isn't to say it wasn't elegant and sophisticated, because it was both of those as well. The pot au feu was so simple but so tasty. But what I liked best (especially from my seat at the bar) was the view. With the chefs working in that tiny open kitchen in perfect unison was a show in itself. I could have reached out and plucked a frite from one of the paper cones as it passed through service. The whole place was so livey and bustling. There was such energy. My waiter from Chasse et Peche was even there!

I also ate at Olive + Gourmando (great pastries), Le Cartet (ehh, brunch was ok but service was sucky), Chez Claudette (poutine while Eddie Money played on the sound system--GREAT!), chocolate from Maison Kakao and Studio 88, L'Express (steak frites and rillettes), Atwater Market, and had bagels from both Fairmount and St. Viateur.

Montreal is truly a fantastic food city, and I can't wait to visit again. Thank you guys for all the recommendations. If any of you are planning a trip to Philly, I'll be happy to return the favor.

[carswell]

Thanks for the report.

Curious as to why you chose the Atwater market over Jean Talon, as the latter pretty much eclipses the former.

Also, you had bagels from both Fairmount and St-Viateur and yet fail to pronounce on which is superior. What are you trying to do, avoid a flame war or something? ;)

[AdamErace]

Actually, I hadn't planned to go to Atwater at all, just was in that area and popped over. I meant to get to Jean-Talon, believe me, I just didn't have enough time. That's why a return visit to Montreal is a must.

As for bagels, I had the St-Viateur with the eggplant pesto sandwich at the cafe, and Fairmount's by themselves. I took home a dozen plain, cinnamon-raisin, and pumpernickel, but I think I like St-Viateur's better. A little less sweet, a little chewier. Sorry if I stared a controversy!

[AdamErace]

Instead of Globe, how about Brunoise?

[cherylmtl]

Brunoise is a great bet. I'd recommend it.

[minisma]

Yes, Brunoise. I know it's been all over this board, but what a great experience we had there. Due to confusion between hub & I, we went to Brunoise instead of La Chronique for our anniv. Sat at the bar for a drink and found the bartender fun & cool, so we decided to have our dinner there. Turns out it was Zach who was covering for some vacations. Great time, lots of laughs, nice and relaxed, That saffron foam with the mussels....WOW, and the sweetbreads, and the tenderloin, and, and, and.......flawless.

[thelonious777]

I would switch Globe for a place like L'Express, Lemeac or Laloux

[foodie_mtl]

I agree, forget about Globe.
I ate at Lemeac last weekend and it was excellent.
L'Express is definitely an excellent choice.

Reservoir has more of a pub/bar feel. I would go there for beer, not so much for Brunch.

[swissfoodie]

What?!! Reservoir has one of the best brunches in the city!

[Fritzy]

Is Reservoir open for brunch/lunch on SATURDAYS?

[Maximilien]

yes.

[vermontgastronome]

Reservoir is an excellent choice for brunch - even a late one! We recently stopped in for a 1:30pm brunch and had the most exquisite roasted haddock served atop root vegetables with a roasted bone shank stuffed with mushrooms soaked in the marrow. A poached egg and mache greens were served on the side.

There's definitely a local scene there, and very friendly service. Prices are reasonable. The stout I had was excellent.

Worth the trip!

[SnackHappy]

In that case, perhaps he should avoid Au Pied de Cochon as well. After all, they don't even have linen on the tables.

[Joy of food]

I suppose that it should be mentioned that Reservoir brunch is amazing food in a VERY relaxed atmosphere - every time I go there is a couple doing the crossword over lattes...it isn't the fine dining atmosphere that some other brunch restaurants have, so if that is what you are looking for I sould see that it would be a bit of a shock. Having said that, it isn't a diner either!

[foodie_mtl]

No need to get catty! And APDC is a favorite... despite their lack of table linens.

I retract my Reservoir comment, as it has caused quite the uproar! To each his/her own i guess....

[mainsqueeze]

If you are indeed looking for a classier atmosphere for brunch, and if you haven't already decided to go there for dinner (which I highly recommend), I suggest you try Lemeac. They make their own smoked salmon and serve it with poached eggs, blinis, and Spanish caviar. They also have a fantastic potato, lardons, and leek tart with goat cheese or emmenthal, topped with a fried egg. Delicious!

http://www.restaurantlemeac.com/fr-CA...

I've also had very good brunches at M sur Masson, and at Le Cartet.

[Joy of food]

No cattiness intended, just clarifying...;-)

[SnackHappy]

I was the one being catty. If you look up there, foodie_mtl was replying to my post.

Anyway, Réservoir at brunchtime is very bright and quiet. The decor is very modern and cool. It's certainly not the Ritz, but it's not McKibbins or even Laika, either.

[swissfoodie]

Laika, what a dud...
Another great brunch option is Byblos on Laurier E.

[Fritzy]

What hours does Reservoir serve brunch on Sundays?

[SnackHappy]

I think it's 11am to 3pm.

[phedre]

Skip Globe, opt for something along the lines of Lemeac (midrange) or Club Chasse($$$) instead, depending on your price range. Anise, as Carswell mentions, has been reincarnated at the same location as Bazaar Anise, but definitely keep it on your list! APDC is always a good choice, but make sure you're good and hungry beforehand.

[carswell]

Globe, feh, unless it's for the scene and eye candy.

Anise is no more. The same chef and some of the old team have opened Bazaar, a mid-priced Middle Eastern-inspired bistro in the same location. Search the board for recent reviews.