When you think of Caribbean food, what do you think of? Spicy chicken and beef dishes, stews, plump roti, doubles and patties? Washing everything down with sorrel or peanut punch? Keep that thought. Now what comes to mind when you think of Caribbean food in Montreal? If one of the first places that comes to mind is the iconic Caribbean Curry House in Cote-des-Neiges, then congratulations, you know what’s up. I’m happy to let you OGs know that your favourite Caribbean oasis has recently opened their second location! Can you guess where? That’s right, Caribbean Curry House is bringing the tastes and flavours of the islands… to the WEST island!
Can we call agree that we all love pizza? I don’t think I know one person who dislikes pizzas, then again, anyone who doesn’t like pizza, isn’t someone worth knowing. I mean, we’ve got pizzas that satisfies all palates, vegan, gluten free, low carb, high carb, keto, there’s literally no reason to dislike pizza. We all have our go-to pizza spots. Like New York style pizza? Cop a slice at La New Yorkaise or Pizza Toni. More into traditional Neapolitan, Gema, No. 900, Rita has you covered. You can find more here. Those are some of my favourite slices in the city, and this week, I add another to the list, I try GPizzas.
Someone finally did it. Someone finally took one of the last humble dishes to the next level in Montreal. That dish; Pho. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’ve eaten my way though the city and have a pretty extensive list of restaurants where I’ve eaten pho. From spots in Cote-des-Neiges, to the Mile-End, West island to Rosemont, I’ve eaten them all. Yes, yes, I’m working on up updated “best of” post – will be out soon. The dac biet is my bowl of choice. It’s the gold medal standard. It’s got all the bells and whistles – rare steak, brisket, flank, tendon, tripe, meatballs topped on chewy rice noodles in a delicious bone broth. What can be better? It’s perfect. How do you improve on perfection? Well, this spot did just that. I checked out Pho Jean-Talon to try their soon-to-be-famous filet mignon pho.
New brunch spot – Pointe-Claire Deli serves more than just diner food with flair
One of the best things about the Montreal restaurant scene is the diversity in its options. From fine dining, casual, to street food, and food trucks, we’ve got it all. Through the years of exploring Montreal restaurants, some of my favourite ones are the low-key neighbourhood spots. Places that even though I might not live in the area, is worth the drive to check out. Especially brunch. I don’t live in Rosemount or Verdun, but periodically will drive through traffic to eat at Regine and Janine. Or check out the Plateau and Mile-End for weekend grub at Dinette Triple Crown (when they start their brunch season) or India Rosa’s Indian inspire brunch fare. Click here for other other options. I checked out a spot that has been around for years, but only found out about recently after it came under new ownership. I went to Pointe-Claire Deli for weekend brunch.
It’s that time of the year; the air is crisp, the days are getting shorter, and the foliage is picturesque. But most importantly, I finally zip up the pant-legs to my cargo shorts and call it a season. Yes my friends, it’s officially autumn. This means we fall our clocks back an hour and it’s time for me to eat my weight in comfort-foods. Mainly big bowls of steamy noodles. I was recently asked about where is the best place to eat pho in Montreal. If you’ve been following me long enough, you’ll remember I put out a list of the best pho in Montreal. Don’t worry, I’m working on an update. Until then, here’s another spot at add to the list. This week I visited (got take out from) the newly opened location of the local chain I Am Pho in DDO.
Challenge accepted! All you can eat Korean BBQ and Sushi – Hoshi Korean BBQ & Sushi
Recently, someone hit me up to ask my why have I been featuring so many West Island restaurants recently. Simple; recognition where recognition is due. Once upon a time the west island was a barren wasteland of interesting restaurants. Ok, I meant, the west was the place the place to go to if you wanted to dine at the same five Italian places that are stuck in time. Or if you liked big box chains and the food court at the mall. Otherwise you’d have to trek past Ikea for some decent eats.
But now they’ve got claims for proper Korean food like Corilla, Matjip, and Coq au Miel, dumplings at Mama Dumpling and Dumpling King, southern options like barbecue at Smokebox, a taste of ‘Nawlins at Nolah, to legit Persian kebabs at Grill Select. You’ve come a long way West Island, I applaud you! This week I’m checking out the newest player in the game, Hoshi, your new all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and sushi spot.
What do you know about creampuffs? Besides the fact that that was my nickname in gym class all through high school, the only thing I know about creampuffs is that I can crush about 15+ of the frozen profiteroles that come in a bucket from Costco. While still frozen. This week I visited Verdun. Home to some of my favourite restaurants Hong Mere, Blackstrap, Street Monkeys, and Janine – I recently was put on to a local spot in the neighbourhood who was making a variety of flavours of cream puffs and ice cream sandwiches. This week I went to Alice & Theo to check out the city’s newest purveyor of artisanal creampuffs.
I’ve been writing about food for a while. I’ve seen trends and fads come and go and I’ve witnessed restaurants open and close. Spring cleaning of the blog saw the deletion of over 150 restaurant reviews I’ve written about in the past 14 years. It’s eye-opening and sad at the same time. I got to reminisce about memorable (and not so memorable) meals I’ve had while setting expectations and creating space for ones to come. I recently checked out a small local join that’s serving up Korean corndogs. And it’s not the place you’re thinking about. This week I visit Coq Au Miel.
If there’s one thing I get asked often it’s, “Jason, why are you so awesome?” A close second is, “Is there good pho in the West Island?” Once upon a time, I ate my way through the city, one bowl of pho dac biet (special) at a time to try and find the best pho in Montreal. That was five years ago and have since added to the list of places I’ve tried. Don’t worry an update is on the way. I have one place listed in the West Island in that post. But I’ve reconsidered its ranking. In my head it lost its position a while ago – I went back twice and was disappointed twice. The food fell off and should not be in contention as a pho-asis in the west. HOWEVER, I did try a relatively new place recently that I suspect may make the list – purely based on the lack of options west of autoroute 13. This week I tried Pho Zui Zui in DDO.
Discover the Authentic Korean Street Food Experience in N.D.G. at Rue Des Bistros (Resto Mukja)
We’ve all watched the Netflix docu-series. We’ve all drooled while pressing our noses right up against the screen while watching the Netflix docu-series. You know, the one about street food? Not that one, the other one! We see more and more how good other countries have it in their offerings and simple, accessible, food or drink sold by hawkers and street vendors, and we can’t help but be just a little bit jealous. From tacos carts in Mexico, street-side schiacciata shops in Florence, noodle stands in Asia, even hot dog carts in New York, we are definitely missing out. A common destination among all street food shows is Seoul’s Gwangjang Market. Over 5000 vendors slinging freshly made noodles, hot bowls of jigae, and fried things on sticks. Did you know you can now get all that here?
I recently discovered a spot that is serving up all (most) of those delicious Korean street foods here in Montreal! This week, I check out Rue des Bistros (Resto Mukja) in THE DEGE.