Get away weekend - MUST EATS ?

[Lansky]

Hi,

The wife and I are getting away to Montreal for a long needed weekend. We will be up in late March from Fri-Mon. Is there anywhere that is a must not miss place to eat. I have read all the reviews here and it just seems there are alot of great places. We live in NYC so we have plenty of options here....anywhere unique to Montreal.

Also, do you recommend eating at any of these lounge type places (Globe) and making a night of it. We are just looking to have a good time.

Thanks in advance

[westaust]

For the lounge type of place, my answer would be No, the food is often not that great, you are much better to go to one of the restaurants mentionned in the other threads

[Maximilien]

Globe is ok, not better than than (as are most of the restaurants near it ); but if you want people watching instead of a food experience, then why not it can be fun; but I don't have a lot of experience with them.

What kind of food you like (or dislike)? wine is important? what about prices ?

[Lansky]

We like all food and prices are unimportant. We are used to spending $ for a good meal. Is there anywhere thats unique to Montreal. What does Montreal do best?

[Maximilien]

See this thread : http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/643621

Montreal is mostly known for mid/high-range "french" bistro restaurants.

Because of demographics, we have a limited number of high-end restaurants (Toqué!, La Chronique, Europea, ...), and a limited number of ethnic restaurants compared to New-York (especially asian and latino).

Restaurants that also want to be "Lounges" tend to be ordinary at best.

For high-end, I would go to either Europea or La Chronique, I heard so much good from both of them from a reputable source.

For mid-end, I would go to "3 Petits Bouchons", "Le Local", "Salle à Manger", Réservoir (for brunch), Laloux, Cocagne, ...

For a "real" montreal food experience, go to "Au Pied de Cochon" and "Schwartz".

Max.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Your 2 'reals' are my two choices, throw in Moishe's as well

[rcianci]

Another resounding "ditto" for Au Pied de Cochon and Schwartz's. I can't give an opinion on Moishe's cause I've never been.

[westaust]

Coming from NYC, no need to go to Moishe's, you've got plenty and better steakhouses in NYC, and it's nothing typically Montreal.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Been to just about every NY steakhouse, yes many are super, so is Moishe's.But only for strip, ribeye, which is their specialty is less than super.

[Shattered]

Schwartz's smoked meat
La Banquise for poutine

[sakhaneft]

Went to Montreal in December..we ate at Pied de Cochon which imho is wayyyyyy overated. Bistro Cocagne was amazing and very affordable. Staff was fantastic and food spectacular..especially for the money...very nice, modern, low key atmosphere...u can look up on youtube just to get an idea.