Restaurant Openings in 2011

[EaterBob]

which one will be the first to open in 2011? and should we award it a golden fork or something similar?

And for the heavy posters, prior stats:
2010 - 375 replies (so far...)
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/677904
2009 - 230 replies
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/584457
2008 - 184 replies
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/476334
2007 - 124 replies
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/396517

does this mean that there were three times as many restaurants that opened in Montreal in 2010 as in 2007?

[lagatta]

New Italo-Argentine restaurant in Petite Italie, on St-Laurent just north of St-Zotique, where there used to be a Spanish resto. Attractive interior, looks fairly pricy. No nothing about the quality of the food yet:

La Recoleta
6707, boul. St-Laurent (coin St-Zotique)
Montréal, QC, H2S 3C8 De Castelneau
Petite-Italie, Rosemont-Petite-Patrie
514.507.5597

[sweettoothMTL]

A new BYO restaurant Ferraro at 254 Bernard W., just Est of Parc has opened recently. Haven't tried it yet, but very interested to hear if someone has.

[jaco44]

When to Ferraro sunday night. I have to say that i was impressed. BYOB not expensive and the food was the best Italien i had for a long time. The restaurant is operated by chef Emanuel Ferraro,his wife and son are on the floor. The chef told me that if he had the ingredients in the kitchen , he can prepare what ever we wanted. Very good attitude. I had teh linguini with olive oil and pesto. Basic but was great. My wife had the pizza with chicken ,mozzarella,pesto and he gladly replaced the caramelized onions by fresh ones. The crust was crispy and the top was fluffy just like in a real italian pizzeria. Great service from his son Dominique who is very funny. You can bring a good bottle of Chianti in this restaurant. Next time i am in Montreal and hungry for Italian, i won`t search for a good place since i just found one. Please let me know if you go.

[lagatta]

Thanks, sweettooth and jaco. I'd love to hear if anyone else has been to Ferraro. Is it mostly pizza and pasta?

There is a small SAQ outlet on Parc very close by, between Bernard and St-Viateur (and of course a much larger one down on Laurier).

[porker]

Saw a sign declaring "all you can eat Chinese fondue" ouvert bientot. Chinatown II on St. Mathieu just above St. Catherine. I told Mrs Porker it took up the Boco D'oro location, but she disagreed, saying it was next door.
So, not sure of exact location, but you get the idear.

[mangoannie]

Le Gros Jambon in Old Montreal opened a month ago. I cant wait to try the pumpkin pancakes and breakfast lobster rolls at their brunch on weekends 10-4, the BLDT with duck confit also sounds interesting! .... no website or liquor license yet

http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/f...

[mangoannie]

This microbrasserie at 32 mcgill near les ecluses/locks was a beehive of construction today, some furniture in place so should be opening soon. Has some game meats and comfort food as well as special beers. http://fr-fr.facebook.com/pages/Bistr...

There was an article in Old Montreal paper about it

[SnackHappy]

It's apparently been open since spring, but I just noticed tonight that La Bécane Rouge in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has been replaced by a new place called Le Morgan.

http://lemorgan.net/

[carolilas]

Not much information on their site... No menus.

[SnackHappy]

It's supposed to be "market cuisine", but a sample menu would be nice. The web site unfinished, though. The "Our Wines" section still has lorem ipsum text.

[hala]

There is a chalkboard menu in the background of the first picture. I can make out words like crudites, salade, spaghetti, quiche, filet mignon, bavette a l'erable, foie de veau, jarret d'agneau..

[Glaff]

Sinclair, the new restaurant of Stelio Perombelon is opening this week.

125, rue St-Paul Ouest

[mangoannie]

This greek restaurant is being advertised a lot on radio with announcement that it has some speciality in crete dishes
la mediterranee, hours 11-11, midnight Sat. 1231 Mountain (below ste catherine)

[hala]

It's not a restaurant, and I don't think it will be open before 2012, but it seems that the old SAQ location in Marché Atwater is going to be a Chocolat Privilège.

[westaust]

The Chocolaterie is now opened

[denpanosekai]

I apologize in advance because I don't know the name, but there is a new "Hot Pot" / "Fondue chinoise a volonte" restaurant at the corner of St-Mathieu / Maisonneuve (Concordia metro / Chinatown 2). As far as I know there is no English/French name, just some Chinese characters. It's right in front of the fire station. They just put up the sign last night but it may have been opened for a couple days. It looks really nice inside!

I might try it tonight.

[westaust]

Martin Juneau is leaving Newtown to open a new restaurant in Little Italy called Le Pastaga (St-Laurent corner Beaubien in place of Apollo's former restaurant)
http://voir.ca/gwenaelle-reyt/2011/12...

[SnackHappy]

Martin Juneau announced on Twitter that Pastaga will open on Wednesday.

http://twitter.com/#!/martin_juneau/

[chickenbruiser]

Hope he does okay there because it's a horrible location and a big stretch to call it Little Italy. Lots of condos have gone up recently which has made an odd mixture of sequestered yuppies among the massage parlours, cryptic bars and after hours rave joints.

[Maximilien]

There's a small brazilian restaurant that just opened at the old "boui-boui" café (st-laurent, just north of Laurier st.).

no menu posted or name (that I could find, it was posted yesterday, but not this morning and I forgot what is was)

[EaterBob]

A place called Boca Iberica is opening on Rachel in between St-Laurent and Clark.

[jaco44]

Thanks for the info. No sign of it on the internet yet.

[maj54us]

I passed on Rachel today and noticed that the Bayou sport pub is closed. Papered glass. I guess that's where Boca Iberica is opening. Sad to notice the bayou is gone. A funny ran place but their food was good for a pub.

Also on the corner of st-laurent and rachel , the pizza slice place is closed. Apparently pitarifique is moving from ther location 1 address west to the corner spot.

I'm not a fan of pitarifique. Food in that place is meh but great food when you're a student and drunk I guess.

[Ghostquatre]

oh wow really? I was kinda sad to see the Steve pizza go. The pizza was decent and it was the only close by that offers decent poutine relatively late at night. There's no way i'm walking all the way to Rapido or la Banquise at night. Food at pitarifique is generally meh, but I love how their fries are always done consistently and to my liking, also the hot subs were decent, way more affordable than the more well known montreal sub places however they are a bit skimpier with the meat

[manuela]

A new Portuguese-style chicken place is opening on the corner of Bishop and de Maisonneuve; where Delices Mont Blanc used to be (2005 Rue Bishop)... It was papered up last weekend, but walked by yesterday and they had a note on the door saying "OPENING SOON"!

[westaust]

It's called Charcos

Next door a Smokes Poutinerie is opening as well (The Toronto poutine chain)

[unlaced]

Here is the website for Charcos. Minimal details so far, as it is not open, but a chance for a 10% discount...

[jaco44]

What is the web site please?

[unlaced]

Sorry about that! Here it is
http://www.ordercharcos.com/charcos/p...

[deadchildstar]

Someone has to say it:

"Toronto Poutine"?

[cricklewood]

Toronto poutine chain???????? Really??? .....i'm speachless.

[unlaced]

A new place in Verdun (taking over space from a pizza place, if I remember)

Pies Anna - Restaurant and Pies

The meals look to be fairly generic casse croute fare, but their list of homemade pies (most sweet, some savoury) is intriguing! I haven't been yet - only noticed it last night, but if anyone has tried it, please let us know!

http://piesanna.com/index.html

[lilmisspoutiner]

That is the cutest website ever (esp. the 'about us' page)!

[unlaced]

I agree, it is quite charming - I am looking forward to dropping by and seeing what they have and how the pies taste! It is always nice to see a family run store open in the neighbourhood!

I forgot to put the address in my post, in case people don't click through

5300 rue de Verdun (corner Melrose)
Verdun, Quebec
H4H 1K4

[kpzoo]

Stopped by Pies Anna today for... pie! Our group had apple pie, raisin pie, chocolate pie, and strawberry rhubarb. Everyone loved their pies. The crust is flaky and just the right thickness, the fillings rich but not over-the-top sweet. The slices were the perfect size, and the price extremely reasonable. (Slices range from $2.50-3.50, whole pies $7-11.) The coffee was good, and replenished. No fancy espresso-based drinks here.

The friendly chef, Tim, came out to chat and (after prompting) told us the story of how the restaurant came to be - it's a family operation, the pie crust is his mom Anna's secret recipe. (You can read the full story on their site - http://piesanna.com )

I look forward to going back soon for a hearty greasy-spoon style breakfast or a chicken pot pie dinner - all the food being served around us looked great.

They have a few operational hurdles to overcome - heating system was down but they had a space heater going full force, they had to take down their outdoor sign as they didn't have the right permit, so look for the address, not a sign, if visiting - 5300 Verdun.

They've been open since late October and hope they stick around as it's a great addition to the Verdun dining scene.

Maeve Haldane reviewed the place a few weeks ago, too:
http://hour.ca/2011/12/15/piesanna-pi...

They are closed Mondays.

[Shattered]

Not a restaurant per se, and it's been open since about July, but I kept forgetting to post this:

Épicerie Unique - Le Dépôt de la Bière
4109 St-Laurent

This place has hundreds of Quebec microbrews, almost all available to buy in individual bottles. Really friendly owners, too.

[mangoannie]

this may be a repeat as opened october 25-- deville dinerbar has replaced chez cora on stanley, open 7 days a week, there will be a brunch menu added mid or end of January, seems they have some quebecois elements to some of dishes maple syrup glazes, beignets, more details on their facebook site

http://www.devilledinerbar.com/EN/ind...

[jaco44]

Deville was great.
i tasted the burger Louis with allumettes fries and it was delicious.
beautifull retro chic decor of the 50ies

[EaterBob]

Qing Hua 2 is now open in Chinatown 1. 1023 Saint-Laurent, where Hong Kong used to be.

[kpzoo]

What?! Is Hong Kong gone, or did they just give up one of their two side-by-side spaces?

[SnackHappy]

Qing Hua is only using the southern side. Hong Kong is still there.

-----
Hong Kong Restaurant
29 Thorne Av, Temiscaming, QC J0Z3R0, CA

[kpzoo]

Thank you!

[mangoannie]

Gateaulogie-Patisserie artisanale

When I went to mamie clafoutis today I noticed a specialty cake shop a few doors away with cupcakes, cake pops and wedding/specialty cakes in window. Seems there are other treats in store such as chocolate covered pretzels. It is a mother-daughter operation with daughter having had cake training in the USA and Toronto You bring your cake/cupcake concept and they make it for whatever occasion. Cakes in window do look very professional.

http://www.gateaulogie.com/

[Glaff]

While we're talking about pastries that I really really hate and would like to see disappear, another cupcakes place opened on St-Zotique, west of St-Denis called Les petits gateaux de Marie-Jo. For those interested. Article here : http://breadandmolasses.com/2011/11/0...

[mangoannie]

I agree, I dont know how they survive on cupcake production although les glaceurs has bibloquet ice cream as well and is in tourist area
I am glad to bookmark the food blog though, thanks

[lagatta]

Yep, I hate cupcakes too, and have no idea why this place opened up in my neighbourhood, when the cupcake trend is on the wane. And we have so many better treats within easy walking distance.

One local restaurant that really does seem to be taking off is the pan-Scandinavian Ellefsen, just east of St-Denis on St-Zotique. Another is the new version of Itacate at the corner of St-Dominique and Beaubien.

[Glaff]

Since you live in the neighborhood (or almost), have you tried this new place : http://lesagitateursgourmands.ca/

Looks interesting. I'll probably try it this week.

And yes, Ellefsen is always super full each time I pass by. Cool for them.

[mangoannie]

Bistro Helena is expected to open in a few days in Old Montreal (McGill street), 2nd restaurant for Helena Loureiro (Portus calle). She is getting some publicity about it as she does round of media for her new cookbook.

[eat2much]

Where on McGill?

[mangoannie]

it did not say in articles I saw, just ``financial district`` where other good restos located, the latest reference was in journal de montreal, see upper right for info
http://virtuel.micasa.ca/doc/CahierVo...

[SnackHappy]

There's a big Adonis opening at the Dix30 in Brossard. It's in the same area as Avril and Five Guys, so it become a foodie destination.

[illusion]

New grocery store downtown near place des art metro station : fou d'ici
www.foudici.com

hopefully bring more variety!

[Glaff]

Hmm... this actually looks really great. Pastries from Rhubarbe, bread from L'Amour du pain, cheeses from Yannick... wow. And I might be wrong, but I think it's the only place outside of les cantons de l'est that have the Bull's Head ginger ale.

Could this become our "Whole Food" ?

Please report back if you go.

[lilmisspoutiner]

It looks like a new resto-pub is opening up on Wellington in Viva Verdun! The windows are still covered with Reno Depot paper but I peeked through and saw some nice green floor tile and interesting lighting fixtures. There is also a sign up blinking 'Jo Blow'. I am crossing my fingers. Does anyone have any info?

[marblebag]

Guu is coming to Montreal next April at the U&Me Noodle location on Ste-Catherine and St-Marc.

[kpzoo]

No way?!

For those who are unaware: http://guu-izakaya.com/

[certifiedfresh]

Like the one(s) in Vancouver?? This is amazing!! This means no more waiting in line in the cold come April!!! I guess Kazu will have to step his game up 'cause their prices are crazy low (although the portions seem smaller):
http://guu-izakaya.com/original/menu/menu_2011.pdf
http://guu-izakaya.com/original/menu/...
marblebag, do they have signs up in the windows yet?

-----
Kazu
1862 Sainte-Catherine St W, Montreal, QC H3H 1M1, CA

[marblebag]

The location has the windows papered up, nothing official.

Kazuo said he hopes Guu will bring some relief to his work load. They had already talked to him about expanding to Montreal. I expect Guu to be more like Imadake (better drinks, non stellar food) although from the same "source" there is another izakaya opening right on top of Imadake.

[Jaetee]

Guu working together with Kazu? Still in talks and not official?

[kimberleyblue]

Any news on Guu arriving yet?? So looking forward to this!

[marblebag]

In my last conversation with Kazu he siad Guu will not be coming to Montreal after all. The space will be used by a nearby sports restaurant for a sandwich shop.

[denpanosekai]

BUMMER!!!

[ManuelF]

The people from L'Emporte-pièce (on Gilford) are planning the opening of a new french BYOB at 4370 Notre-Dame Ouest, in St-Henri. You can follow the process of starting/opening a restaurant via their Twitter feed ; @4Chefs1Projet

[alexthecook]

Omma, a korean restaurant, opened recently at the defunct Senzala location on Bernard, corner Esplanade.

Very nice, refreshed space, friendly service, great bibimbap (complete with crunchy rice at the bottom of the stone bowl it's served in). Looks pretty empty on most nights - that should change, probably only because it's very new and word is not out yet.

[tocino.]

So very excited for that, a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Senzala has been "phoning it in" for far too long.

[nikkori]

Tasty food, lovely ambiance. Definitely informed by the success of Kazu, but I don't think the food is as special.

Found it to be a little overpriced, for what is mostly comfort food - cheapest item is bibimbap, at $15.

-----
Kazu
1862 Sainte-Catherine St W, Montreal, QC H3H 1M1, CA

[Maximilien]

A new bar/tapas/small plates (at least it looks like it) opened in the old portugese social club on St-Laurent blvd, just below villeneuve.

It's called "The Sporting Club"

so, 4 new restaurants opened on my corner in 1 year;
- Le Comptoir,
- Biarritz
- French Connection
- Le Sporting Club.

Who will still be alive in a year ?

[EaterBob]

I'd put my money on Le Comptoir. I've eaten there and the food is very good.The other ones look like johnny come latelys and do not inspire me in the least to go and dine.

[Shattered]

I've heard very good things about Biarritz, too, both from friends and on this board. Haven't been myself, though.

[jay_81k]

What is the menu like at comptoir? Do they literally have charcuterie and wine only? If so why is that so appealing?? I can go and buy my own charcuterie and wine and eat that at home. I've been to Biarritz atleast 15 times now and it's my favourite new restaurant in Montreal. So my money is on comptoir and Biarritz to survive.

[estilker]

Hm, I can make a lot of restaurants dishes at home. And often I do it better and cheaper, so that's not really an argument I find. But to answer your question: the charcuterie is homemade. They do all the curing themselves. And the wine selection is mostly private import and bio-dynamic. But besides the charcuterie, they have smallish dishes like a tarte de boudin noir, short rib grilled cheese, smoked mackerel, to name a few. The menu changes seasonally. So what's on the menu at Biarritz?

[jay_81k]

I think it is an argument when it comes to charcuterie because there is nothing to prepare, but if they have dishes other than that then thats a different story... The menu at Biarritz changes weekly, sometimes twice a week even. Some of my favourites are the confit Pork Belly with garlic and membrillo, the oxtail marmalade is to die for, I absolutley love it! Reminds me of the famous rabo de toro dish I had while visiting spain. The short ribs are pretty great too served on top of polenta wild mushrooms and guanciale (pork cheek), moroccan shrimp salad with orange and olives is really nice as well. Basically everything Ive tried there hasnt disappointed me one bit and the prices are very reasonable. Not to mention great service. Give it a try and let me know what you think compared to le comptoir.

[estilker]

We were looking at the construction of Le Sporting Club and they invited us is so we could take a peek inside. The French sommelier (imported from Scotland) explained the concept. Basically another wine bar and small food to go with it (they share the chef and kitchen with the French Connection). Not really a concept when it comes to wines, but fixed prices for wines available by the glass. Of the 4, Comptoir has proven itself from the very beginning and they made the EnRoute's top 10 best resto in Canada list, so my money is on them.

[porker]

Strolling down St. Catherine in Chinatown II, on our way to Kan Bai (man, I can't say enough about this place), we see 3 guys cleaning the windows of a soon-to-be-open resto.

1925 St. Catherine W (2 doors east of the Italian Rotisserie)

Spoke a bit to one of the window washers, its going to be Tiawanese and will be called Bubble Lounge.

I dunno, had hoped for maybe a snazzier name...

[maj54us]

Chinatown 2 or more like Concordia Ghetto?

[porker]

Call it what you will, I just figure most people are calling it Chinatown II. It seems to be in the heart of the area shown here
http://spacingmontreal.ca/2009/04/14/...

[kpzoo]

New "Mexican snack bar" in Mile End, specializing in tortas and quesadillas. Looks promising.

Ta Chido - 5611 ave du Parc
http://tachido.squarespace.com/

[SnackHappy]

There's a Dilallo burger opening on Maple in Chateauguay. I know this is not going to have big impact on most of your lives, but it certainly will on mine.

[porker]

It'll have an impact on mine...a few more buck burgers. Where on Maple, the new building going up next to the carwash?

[SnackHappy]

I believe so. There was a help wanted ad in one of the local papers. I think the address is 160 Maple.

[SnackHappy]

There's an ad in the Soleil de Chateauguay, this week. Says "Mario et David Di lallo, hamburger à l'italienne" So it's not a Dilallo proper. Perhaps there was a schism.

http://actualite.monteregieweb.com/ec...

[BLM]

Is it the same family that runs the original Dilallo burger?

[SnackHappy]

That's what I plan on asking when I go. Right now, it's still under construction.

[BLM]

The burgers will be different. It's Italian burgers at the upcoming Chateauguay restaurant. Tell us when it finally opens(I'm guessing it's sometime this month).

[porker]

Sounds fishy...maybe they'll open a Mack Donald's across the street!

[BLM]

Any update on this restaurant? It must be open now? If you have eaten there, is the food good?

[SnackHappy]

It's open, but I haven't gone.

[SnackHappy]

Tried Di Lallo, tonight. Waitress confirmed Mario and David are from the same family as the people who run Dillalo. The menu is a shorter version of the original Dillalo menu. I ordered the bacon and cheese burger. With fries and a drink it came out to $7.15 plus tax. The burger was ok. It's a square patty and a pretty odd looking one; three sides were tapered, but one side looked cut like it had come from a bigger patty. It was grey, dry and under-seasoned with no sear whatsoever. The burger came out so quick, that I suspect it was pre-cooked. It came with raw onions, lettuce, tomato, mustard and relish. Overall it was a pretty forgettable burger and not as good as the original Dillalo's. On the upside, the fries were pretty good. They were nice and crisp, and even though they looked a bit overcooked and smelled of burnt, they were actually pretty tasty and relatively moist.

That said, I probably won't be going back.

[BLM]

Thanks for your report on Di Lallo. There's no more Dillalo locations in South Shore? There use to be one in or around Brossard?

[SnackHappy]

There's a Dilallo on the 132 in Sainte-Catherine. It seems to be a bit inconsistent. I've had some really good and some not so great burgers there.

[porker]

The wife commented that we did not yet try this place just 2 days ago. Would you happen to know what "hamburger à l'italienne" means?

[SnackHappy]

It means they put capicollo and hot peppers in one of the burgers. Same as the original Dilallo.

[SnackHappy]

You know the more I think a bout it, It think my burger patty might have been baked. It was uniformly coloured all the way through and had a bit of cooked juice stuck to it. It was a really disappointing patty.

[porker]

I was downtown last week and needed a quick bite so I ducked into Harvey's for a simple hamburger. I know many people despise Harvey's, but I like their burgers. Anyway, my heart sank as the guy plucked a pre-cooked pattie out of a warming device (it kinda looked like a toaster oven) and plopped it on the grill. I'm not sure, but I think it even bounced.
Luckily, the soy/sawdust/maltodextrine/soy protein/rusk/beef blend of their pattie held up (somewhat) to the pre-cook, and it wasn't as bad as I thought...but still, it was the first time I saw this at a Harvey's. Usually they cook from raw.

But this is Harvey's, a chain. I would assume a start-up, independent, family joint like Mario et David Di lallo would try their best to make every burger count, not pre-baked and gray.
I'm gonna try to get a tomato pizza across the street @ Eurodeli tomorrow. If they're open, I'll pick up a buck burger at Mario et David Di lallo to give it a try.

[Shattered]

Yo! Another Harvey's fan here!

Interesting leak I got from a friend who managed there: Their veggie burger is the only one I've ever liked (I only tried it a few times cause it was dirt cheap when introduced years ago), because it tasted very close to the real deal. I commented on this to my friend, and she told me that was because the 'real' burger is almost 50% veggie to begin with, and it's a veggie blend, not some flavourless tofu. Things that make you go hmmm - the fast food burger that to my taste buds is the closest to what I can bbq at home actually has the least beef. I dunno, maybe the flame grill was enough to fool me compared with the frozen hot-plated patties elsewhere.

[porker]

Well, Burger Kig is flamebroiled, but is, for me, a distant 2nd to Harv. I think its the pattie! I joke on how I don't like Wendy's 'cause it tasters too much like homemade...
Harveys seems to be a dying breed in Quebec.
I didn't get to try Mario et David Di lallo the other day - they were closed on xmas eve.

[SourberryLily]

The Kitche Buddha
vegan new takeout place in the Place Ville Marie tunnel.

I'm curious, i work downtown so i'm always glad to see a new lunch spot open up, especially something that adds something different.

Article about it:
http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/Montreal_eat_and_drink/45689/organic_fare_in_the_underground/

Website (needs work though):
http://lebouddhadcuisine.jimdo.com/

[Glaff]

Michelle Marek and Seth Gabrielse are quitting Laloux to go to the SAT restaurant that will open at the end of october : http://www.cyberpresse.ca/vivre/cuisi...

[CMT]

Where/what is SAT, please?

[kpzoo]

http://www.sat.qc.ca/

[lagatta]

I hope they aren't aiming too high end as a lot of the media artists there are far from wealthy.

This could help that portion of St-Laurent, just north of old Chinatown, recover somewhat.

[chickenbruiser]

SAT knows their clientele pretty well and don't really want people looking for a deal but get all the 20 something gaming people and cocktail fanatics that have enough cash for trendy food. The artists will eat elsewhere.

[westaust]

All items are 6$ on the menu and the highest priced wine bottle is 60$

[sweettoothMTL]

Taverne Gaspar, on La Commune in Old Montreal, located right next to the Auberge du Vieux-Port. Opens September 29th, it is part of the Antonopoulos Group of restaurants in Old Montreal. Self-described as ''accessible and comfort cuisine inspired by British gastropubs with French and Quebecois accents''.

[SourberryLily]

Is it really bad of me to presume this place will be a tourist trap?

[SnackHappy]

In Old Montreal, you have two out of three chance. The description sounds like they're cloning Dominion Square Tavern.

http://www.tavernegaspar.com/

[Maximilien]

A new restaurant is opening "soon" on the corner of St-laurent and villeneuve at the old marilou location.

Seems to be called "French Connection" and is related to Bleu Raisin.

[GraydonCarter]

Restaurant Le Comptoir Charcuteries et Vins? 4807 Saint-Laurent

http://comptoircharcuteriesetvins.ca

[Maximilien]

Nope, Le Comptoir opened a year ago and has taken, with happiness on both part, a lot of my hard earned cash ... and it's technically not on the corner :-)

[ManuelF]

Nora Gray opened last week. Any feedbacks ?
+
HOSTARIA on St-Zotique (formely Il Mulino), just opened also. From the same family that has Bottega Pizzeria. Been told it's authentic rustic italian. Again, any feedbacks ?

thank you

-----
Bottega
65 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H2S1K7, CA

[mangoannie]

not really an opening but didnt want to open a new thread just for info. The Balmoral in jazzfest building is now a jazz club offering music Thurs-Sat which could be of interest to visitors to city or montrealers who want an evening of local music and food, not all yet listed but will be a variety of jazz, blues, gypsy, latin american music....

http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/maison-du-festival-online/Balmoral.aspx

http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/progr...

I have gone there a couple times for fish -I found it reasonable for downtown location and meal was good.

[chilipepper]

Sweet Lee's Rustic Bakery
291 Beaudoin in St. Henri (not far from the St. Henri metro, south of Notre Dame)
885-3504
Open Tues-Sun 9-6

[Glaff]

Two other pastry shop / bakery :

- Crémy (horrible name). The pâtissier that was at Arhoma as now opened is pastry shop. Tried it this week and will probably not go back. Most uninviting pastry shop I've seen I think!
2202 Mont-Royal Est

- Cerise sur le gâteau. Haven't tried it yet, but looks better. The coco-banane viennoiserie look great.
107 avenue Fairmount Ouest
cerisesurlegateau.ca

[chickenbruiser]

Cremy could really do with some ambiance... all I saw was one display case and the sound of wind. Couldn't bring myself to go in.

[Glaff]

Yes, so big and so empty... and... well... the place looks a bit dirty too...

And if you really don't give a **** about ambiance and decor in your shop (which is really strange)... at least make a little trip to Ikea to hide that.

[marblebag]

I sampled Cerise sur le Gateau last weekend during my weekly trip to Kem CoBa.
The croissant is decent but has a sweet glaze (I'm told by Vincent from Kem CoBa it's not unusual).
The eclair au chocolate is good, I will have it again.
The madeleines are very good and approved by a French coworker.

[EaterBob]

Tam Tam Afrique at 68 Duluth E.

[nikkori]

Some kind of new Caribbean/Haitian/Creole place opened up on the east side of Parc, south of Fairmount, where there used to be a French catering/takeaway resto. Beside Bofinger. Chalk signs saying GRAND OPENING. Looked cheapish & very intriguing...

[chilipepper]

Seoul Chako all you can eat Korean BBQ opening up in the old Bangkok Thai on Ste Catherine in Chinatown West, according to the big ugly red sign out front...

[Gluttoners]

past by, at lunch time, but they seem to still do some constructions (exterior/interior)... Didn't see anybody in there. :T

[sweettoothMTL]

Le Joli Moulin, on Van Horne, has changed it's name to Influences (signs in Windows says France-Japon-Espagne, so probably another fusion restaurant). However, the restaurants looks exactly the same, just the name has changed, so it may be the same owner.

[eat2much]

The much anticipated Nora Gray is set to open next Tuesday at 1391 St. Jacques a few doors over from Alexis le Gourmand.

[Maximilien]

what is Nora Gray?

[eat2much]

Emma Cardarelli former chef de cuisine at Liverpool House.

[torontrealais]

Anyone been yet and can describe the menu? Nothing's available online yet, though Twitter is buzzing with positive reviews.

[vanierstudent]

sushi 5 saison just reopened, as good as ever.

[EaterBob]

Just beat 2009 for number of replies. I wonder if that means that more restaurants opened this year than in 2009, or if there are more people posting, or something else?

[vanierstudent]

Yang's sushi in Chinatown is finally open.

[Shattered]

Where? In Ming Do's old location at Clark and Gauchetiere?

[westaust]

Nope, it's located in the Swatow Plaza Building, ground floor left side of the St-Laurent entrance

[porker]

Ming Do is still knee deep in demo/reno.
Anyone know whats on tap for this location?

[vanierstudent]

I've heard rumors that It could have been bought by a family that operates AYCE sushi.

[nikkori]

Resto has opened on St-Laurent south of St-Viateur, called:

:)

Yes, the smiley. Seems designed to appeal to the Ubisoft crowd. Lunch, dinner, take-away. No idea if it's interesting, but the name sparked my curiosity.

[SourberryLily]

neat name, difficult to search for on the web though....

[SnackHappy]

It's a terrible, terrible name. Absolutely impossible to plug into a search engine. They might as well have called it Free Porn.

[porker]

With a squinty ;-)

[chickenbruiser]

well they save on a graphic designer since they have a ready made logo

[mangoannie]

I went by it today and the place looked kind of nice from outside, people were having brunch. Its a cute name Smile Restaurant , will be easy to recall and has a handy location just before st. Viateur. Found their facebook page where there are some photos posted of interior. Just breakfast and lunch, not dinner; takes reservations

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Resto-S...

5486 St. Laurent, Montreal

Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sat - Sun: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

The pictures on their walls are people smiling,......on their facebook page they have smile music

Hope the food is something to smile about.....

[SnackHappy]

Restaurant du Bonheur - the place that had taken over the old Manchurian Dumpling local on St-Mathieu - is gone and has been replaced by something called Restaurant Peng Ju Ge. There's no menu posted outside, just a bunch of pictures in the menu display at street level. Looks like Northern Chinese standbies as well as various hot-pots.

I didn't go in, but maybe I should have. I went to Maison du Nord instead and had some mushy overcooked dumplings.

[SnackHappy]

Had lunch at Peng Ju Ge, today. Waitress said they were Sichuan style. The menu was much like all the other Northern Chinese spots in the area. Mapo doufu and yu hsiang pork were ok, but nothing special. Service was friendly. Setting is bare bones. I'm not motivated to go back anytime soon.

[celfie]

new fancy looking coffee shop on van horne beside maison du cheddar called cafe prague

it opens monday

[custo]

The popular west island Maurizio Cafe has reopened on St-Laurent, a few doors north of Globe.

I don't usually like to eat Italian at restaurants but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, the arribiata sauce in particular was very strong.

The decor was excellent and they also have a terrace in the back.

All in all good food, especially for that pretentious section of St-Laurent

[chilipepper]

The guys from Grillades Kiss Bizou on Bishop taking over old Lumama spot on Ste Catherine

[celfie]

when bizou first opened, their menu was great and well priced. now it is so absurdly expensive

[SnackHappy]

Le Gourmet 4-14 which used to go by the name Le Gourmet St-Zotique – A Petite-Patrie standby and favourite of late night diners and cab drivers – has been replaced by something called Cafe Ellefsen. I haven't gone in yet but it certainly looks very nice in there.

http://www.cafeellefsen.com/

[Glaff]

The menu is now online. Seems to focus on norwegian specialities, which is really interesting. I learned a new word : smorrebrod.

[westaust]

The menu looks really good, and happy to see smorrebrod on the menu, i've had a few of them when i visited norway a couple of years ago, and loved them, so simple yet so good, perfect for lunch?

[Werzoth]

I noticed Bofinger had this mention on their website:
Mt. Royal (Re-opening Soon)
* Whisky Bar
* Live Jazz

[wilmagrace]

across from archeology museum boutique is a sign that Indian resto Taj Mahal will be opening

[isa1]

Chuck Hughes' new place opened last night. It's a seafood restaurant called Bremner, on St Paul in front of Marche Bonsecours.

[kpzoo]

Café Wild Beans on Monkland has closed and The Italian Pantry grocery next door is apparently taking it over and opening a café of their own. Looking forward to a local café that is actually open when it should be, and where the customer service is a little better than this: http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com...

[Arktik]

I've not tasted the food but for the last few weeks it's been these guys who have been serving fare outside of the Italian Pantry. Based on their twitter feed/FB I would award them the "trying too hard" award - calling themselves a food truck when, um, they don't have a food truck, bacon/proc belly overload...
http://twitter.com/#!/3pigstruck

[Shattered]

Jesus they sound like annoying twats. Quit yelling and quit stretching words for effect like a drunk texting teenager.

As for the hand-written rant... for once I'm speechless.

[Auguste Gusteau]

LOL! try WAY TOO hard! i reckon they won't last long.

[kpzoo]

The Italian Pantry's café next to their grocery store is now open. Looks a million times more inviting than Café Wild Beans ever did...

6128 Monkland Ave, NDG

[TheSnowpea]

OMG! I always found Wild Beans' hours inconvenient and the place not super friendly when they did bother to open, but this does say a lot about the owner (and why it closed).

[kpzoo]

I actually went to the new Italian Pantry café for the first time today - what a pleasure. Service with a smile, a great capuccino & espresso, a biscotti, friendly fellow patrons, and complimentary little chocolate-coffee candies. So glad the bad vibes of the old place have been washed away by the new ownership.

[Fritzy]

Walking down St-Mathieu last week I was pleased to see that the small but reliable French restaurant Au Bon Gourmet has finally re-openned after a long period of renovations due to a fire.

[kpzoo]

Ah! Do you mean Au Bistro Gourmet? Nice to hear it's back. That was a long hiatus.

http://www.aubistrogourmet.com/a

-----
Bistro Gourmet
2100 Rue Saint-Mathieu, Montreal, QC H3H2J4, CA

[Fritzy]

Yes, kpzoo, I meant to write Au BISTRO Gourmet.. And yes it was a very long hiatus.

[ios94]

Santana's Mexican in the WI is opening this Friday, I believe (not 100% sure) that it's the same people as Popocatepetl on Belanger. It will be a welcome addition if the menu is the same.

[fredmir]

Where is the WI are they opening up??

[ios94]

The old Spicy Island locaton on Gouin near the Roxboro train station.

[Fritzy]

http://www.aubistrogourmet.com/au_bis...

I think this is their active link.

[kpzoo]

Thanks, looks like I screwed up the link above, didn't I. ;-)

[Maximilien]

I think A new burger place is opening next to "L'Emporte Piece" on Gilford st. :

Art:brgr

[deborahm]

Just really noticed this place a few days ago and wondering if you've tried it yet....

link: http://artbrgr.com/

Looks intriguing...

[SnackHappy]

The usually very forgiving Mr Lew did not enjoy the place

http://mrlewburger.tumblr.com/post/9035835242/artbrgr

http://mrlewburger.tumblr.com/post/91...

I never had a good feeling about ART:brgr, and these posts seem to confirm it.

[deborahm]

Thanks for this SnackHappy. It looks really 'high design' for a burger place so I wasn't sure. But I'll take this review in stride. Mr. Lew seemed to criticize things like the mystery 'red powder' that was on his plate which he couldn't identify (aka paprika that you find on tonnes of dishes). Unless he was joking around it's weird to make this an issue. Or, being offered a sauce that the chef brings out. I've been to lots of new places where there' s something extra offered by the kitchen to try out and it's sort of nice when they do this. Thanks though. I'll read some of his other posts.

[deborahm]

SnackHappy I should add that I l despite post above I really like Mr. Lew's blog so thanks for passing this on!

[TheSnowpea]

Not sure how new this place is, but I noticed it while driving yesterday: Café Persia. It's close to the north-west corner of St-Jacques and Girouard.

[hungryann]

It's been there awhile although I think they changed name.

[Maximilien]

- Biarritz, a new bar/resto opening next door to "Le Comptoir" (corner st-laurent/villeneuve) : decor looks white/black, a counter, and what looks like a small kitchen at the back.

- I think Lallouz (?) is either moving/expending with the old mexican plaec on st-laurent (between mont-royal and villeneuve).

[Maximilien]

The new Lallouz must be opening soon, the tables are set (plates and glasses on the tables).

[SnackHappy]

Au Cinquième Péché will re-open at their new location on 10 June.

http://www.aucinquiemepeche.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Au-cinq...

[tranhoa1234]

Vietnamese place, called (i believe) RESTAURANT TINT opening on Parc at St-Joseph, across from the PA supermarket. Looks mid-market - hopefully an improvement on the departed Chez Van. Fingers crossed.

VietNam spec..: http://www.dacsandatphanrang.com/du-l...

[ios94]

Opening soon, a Mexican place in the WI, this may be a first, it's going to be called, Santana's. Good news that there will be a Mex joint in the area, hopefully it's not dumbed down Mexican, the bad news is that it's taking the spot of Spicy Island on Gouin.

[NickinMtl]

Couple of new restaurants in Little Italy. First, there is a new restaurant called Inferno that just opened at the corner of Dante/St-Dominique. Looks like a supper club type of place (very darkish, red lights) although it seems to close pretty early.
There is also a opening soon sign at the former location of Il Mulino (corner Alma/St-Zotique) which says the new restaurant will be name Hostaria. No clue if this is a 'franchise' of the one downtown or something completely different.
Finally, Mange-Boire on St-Laurent between Mozart and Bélanger has re-opened after being closed for 3-4 months for renovation. They now advertise being open for lunch. Not sure about the menu or if anything changed.

[cricri7]

I went yesterday with friends to the newly reopened Madre on Masson street. It is now BYOW. I had eaten there a couple of times in the past and always had the same complaints....service and wine list. The service was always chaotic and the wine list too expensive for what they offered. I never had any complaints about the food though. It was always spot on and excellent, especially the ceviche. Well....same thing yesterday....the food was excellent but the service was uneven.

Their new menu is between 25 and 33$ and you get an appetizer with this. The ceviche though is 5$ extra. One of my friends had the pumpkin soup and she said it was very good. Of course, I had the ceviche and it is as tasteful as before. A couple of us had fish with quinoa and an avocado mousselline. Another friend had a "flanc de porc croustillant" (sorry I am not sure how to translate this in English) and he liked it but it was a big meal.

I would go back because of the quality of the food which is incredible.

[wattacetti]

It translates to "pork belly".

[hungryann]

Pinq Taco on St-Laurent is a relatively new tequila bar with mexican tapas. Has anyone tried the food?

[EaterBob]

You blinked. Pinq Taco no longer exists, they're doing renovations there now, although whatever the new name is, it might be open during the renovations.

[westaust]

Pinq Taco is still opened, i went 2 days ago, no renovations whatsoever!

[OliverB]

Is that name supposed to be a joke?

[kpaxonite]

does it make you want to eat there?

[TheSnowpea]

Nope!

But perhaps I'm not in their target demographic?

[Fritzy]

Where are the language police when we need them? LOL

[kimberleyblue]

I'm pretty sure the name is a, umm....pun....and just because of that lameness, I wouldn't be willing to pay any money to try their food. Maybe I'm losing out....but I doubt it.

[Jaetee]

On Rene Levesque next to Le Latini, someone took over the restaurant, the name I forgot. They are doing renovation right now, and the new sign says Bistro Elegant.

Any news on that place?

[SnackHappy]

Looks like its opening today.

http://www.leboulevardbistro.com/

http://www.opentable.com/le-boulevard...

From the description on Opentable, it looks like it's going some pretty tame stuff., on the expensive side of things and very yuppie friendly.

[eat2much]

How can it be "popular for its' cinq a sept" if it hasn't opened yet?

[Jaetee]

Popular for it's contractors and staff members!

[hungryann]

"On Rene Levesque next to Le Latini, someone took over the restaurant, the name I forgot"
Nizza closed? If so, it's a shame.

-----
Nizza
1121 Anderson, Montreal, QC H2Z 1M1, CA

[westaust]

Nizza closed around christmas time of last year

-----
Nizza
1121 Anderson, Montreal, QC H2Z 1M1, CA

[westaust]

Apollo, the full fledge restaurant (previously at 6389 St-Laurent) has now moved to 1333 university, in place of the former Le Parchemin

[kpaxonite]

parchemin finally closed?

[westaust]

Parchemin must have closed a few months ago to let time for Apollo to set up in it's new digs

[wilmagrace]

Is the new Apollo location opened yet? any date known for opening?

[SnackHappy]

According to their facebook page, it's been open since the 18th of may.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Restau...

[wilmagrace]

thanks, it looks like they are already open for brunch/breakfasts and he spoke in video of terasse which could be really attractive if in that small garden. It would be great location for breakfast downtown

http://www.apolloglobe.com/

his other resto has become BYOB

here is a report on an alsace dinner he hosted a week before it opened -- the church where the restaurant is located dates from 1836

http://www.alsaceonthemenu.com/

it says you can join this group and be present for next alsace evening at Rumi in September

http://www.alsaceonthemenu.com/join-u...

[nikkori]

New Jamaican-ish spot has opened up on Parc avenue, a few doors north of Bernard - Epicerie Chacha (or something like that).

It sells overpriced dep grocery stuff, but I noticed a sign in the window advertising rotis ($7), Jamaican patties and doubles ($3.50). Popped in for a veg double - was bland, microwaved and v greasy, but it hit the spot in its way, full of potatoes, kidney beans and chick-peas. Pretty ghetto set-up, but with more turnover - and a better cook - could possibly turn into something special. Happy to have any kind of doubles in the neighbourhood!

[marblebag]

Kem CôBa - 60, Avenue F airmount West, 514-419-1699

Vietnamese owner and maker or ice cream, sorbets, chocolates and pastries. Kem is short for cà rem which means ice cream.

[Glaff]

Looks interesting ! Did you try anything ?

[marblebag]

I didn't have enough belly for ice cream after the Lawrence brunch.

[BLM]

If you know, is their food made in-house? Is their Asian influences to their food products?

[vanierstudent]

Maybe even Durian ice cream?>: D

[stak]

We stopped by there tonight. They had about 10 flavours of Havre aux Glaces ice creams and sorbets (tried the espresso and chai - yum) as well as some soft-serve - today's flavour was strawberry cheesecake. Didn't see much else, just a lone bag of tuile-type cookies. Guess it was a busy day for them! Is this the place that used to be Plus-Que-Parfait?

[BLM]

OK I know this location. It's been through several ice cream incarnations.

[marblebag]

It turns out the handmade ice cream is the soft serve. This week's flavor is strawberry cheesecake and next week is caramel-passion fruit.

[celfie]

hand made as in they put their own dairy products in a machine?

[BLM]

Would you know, if It's their own product, or it's made for them by Havre aux Glaces?

[Glaff]

I just learned on this site that the place is owned by Vincent Beck who's also the maître-glacier at Havre aux Glaces http://www.katerinerollet.com/boutiqu...

So... both answers !

[BLM]

Very interesting. Gourmet home made soft serve ice cream. What I've been looking in Montreal for years.

[Glaff]

There's another new one too : www.lesgivres.ca

There was a post here a few days ago, but it was probably spam cause it was removed... Looks interesting though!

[Maximilien]

Renard Artisan Bistro is opening "soon" at the old 5ème Peché location.

can't find info about it.

M.

[Mourning_Light]

Ran into the chef outside while walking by yesterday, got to talking a bit.
I googled him later and found he has a blog:

thirteenpeas.blogspot.com

I'm intrigued..

[westaust]

A couple of places already opened or opening soon:

1- New restaurants type stands at Atwater Market, one sells Satay's, a creperie, a rotisserie chicken place and a lobster roll place

2 - A new burger bar opening soon on crescent st, not much more info on that one, and no website

3 - Deville Dinerbar on Stanley (where Cora used to be), a re-interpretation of the classic american Diner according to their facebook page http://devilledinerbar.com/

[celfie]

vomit@devilledinerbar

"
The Deville Dinerbar is set in an atmosphere of chic sophistication while embracing décor elements of diners past. Our majestic bar pays homage to the
‘lunch counter’ of yesterday, perfect for a classic cocktail or “R-Rated Shake”

[SnackHappy]

Just what this city needs, more upscale, comfort food, yuppie bait with an added hint of douche.

The tyranny of pulled-pork continues.

[celfie]

not to mention bland mac and cheese

[westaust]

Seems all your wishes we're granted, menu is now online and restaurant is opening tomorrow (oct 4)
http://devilledinerbar.com/menu/

Highlights of the menu: A 4 patties burger between 2 grilled cheeses, mac 'n cheese, lobster rolls, lamb shanks and much more (menu is going in all directions)

[Maximilien]

Wow, that's one crappy website!!!

There are way, WAY, too many menu items!!! how can a restaurant like this do anything good ?

11 apéritif (from fried pickles to fried chicken), 10 "en-cas", 3 salads, 4 pastas, 14 (!!!) spécialités, 7 sandwiches, 6 burgers, 6 salads (plat principal), 7 desserts and some "shakes"

[Shattered]

lol

[EaterBob]

Has anyone tried Arepera at 4050 deBullion (corner Duluth) yet?

[dhd]

Yes, it's great. I've only had the vegetarian arepas (the avocado one is excellent) but a friend had something with chorizo on it and assured us that it was very good. The fried plantains are tasty, as are the fresh juices - the passionfruit juice is worth trying but beware, it's just passionfruit, so it's pretty sour! Super nice people, too.

[porker]

FWIT, was walking on St. Laurent in Chinatown the other day and saw a rental truck unloading used resto equipment. They were hauling up the 3 flights to the old "Muraille de Chine" / old "Millewas" / old all-u-can-eat chinese fondue spot. A sign in the window advertises a japanese/chinese/thai all-u-can-eat sushi place.....

[wilmagrace]

I saw an advertisement in paper a week ago about vanhorne resto but couldnt quite figure out location on van horne but see in this review it is located near mamie clafoutis, seems to have replaced bistro justine, been a few positive comments such as http://patwhite.com/node/12692

http://www.clindoeil.ca/sophiedurocher/article/18166316

the menu http://vanhornerestaurant.com/menu/

[eat2much]

There is a construction permit of the old St-James Pub for a restaurant called "Sesame".

[Maximilien]

Something is brewing next door to "Le Comptoir" on St-Laurent.

They have a construction permit for a restaurant/bar; don't know if it will be something new or just "Le Comptoir" expending; there was not much info on the permit itself.

M.

[tsura]

Does anybody know what is being planned for the corner of St-Hubert and Roy? From the decor going up (rustic wood and antlers and the like) it looks intriguing!

[jfbosse]

A brand new place is set to open in Hochelaga in May, in front of Le Valois. It's a BYOW called "Les Canailles" http://www.lescanailles.ca/ Happily, they will replace one of the numerous "patateries" on Ontario St.

[chilipepper]

Hakata Ramen in the old sushi place next to Bistro Marinara on Stanley above Rene Levesque. Here's hoping!

[wilmagrace]

new resto Rouge a levres to open soon,=tapas bar, breakfasts; maybe details on their facebook/twitter
http://www.danslabouche.ca/plateau/

[vanierstudent]

Iv'e heard from various people in the industry that Ming Do might become a sushi bar when it reopen.

[Werzoth]

Dunn's is opening a location in Laval, saw the "coming soon" sign there today.

It will be located near the corner of Boul. St-Martin Ouest and Boul. Curé Labelle (the old Vichy/Mirage place). Actual address : 3800 Boulevard Saint-Martin Ouest.

[Maximilien]

Opening today (at 17h) at Jean Talon Market ( 184 jean-talon e. on the north side or teh market),

Le Pourvoyeur pub festif & gourmand.

no detail on their web site or facebook.

[EaterBob]

Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Le-Pourvoyeur/154800207914356?sk=wall
Website:
http://lepourvoyeur.com/

And based on their logo I would guess that they are another part of the Depanneur Le Pickup empire...

[Glaff]

Hmm... personally I'd say based on the logo this could be almost anyone except the team behind Le Pickup ! Really not their style...

[jptimbaud]

it's the same guys as from Miss Villeray

[certifiedfresh]

Chuck Hugues (of Iron Chef America & Chuck's Day Off fame) will open a second restaurant "very soon" in Old Montreal "not far" from Garde-Manger. Details TBA.

[hungryann]

Piri Piri is opening a location in CDN: Cote Ste Catherine and Cote DES Neiges next to the Mike's.

[Glaff]

Poutineville, a new poutine place has opened in Rosemont (Beaubien/Lanaudière) : http://www.shutupandeat.ca/?p=1401

Looks like the same concept used by every new fancy burger places.

[kpzoo]

It's official:

"we are expanding ! the MCKIERNANS space will now be JOEBEEF oysterbar OPEN at 5 pm for shellfish, beer and wine, opening may 2 or 9

we are currently working on sorting a new space close by for MCKIERNANS, dont fret !!"

via Twitter: http://twitter.com/joebeef/

[Werzoth]

Although not a restaurant, but a Bilboquet has opened recently in Laval in the Centropolis area.

[Glaff]

There's a new one on Laurier Est near le Fromentier too.

[SourberryLily]

Went. There was only us and a man and his kid in the restauarnt. Oh, and plus the 3 teenage friends of the employee, goofing off at the counter. I found it pretty rude when he preferred talking to his friends rather then serving us (the only customers at the counter).

Had a cupcake since i wasn't in the mood for ice cream with a coffee. The coffee was absolutly great. The cupcake was white chocolate & cream cheese with a raspberry filling. Sounded promising but was TERRIBLE. dry cake, icing tasted like hardener crisco or candle wax. No taste.

Skip this location.

[SnackHappy]

I'd say skip all locations. Bilboquet has gone to the dogs.

-----
Bilboquet
, Montreal, QC H2Y, CA

[ios94]

Agreed, ever since they started expanding (2005 -06, around there if not earlier) it's been horrible. Such a shame, it used to be so good when it was only the Bernard location, now all their ice cream tastes like sesame oil.

[Glaff]

A new italian restaurant, Venti osteria Italiana, is opening on April 15 at the old BBQ Montréal location : 372 St-Paul Ouest.

I don't know who Michele Forgione (the chef) is, but people on Twitter are excited !

[isa1]

He used to be the chef at Koko

-----
Koko
10 Sherbrooke Rue West, Montreal, QC H2X 4C9, CA

[SourberryLily]

New Frite Alors location is opening downtown, on Sainte-Catherine.

It will be under the InstaCheque, in front of the Complexe les Ailes entrance.

There used to be a dingy looking cafe down there. Thank god it's a already known restaurant that is opening because the location and visibility stinks!

[Shattered]

Already open, was there its opening day on Tues. They've done a good job brightening up the place, and yeah, it s good thing its a known chain.

[SourberryLily]

Really? I passed by this morning and they still had a sign up "Coming soon"...
Well no complaints! This means i enjoy good fries sooner.

[eat2much]

There is an "Ouverture Bientot" sign in the old Chasse Maree location on Monkland for a combination Moozoo / Beaver Bites (I guess these are mini Beaver Tails). While I wish them well, it doesn't exactly fit the character of the street but perhaps they are trying to move away from touristy locations and make inroads into residential areas.

-----
Moozoo
9150 Rue Meilleur, Montreal, QC H2N2A5, CA

[kpaxonite]

There is one across from Metropolis... not exactly a touristy area

[eat2much]

Perhaps, but still far more pedestrian traffic there than in residential NDG.

[Arktik]

Dunno..there are a lot high school student that walk along Monkland and there is a huge baby boom in NDG..seems like midupper-class kids and students are prime targets for that kind of food....

[maj54us]

The surrounding will hopefully change drastically for the best with the "quartier des spectacles" area being built. I'm sure we will see many restaurants and new wave of night life when the part of the city stops looking like Baghdad.

[westaust]

Frites Alors! is opening a new outlet on Ste-Catherine, almost on the corner of university (south-west corner)

-----
Frites Alors
3497 Boul Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2X2T6, CA

[wilmagrace]

muvbox, cafe des eclusiers and other bistros in old port reopen in may
http://www.quaisduvieuxport.com/resta...

[westaust]

Cheeburger Cheeburger is opening soon at Cours Mont-Royal, where Guy et Dodo used to be, street entrance on Metcalfe.

For those who don't know about them
http://www.cheeburger.com/menu/main.asp

[unlaced]

I know nothing about this chain and I am not that excited about another burger place but a place that features milkshakes (and "invent your own" at that!) - ok, that I am kind of excited about! There is a real lack of good milkshakes in Montreal...
Any opening date set?

[westaust]

Found the canadian website (for now only the location in Montreal is listed) and the website says it will be operation in 74 days, so i guess that should be close to the restaurant opening date

http://www.cheeburger.ca/index.php?la...

[eurekabru]

The food is pretty average. Better than McD and Burger King but nowhere near Five Guys.
It's a fun place to go with kids I guess.
They serve the driest burger. I order mine medium-rare and put lots of juicy topping on it. It drips all over the plate and the meat is still so dry. Onion rings are terrible. They taste like fat and nothing else. Fries are good. The milk/maltshakes are quite tasty.

[Glaff]

Marc-André Royal from Le St-Urbain will open a bakery near is restaurant called La bête à pain on April 1st. With James Mcguire as a consultant.

114 rue Fleury

[cricklewood]

"With James Mcguire as a consultant"

Best damn news I have heard in a while.

[FrenchPeach]

I have a friend who works just down the street - it won't be opening tomorrow, they're still in the process of painting...

ditto Cricklewood - I too am a huge fan of James Mcguire!!!!

[wilmagrace]

not a new resto but chef Pierre Juneau who joined newtown team in January 2011 (formerly of La Monteé de Lait restaurant) recently won first place in canadian culinary championships in BC and seems he has made some changes to newtown menu
http://www.goldmedalplates.com/ccc.html

[WhoNew]

The chef's name is Martin Juneau...

[ManuelF]

About to open up : 'Ste-Cunégonde Drinkery' on Notre-Dame between Charlevoix and Atwater. Still papered up. Anyone know if it will be just a bar, or some kind of bar food will be served ?

[OliverB]

Any reviews of Le Filet yet; Has anyone been?

[wilmagrace]

On Friday i tried to book anytime on Saturday at Le FIlet but they were booked solid til 11:30 at night (closed sunday and monday) so looks like you have to book few days in advance, a good sign!

[williej]

Went out to eat at Indian Express/Yagels this week. It's on Somerled a block east of the Metro, just west of Cavendish. Excellent food, but the service was a bit slow and disorganized. We were told they were short two people in the kitchen/serving but still it needs some more organization. Excellent budget cooking. Under 30.00 for two for a more than satisfying meal.

[Maximilien]

There a restaurant (or bar?) opening "soon" on Laurier W. just off the corner of Parc ave. (at the old location of Chez Van)

Any info ?

[certifiedfresh]

It's a "Japanese Tapas Bar" named Ryu.

www.ryutapas.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryu/149377731752466
http://emplois.restomontreal.ca/index...

[SnackHappy]

That website looks like some sort of partical joke complete with stock photos lifted from iStockPhoto, lorem ipsum text along with text and menu (!!!) copy-pasted from the Nobu restaurants site.

Well done.

[certifiedfresh]

Agreed! Then again, I guess it's not their "definitive" website and that they're still working on it...

[SnackHappy]

I guessed that too, but they should have put a placeholder there instead of going live with a half-finished site.

[isa1]

The chef at Club Chasse et Peche is officially opening his new resto in the Plateau on Feb. 9th, it will be called Le Filet

[sweettoothMTL]

I'll be curious to hear whether this influences the quality of the cooking at Club Chasse et Peche. I understand it shouldn't, but still...

[Simon Patrice]

Do you mean Claude Pelletier is leaving CCP or that his just opening a second restaurant?

[certifiedfresh]

Here's the 411 on the place:
Le Filet - 219 Mont-Royal O. (facing Parc Jeanne-Mance) - 514.360.6060

[Maximilien]

It opened this week-end.

small text cyberpresse : http://www.cyberpresse.ca/vivre/cuisi...

[certifiedfresh]

And here's the menu;

http://www.motto.ca/eflyers/lefilet/0...

Pretty impressive menu if you ask me. Can't wait to try it!

[SnackHappy]

Very impressive, indeed. So much fish and seafood and so many enticing combinations. It looks quite ambitious. All I can hope is that they live up to expectations and stay on track. I'm really very tempted to go despite my meager dining-out budget.

[BLM]

Have you eaten at CCP before(to know if you have tasted Claude Pelletier's food before)? It's a bit out of my price range to dine there.

[SnackHappy]

Yes, I've been to CC&P. That's why I'm excited about this new place

[celfie]

walked by it saturday night
beautiful restaurant

[poutineguy]

I ate at Le Filet last night. You order several small plates and share. I opened with a beets appetizer and squid. Some of the plates I had were the black cod, marinated sardines (highly recommended), and the petoncles salad. The fish was immaculate, the service was outstanding, and the flavors were delicious. A nice wine list. I'd read a complaint that it was noisy inside, but that was not my experience.

[nikkori]

Vietnamese place, called (i believe) RESTAURANT TINT opening on Parc at St-Joseph, across from the PA supermarket. Looks mid-market - hopefully an improvement on the departed Chez Van. Fingers crossed.

[certifiedfresh]

Kitchenette's Nick Hodge will open a new restaurant called Icehouse on St-Dominique (corner Roy). Their menu will include "tacos, fried-chicken, burritos, chili, crab and lobster boils, beer, bourbon and po'boys" (per the Gazette's Lesley Chesterman). Oh, and Kitchenette is looking for a sous-chef, y'all.

[cherylmtl]

That's the best new restaurant news I've heard all year (so far...)

[celfie]

i really hope they will have steamers, in buckets!

[picklebird]

Oh my god. That's on my corner. That place has been shut up for a long time. I am so excited, I can't even see straight. If they have take-out too, I might just pass out.

[certifiedfresh]

My guess is that it will be located in the space La Iguana (a restaurant that closed in 2010 according to the Restaurant Closings thread) occupied... Have you seen any action there?

[picklebird]

Yes, that's the space I was referring to. There is definitely some action-- 'for rent' sign removed, windows are papered, and lights on sometimes. But no signage or anything like that.

[Evilbanana11]

Wow that's my kind of food :D... om nom nom nom nom.

[SnackHappy]

Icehouse opens tonight.

http://twitter.com/#!/kitchenettemtl/...

[picklebird]

I went! Very big menu- 5 types of tacos (short ribs, pork, veggie, fish, fried chicken), 5 types of burritos, and a bunch of other stuff (buckets of fried chicken, ribs, fries, cole slaw etc.) We had the pulled pork tacos (with pickled watermelon and some kind of cracklin') and the oyster po' boy. Both delicious. Can't wait to try everything on the menu.
Some thoughts:
*a bit pricey for tacos ($9 for two tacos- no sides), but these are definitely gourmet tacos. Total bill (with 2 beers): $39
*not sure of their business plan. It's such a small place and they didn't cram tables or benches in there, so not sure of the volume they can produce. The menu is really extensive for such a small place. I'm sure they'll get a better rhythm, but it's not quite "fast food." We waited about 20 minutes for our food. I think they're relying on take-out and also late-night eaters
*It will be open Tues-Sat. until 1or 2 am!
*Starting lunch service soon they said
*Seems to be a labor of love. Texas flag painted on the door, etc. Nick was in fact in the kitchen.
*Full bar and lots of bourbons

[SnackHappy]

"*a bit pricey for tacos ($9 for two tacos- no sides), but these are definitely gourmet tacos. "

Whoa! They had better be either foie gras, tuna belly or caviar tacos or be the size of my head.

[unlaced]

I went on opening night - not sure if it is right to review a restaurant on their first night but really, the important thing - the food - was absolutely delicious and I don't think there is any need for improvements in quality of ingredients and flavour and presentation.

We had the teriyaki short ribs tacos ($9 for two, with green goddess dressing and jalapeno jicama salsa (I think)), the third burrito on the menu (rice, roasted corn, avocado, refried black beans, maybe something else in there) ($10 I think, or $11) and the chili cheese fries ($10) As I said, everything was damn delicious but also, definitely on the pricey side. I was expecting three tacos for the $9, not two. They were also not double wrapped (eg just one flour tortilla) so realistically there was not a lot of heft to the meal. I think I would prefer to pay $10 and get 3, even if they maybe stretched out the same ingredients over the three. The burrito was not a bad size, but my boyfriend couldn't help comparing it to a mission district burrito, which would have been about the same price but twice the size. The fries were thin, shoestring style, smothered in very good, meaty chilli and grated cheese. Hard to eat though, as the thin fries couldn't really pick up the chili. Again, not a huge serving for the price.

We were not full after that, so we ordered an oyster po'boy ($14) Again, delicious but not huge. It was served on a round, soft-ish hamburger style bun which I found strange, as the po'boys I've had in NO have been on baguette style bread. Perhaps this is a Texan variation though.

Service was fine, although my boyfriend really wanted to add steak (listed on the menu for the first burrito) to his burrito, but we were told that wasn't possible. He was a little miffed but I thought it was understandable given it was the first night and they were probably getting used to the actual menu, and that they didn't want to think about substitutions.

I agree with picklebird though, it is kind of hard to see what market they are targeting - it is tiny, though they will double their space once the weather is nice enough for the terrasse at the front to open. The food is great, but it is essentially upmarket fast food (well, at least in my opinion) and I think people might expect more bang for their buck, at least on certain items. If I was there for drinks (which look delicious, from what we saw) then I could easily put away 6 of those little tacos - but that would work out to be $27 worth of bar food!

Other things on the menu, off the top of my head - tacos (about 6 types), burritos(about 6 types, incl lobster, steak), fried chicken, ribs, frito pie, oysters (half a dozen for $18 I think), pulled brisket sandwich, tater tots, buttermilk biscuits.... Desserts are Tollhouse cookies ($3) or chicken fried peach pie a la mode ($9)

[mtlfoodguy]

i was there last night. had the steak burrito, tater tots and my friend had the taco salad. food was really good, but was a bit pricey. definately going to go back, want to try the lobster burrito and the red fish tacos :D

[The Chowhound Team]

We split some replies about M:brgr's Toronto opening over to our Ontario board. They're off topic here, but we didn't want to lose the conversation. If you want to continue that discussion, please reply here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/761434

[Anarkya]

Don't know if reopening can be added to the list, but "La maison du macaron" will be reopening in a new decor at the end of the month.
Their previous interior were pretty boring, hope it will attract more customers.
They have delicious macarons.

[wilmagrace]

On radio this morning I heard chef speaking about his new resto in ndg, dishes sound interesting, calls it global cuisine based on his travels

Ambre Resto Bar, 3857 Decarie just North of Sherbrooke, corner NDG Ave.

[kpzoo]

Interesting, thanks. This is the restaurant in the old Mesquite spot that I'd been wondering about. Did you catch the name of the chef or know if they have a website or Facebook page so I can find out more?

[BLM]

As I told you recently, it's the same Mesquite chef Michel. Same location. He's now changed cuisines, so also change of restaurant name. Southern cuisines from around the world(or Global cuisine). Still some Southern BBQ dishes.

[kpzoo]

Actually, as I recall you seemed to be just speculating at the time. Thanks for confirming that it's still the same chef.

"Maybe it's the new name for Mesquite BBQ, as it's not a strictly Southern BBQ restaurant anymore?"

[BLM]

I knew he changed cuisines, but didn't know the new name of restaurant(so I didn't want to say absolutely certain). .

[wilmagrace]

sorry i forgot the name but you could call their # for info Tel. [phone]

Chef Michel ? I couldnt find a website for them, the dishes sounded really mouthwatering and i am going for the frozen key lime pie!

[Steady]

Has Ambre Resto Bar opened yet? I'm so excited to learn that this is Chef Michel's new restaurant. I visited Mesquite from Toronto a few times a year for his BBQ and especially his Southwest Benedict with spicy hollandaise for brunch. I was sad to learn this fall that the restaurant was closed...I couldn't understand why as it was always busy when I visited.

[BLM]

I'm pretty sure it's opened now. I'm guessing it didn't close long. It's at same location, just their food focus has changed for most part.

[Steady]

Thanks BLM. Will be planning a trip to Montreal then! Would appreciate updates/reviews from you or any CHer who happens to visit the the new resto.

[BLM]

Personally I would call them just to make sure. I think it's the same phone number.

[tah1234]

HI

I live nearby and yes Ambre is the old Mesquite. Haven't tried it yet but its definitely open. Unfortunately my only experience at the old Mesquite was a very bad one and I haven't had the desire to go back again.

[BLM]

According to Lesley Chesterman tweeting on Twitter recently, Ambre is a breakfast establishment. I don't live near-by to check their menu.

[fredmir]

Just had a great lunch at Ambre Resto Bar and service was great as well

[C70]

to add to the confusion, the restaurant has yet another new name. Grubz Diner. I have no clue whether chef Michel is still involved, I was just passing by on the bus and noticed the sign had changed.

[Maximilien]

I've seen Mamie Clafoutis "papering" on a basement store just next to "P.A." grocery on Parc Ave. ?
nothing about it on the Mamie web site.

[certifiedfresh]

Piri Piri (the portuguese chicken joint on Mont-Royal) is opening a second outlet on Côte-des-Neiges, right next to Restaurant Délicieux.

[Evilbanana11]

Interesting, I live pretty close to there. How does their food compare to Ramados?

[certifiedfresh]

Can't comment on this as I've never tried Piri Piri... However, I do remember someone (on this board?) mentioning that there was some sort of connection between both, like a former employee of Romados now working at Piri Piri.

[celfie]

their food is not so good. chicken is often dry and french fries often old

[Evilbanana11]

awwww :(

[mattmtl1213]

I once walked by and saw the lady (light hair) who used to work behind the counter at Romados working at Piri Piri. She would always give great portions of chicken. If you ordered a thigh she would always give you a thigh and a half.

[MaeveH]

I've had luck with the chicken, but yeah, the fries have been a miss every time. A shame.

[certifiedfresh]

They will be opening for business somewhere in March, or so I was told.

[artstate]

It seems like it's not opening anymore.. I'm not sure.. The Piri Piri sign went down but they still have their Opening soon things at the windows. Maybe they gave it up? it's been like 10 months

[Gluttoners]

There is a Ben&Florentine opening the 25th of January, it is situated in front of the Montreal Trust Place, and next to the Basha/Sport Expert

[lagatta]

Hi, Gluttoners, what is Ben & Florentine?

[mak2k]

it's a brunch/breakfast place (ala chez cora). I went to the one in the south shore, it's actually not too bad, their waffles are quite good

[Gluttoners]

What mak2k said! :D and I never been, but I'm going to try one in Town Mt-Royal tomorrow, I'll post a review on my website :)

[Gluttoners]

mmmm sorry I couldn't go today BUT! to make up for it I am going to Point G :)

[klagirl]

the bad pasta place in front of McGill on Sherbooke (Pasta Basta) is closed, it is being replaced by a burger place. I don't remember the name, it has burger in the name. Anyone know details? Maybe there will be ok food next to McGill now? Queue de castor is also opening another store next door.

[BLM]

It's Smart Burger opening their downtown Montreal location. Currently they have 2 locations in Laval.

[klagirl]

Ah, I don't know the chain. How are they? their website doesn't inspire me much I must say but I can't taste the burger from a picture :P

[BLM]

I've tried them. Pretty good(they grind their burger meat). I like them, even if it's a chain concept.

[wilmagrace]

voro

[Werzoth]

I like their burgers personally. They grind the meat on-site (AAA canadian beef). The curly fries are homemade as well as all their sauces, everything else is really fresh.

[marblebag]

There's a new pasta place next next door to this (but before the Juice Booster store). Did they just move location?

[klagirl]

in the fall there were two of these italian restos, now one has become gourmet burger, the other is still open, next to the queue de castor

[hala]

>the bad pasta place in front of McGill on Sherbooke (Pasta Basta) is closed

Hallelujah! I almost never rejoice when a restaurent closes, but I am very happy to see something else -ANYTHING ELSE- in Pasta Basta's place. And if you're telling me the fries are fresh, I know what I'm having for lunch Monday:)

[sweettoothMTL]

Nana traiteur, on Notre Dame in old Montréal, next to the second Reservoir location. It's been opened for about a month the guy told me today. I just peeked inside passing by, they have some tables and a to go counter in the back, with the usual sandwiches, salads and soup, as well as a few meals of the day.

They also have ''baluchons'' (lunch specials with choices of sandwiches, salads, soup and dessert), in the same vein as Europea's ''boite a lunch''.

-----
Europea
1227, rue de la Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G1Z2, CA

[SnackHappy]

"next to the second Reservoir location[...]". The what, what, what?

[westaust]

I presume he meant assommoir, not reservoir

[sweettoothMTL]

Yes, thanks westaust, I did mean Assommoir, sorry about the mistake.

And, by googling it to check the spelling, I saw Nana traiteur belongs to the Assommoir (assommoir.ca has a link to it)

[westaust]

New bofinger outlet opening on Notre-Dame west of Atwater in St-Henri

Café St-Henri at 3632 Notre-Dame, a new opening by the guy who started Caffe in Gamba
http://www.sainthenri.ca/

Lastly, Alexis le Gourmand, on St-Jacques O, between guy and montagne (don't have the official address, a new gourmet grocery store

[celfie]

man those bofinger guys are hungry. they are presumably making money - all i know is the one near my apt (parc) is perpetually empty - at least anytime i pass it. I'm not a big fan.

[torontrealais]

A decent cafe in St-Henri? This is AMAZING news. Please tell the rest of the restaurateurs to come our way.

[Shattered]

http://www.sainthenri.ca/

Wtf? That is undoubtedly the weirdest resto website I've ever seen. Is a picture of DeNiro's blood-soaked finger from Taxi Driver supposed to tempt my taste buds? Just weird, weird, weird.

[Maximilien]

THere's a small store that looks like it'd selling "sauces" and other, probably spicy, condiments on St-Laurent

La Diabla, just below villeneuve on the east side.

It opened just before christmas, and I can't find info on the webbie.

[certifiedfresh]

When is the Five Guys on McGill opening? Think we have to wait til' 2012 or will we see it this year?

[wilmagrace]

still papered up last weekend so I sent them (fiveguys headquarters) an email with the question....

[certifiedfresh]

I know! Passed by on Saturday too... How long has it been papered up by now do you think?

[EaterBob]

I've heard sometime around springtime

[eat2much]

I'm in the States on business and tried Five Guys today...they better hurry up and open because I'm already a big fan!

[BLM]

It wouldn't suprise me if the Five Guys Brossard location, would open before their McGill location.

[eat2much]

I actually saw signs of work on McGill today.

[Gluttoners]

That WOULD be something. and I live in Brossard.

[BLM]

Me too.

[panpam]

Wow, looking forward to this!

[isa1]

If you're familiar with Yang's sushi in TO, you'll be happy to know that they are opening in Swatow Place in a few weeks

[kpzoo]

Not familiar, but intrigued! Could you tell us more about it?

And is this the location you mean?

998 Blvd. Saint-Laurent
http://www.swatowgroup.com/en_locatio...

Thanks a bunch!

[BLM]

Yes. On the ground floor.

[celfie]

This is a 2010 opening, but might as well carry it into the new year...Yet another Ramen place has opened, this time in the Faubourg. Yuki Ramen offers hand pulled noodles, and 5 or 6 variations on the ramen theme. I just had the BBQ pork noodle soup. The broth was meaty, not too salty and flavourful - but most importantly, IMO, served HOT. The pork was juicy, not dry at all - unlike the ramen fail i had across the street not long ago. The noodles are the star - fresh, bouncy, wheaty deliciousness. The soup is amped up with some coriander, green onion, bok choi and some weird umami delivering red jelly - $8, huge portion. Not necessarily worth a trip across town but definitely a viable option for neighbourhooders.

[BLM]

Went there yesterday, & would agree 100%(I had the minced pork hand pulled noodles soup one). You would call it Chinese style at Yuki Ramen?

[celfie]

yes, that's what i'm thinking

i went again, had the chicken soup. it was just as good as the first one except the chicken is boiled and not so flavourful - i'm going to stick with pork.

i asked about the jelly condiment - it is onion jelly.

[SnackHappy]

Tried Yuki Ramen today. It's definitely more Chinese than Japanese. In fact there's nothing Japanese about the place except for the name. The noodles are tremendous, though. Very flavourful with perfect texture. Better than Maison du Nord noodles. The broth and toppings are very good, but it's the noodles that shine. This is a wonderful addition to Chinatown2.

[certifiedfresh]

Here is the Hour's review: http://www.hour.ca/food/food.aspx?iID...

[marblebag]

I like Yuki Ramen too. They have really good toothy noodles unlike the wet mess at Noodle Factory in Chinatown. The garlicky tangy "salad" is also nice with the soup. The beef broth is very intense.

-----
Noodle Factory
Montreal, Montreal, QC , CA

[hungryann]

I think we should do it by month and not by year because these threads become very cumbersome and it's difficult to track the info.

[Maximilien]

IMO, there are too much discussions in a thread about announcement; which makes it difficult to find things

There should be a opening thread , a closing thread and an accompanying discussion threads.