Shut Up and Eat

Authentic Mexican street food and snacks – El Valiente Tacos & Snacks

by Jason June 11, 2024

written by Jason

The last time I had Mexican street food was several years ago when I was in Cancun. I ventured out of the resort and followed one of the employee’s suggestion of a taco stand right outside of a flea market. I was enticed by the sights and sizzling sounds of the greasy plancha and plastic plates wrapped in plastic produce bags serving delicious tortilla wrapped goodies. I pounded a couple of platefuls of tacos al pastor and nopales. I got sick, but it was worth it. Ever since then, despite the memories of the raging inferno of my gastrointestinal tract in Cancun, I have yearned for the taste of authentic tacos in Montreal. To be fair, there have been a few like Don Rigo, La Capital, Tacos & Tortas that can transport you. I’m happy to have found another to add to the list. This week I went to check out El Valiente Tacos & Snacks.

June 11, 2024 1 comment

Food Reviews Saint Michel

Great Chinese food in Little Maghreb – Kim Jian

by Jason May 13, 2024

written by Jason

What’s your Montreal restaurant red flag? Word of mouth? Could it be a dirty washroom? Google reviews of 3 stars or less? Restaurants “reviewed” by influencers with “DM for COLLAB” in their bios? It’s tough finding diamonds int he rough without going to experience a place for myself. I recently discovered my Montreal restaurant GREEN flag. Something that someone else might deem as a red flag is something I actually appreciate. I asked the waitress for suggestions and not only did she suggest their specialty items, but literally told me to AVOID certain dishes on their menu. This week’s hidden gem, I venture into Little Maghreb for some awesome Chinese food at Restaurant Kim Jian.

May 13, 2024 0 comments

Parc Extension Reviews

Montreal’s Best Malaysian Street Food at Restaurant Canada Best

by Jason April 2, 2024

written by Jason

So what’s a “hidden gem” you ask? Great question. Wikipedia defines it as, “Something possessing a value or beauty that is not immediately apparent, which therefore has received far less recognition than it deserves.” In my world, insert the words “delicious” and you’ve got my mandate in finding the best eateries the city has to offer. Sure, writing about the newest and trendiest restaurants are fun, but what’s even funner is putting you on to places that no one talks about because they’re not trending or have a fun PR marketing hashtag. The places where the food is honest and the people are humble and more often than not the back table is occupied by a kid doing homework or grandma sorting vegetables.

This week I checked out a quaint mom and pop shop in Parc-Ex serving up delicious Malaysian dishes. I’m excited to talk about this place where not only do they fill out the criteria of being a hidden gem, but possibly Canada’s hidden gem – check out Restaurant Canada Best.

April 2, 2024 0 comments

Cote-des-Neiges Food Reviews

Montreal’s Highest Dumplings – Everest Momo

by Jason March 6, 2024

written by Jason

Hello… is it me you’re looking for? I’m going to cut to the chase – I took some time off. For myself. To re-centre and re-calibrate my mental health. It’s something I’m working on and I am here. I’m happy to report that I’m doing great and have resisted the urge to purchase stainless steel emotional-support water tumblers to coordinate with my daily outfits. So that’s that. Anyways. I’ve been active on social if you’re following me there. If not, you’ll find me on Instagram.

I’ve been scouring the city trying to get back to my blogging roots. Roots that have been firmly planted in the Montreal restaurant scene for over 16 years (omg!). Trying to find and bring you local eateries that are completely off the radar. I’m really excited to tell you about this actual hidden gem I discovered recently. What do you know about

Nepalese cuisine? Montreal’s Nepalese cuisine scene isn’t popping off the rails. If you’re like me and only have limited knowledge of what the food is all about, let me learn you some facts off the top. All you need to know is that it’s delicious. A quaint spot in Cote des Neiges, serving delicious Nepalese cuisine and treats – Everest Momo.

March 6, 2024 0 comments

Chinatown Reviews

Golden pan-fried buns at Panda Doré

by Jason November 10, 2023

written by Jason

When was the last time that you bought into the hype of something and was left underwhelmed and disappointed. I’d love to say that I’m not a bandwagoner but my dusty Ello account, first-gen Zune player, Hoobastank extended cut album, Ed Hardy trucker hats and box of fidget spinners will say otherwise. My feed has been inundated with content from this place. Unfortunately I fell into the algorithm of overly ecstatic people pushing the “best” of this thing and the “you won’t believe” of that. I wanted to check out the spot for myself. So I went to Panda Doré and ordered the entire menu to see what this dumpling place was all about and if it really warranted social media bug-eyed gawking reactions.

November 10, 2023 1 comment

Food Hocheleaga-Maisoneuve Reviews

New Pho Spot in Hochelaga – Golden Lotus

by Jason September 22, 2023

written by Jason

Hi friends. I took some time off for myself during the summer and hope you had the chance to as well! I know you’ve probably missed me as much as your last gout attack, but I’m back and ready to hit you with another restaurant review. I had the opportunity to check many of the 187 food festivals around the city in the past few months. The best part bout these food festivals (besides the food obviously) is discovering new local food vendors, caterers and up and coming restaurants – and even not so new ones that you just didn’t know existed. This week’s restaurant is a spot that made their way through the food festival circuit this summer. They lured me with their chicken wings and I checked out their brick and mortar for more; Golden Lotus.

September 22, 2023 0 comments

Food Reviews Saint-Anne-De-Bellevue West-island

Good times and great food in Sainte-Anne at Le Bienheureux

by Jason July 21, 2023

written by Jason

I have to confess something to you. I’ve done it again. In the attempt to bring you the hidden gems around the city, I’ve found myself hoarding my favourite spots. I will not ask for forgiveness because this week’s review will have you thanking me for finding your new favourite spot. I’ve been writing for a very long time now and every so often I find places that not only impresses but excites me. There’s a space in the city for local culinary talent, but what’s also eye-opening is when talent starts to migrate to all four corners of the city. So when I tell you that I had to sit on this one before I divulge, you’ll understand. Let me preface this with, yes, I know it’s a bit far for those who live in the city… but it’s well worth the trip to St. Anne to hit up Le Bienheureux.

July 21, 2023 0 comments

DDO West-island

Korean Fried Chicken in DDO – K-BROS

by Jason June 2, 2023

written by Jason

There are a few things that I crave all the time. Attention, affection, positive reinforcement and Korean food. I will go out of my way to get Korean food regardless of where I am. I’d love to say that this week’s restaurant took me completely by surprise. Not only because it was delicious, but because of it’s location – DDO. West island is the fucking wildcard of Asian food right now. From fiery Szechuan at Mala Express, Teishoko style Japanese cuisine at Mont Brise, legit pho at Zui Zui and I Am Pho, and now yet ANOTHER amazing Korean restaurant to add to the growing roster of Asian eats, K-BROS.

June 2, 2023 0 comments

Food Reviews Saint Michel

Authentic Vietnamese savoury crepe – Banh Xeo Minh.

by Jason April 28, 2023

written by Jason

It goes without saying that if your restaurant name includes a name of a dish, chances are that’s your specialty. No one is going to Big Bob’s Bussin’ Burgers for their impecable teppanyaki service. Places like Amy’s Dejeuner, Liuyishou Hot pot, Maffeo’s Fried Chicken, and Toni Pizza, one look at the name you can pretty much guess what you’re getting. I recently checked out a Vietnamese spot in Saint-Michel that specializes in one very particular dish – a savoury pancake called Banh Xeo – I went to Banh Xeo Minh.

April 28, 2023 0 comments

Food Reviews West-island

Amy’s packs a punch for brunch in DDO – Amy’s Dejeuner

by Jason March 31, 2023

written by Jason

I recently polled my Instagram how everyone defines brunch. Is it the food that dictates what brunch is? The time? The day? Answers were varied. Some think that brunch is explicitly regulated to Sundays after 10am, others will say anytime after noon. I also received answers that it’s the type of foods eaten that makes a meal brunch. This blows my mind; eggs Benedict = breakfast, eggs Benedict with avocado and smoked salmon = brunch. I don’t get it, but what I do get is that I’ve succumbed to the ritual of rolling out of bed on a Sunday and rushing to line up to eat breakfast. This week I checked out a spot that’s quickly becoming a favourite of mine, Amy’s Déjeuner.

March 31, 2023 0 comments